NAPA oil cooler lines

[Falcon_LS]

The engine oil cooler lines on my Grand Marquis are weeping and need to be replaced. New lines from Ford (3W7Z-6A715-AA) cost about $180, which I don't mind paying if they last a long time. I have been looking at the aftermarket for comparison, and the Dorman 625-200HD (which has mixed reviews) on RockAuto goes for about $29, whilst NAPA's own brand NOE 8095221 goes for about $47. I haven't read or heard of anyone's experiences with the NAPA lines though.

So far NAPA branded parts have been of pretty decent quality and I've been happy with my purchases. I am, however, wondering if Dorman could be NAPA's supplier for these lines since they look pretty similar in the pictures. That also raises another question - are they rebranded Dorman lines with a higher price tag, or are they manufactured to a quality standard set by NAPA? If anyone in the know has some input, I'd appreciate it.

I am leaning more towards the Ford lines, but I wouldn't mind going for the NAPA lines if they are of decent quality. At the end of the day this is a very easy part to replace, but having dumped $5k on a high end transmission rebuild on this car, I could save $100.

Thanks!

 

[NHGUY]

The NAPA,under Balkamp,is very likely renumbered Dorman.

 

[bmod305]

They are rebranded Dorman. Dorman makes all the aftermarket ones. Only choice is aftermarket Dorman or dealership OEM.

I looked in our system and we have taken only one set back(as defective) in the last 3 years with our 5 store NAPA group.

Dave

 

[Colt45ws]

With the price difference, it may be worth it to get the Dorman product, even if you have to replace it more often. As long as the time (and mess) is worth it to you?

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks for everyone's input!

Originally Posted By: bmod305
They are rebranded Dorman. Dorman makes all the aftermarket ones. Only choice is aftermarket Dorman or dealership OEM.

I looked in our system and we have taken only one set back(as defective) in the last 3 years with our 5 store NAPA group.

Dave


Thanks for looking that up! In this case, I'll give the Dorman HD unit a try first and see how well that does.

 

[ls1mike]

I had a local shop make some for my truck. It cost about the same and they will not leak like the OEM or aftermarket. That is always an option.

 

[Colt45ws]

Im going to dig this back up, because my CVPI needs a set. Have you put on the Dorman set yet, Falcon?

Originally Posted By: ls1mike
I had a local shop make some for my truck. It cost about the same and they will not leak like the OEM or aftermarket. That is always an option.


I would LOVE to. Literally a block away is a Parker hose shop. The unfortunate thing is I don't think these are standard fittings, at least, I have not found them in their fitting catalog.

 

[artificialist]

^ Many A/C fittings are not found in any catalog, but more than once, I had a hydraulic hose company make replacement A/C hoses that worked.

Take the hoses to the hydraulic hose guy and ask them what they can do.

 

[kschachn]

Well that sucks if they can't. I had a power steering hose/pipe assembly repaired by my local Parker shop and it was perfect. They may have reused the fittings and just used new hose and ferrules, I don't really know. But the final product was a thing of beauty I tell ya. And a LOT cheaper than a new one from Toyota.

Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
Im going to dig this back up, because my CVPI needs a set. Have you put on the Dorman set yet, Falcon?

Originally Posted By: ls1mike
I had a local shop make some for my truck. It cost about the same and they will not leak like the OEM or aftermarket. That is always an option.


I would LOVE to. Literally a block away is a Parker hose shop. The unfortunate thing is I don't think these are standard fittings, at least, I have not found them in their fitting catalog.