I'm really sorry I'd to ask this
 

I DID a search honestly but my dumb question is unanswered. Here goes, "If u smashed the fins on your oil cooler, do they leak oil or the core has to be damaged to leak oil?"

i think the core would have to be smashed, but the cooling efficiency would go down cause the fins in what dissapates the heat. might want to double check with someone else though, that is what i think.

Thanks. Can anyone else confirm this, the fins are just plain metal? No leak even if they break?

yes they are just metal fins, they are for heat dissipation of the oil that runs through the thicker oil lines that the fins are attached to.

Ok now i'm relieved coz i managed to tear one apart when i try straightening them out. Thanks

My fins were damaged when a deer ran in front of my RX-8, but I didn't get a good look at how badly.

My body shop (Vincent Mazda, Rochester, NY) did a great job of arguing for new parts in almost every case (the insurance assessor must have had a heart attack at the $10,000+ total), however, they did not replace my oil coolers. They 'combed' the fins straight.

Now, I hate latent failures so I asked the shop about documentation in case I have trouble with those oil coolers later on. They told me that's why combing the fins shows up on the invoice like it does. No serious charge, but it shows the coolers were damaged in the accident so it's easier to argue for full replacement later.

They also said it's likely I'll never have any trouble with them - don't leak now after bending and straightening, should work fine until another deer gets a shot at them.

If you're worried about leaks - shove a big section of card-board under your car's nose for the night. It'll catch and show any leaks. Then you'll know.

Thanks for the info, it really sucks that I can't install any of the screen. Due to the fact that there's only one mazda dealer in my country, they abuse their authority (would void my warranty if I do anything to the car, even very minute mods) and this is coming not from their workshop mechanics but the managing director.

I've had to straighten fins on oil coolers on my RX-7s before and also on radiators on various cars that take small road debris over time. They work fine. As long as the cores aren't pierced, you won't lose any oil. You can't. The fins dissipate the heat so it is important to keeping them straight so air can flow through. I've mangled a couple slightly but no big deal. A few here and there won't hurt you.

Yeah our dealer really sucks dude. Get the greddy or hks oil cooler kit hehehe.

...a bit off topic, does anyone sell replacement oil coolers that might be better performing?