oil cooler install issue.

[half-cocked]

I was putting on aeroquip adapters for a B&M Supercooler #70266 and the fittings were becoming VERY tight way before they were all the way in. So I decided to back one of them out and one of the threads on the fitting literally broke off in the threads of the cooler. It doesn't seem to be cross threaded at all but I cant get this broken thread out with just a pick. I am going to try and heat it up tomorrow. Another thing, the other fitting got just as tight but didn't break, but they both left a metal residue. Not flakes, but a residue. Any insight on if this is normal or not? And the cooler isn't junk now? As long as the threads aren;t cross threaded? And is it normal for the fittings to become that tight before going all the way in?

 

[Marc91GSX]

You need to check and see if the thread is a pipe thread. If it is then the tightness is common. Pipe thread is slightly cone shaped and because of that the nut or bolt will get tighter without being flush with the surface. I do not think this will be the case as most automotive plumbing uses a 37 degree thread or -4 type thread.

You may be able to repair the threads on your cooler, but if you cannot then call the company you purchased it from. If both ends were tight and it is not pipe thread then it could be a manufacturer's defect. If the manufacturer does not agree that it is their fault then I am sorry but you may just be out of luck. Either way good luck on getting your cooler installed.

OOPs, I just noticed that you said aeroquip. Those will be -6 or -8 fittings on an oil cooler and they should go on smooth until they are flush. If they do not then you have probably corss threaded them or it is a manufacture defect. Being aluminum fittings it easy to cause the above mentioned damage even when finger tight.

 

[TRBOBLU]

I was putting on aeroquip adapters for a B&M Supercooler #70266 and the fittings were becoming VERY tight way before they were all the way in. So I decided to back one of them out and one of the threads on the fitting literally broke off in the threads of the cooler. It doesn't seem to be cross threaded at all but I cant get this broken thread out with just a pick. I am going to try and heat it up tomorrow. Another thing, the other fitting got just as tight but didn't break, but they both left a metal residue. Not flakes, but a residue. Any insight on if this is normal or not? And the cooler isn't junk now? As long as the threads aren;t cross threaded? And is it normal for the fittings to become that tight before going all the way in?

According to summit the inlet and outlet are 1/2 NPT(national pipe thread). So if you are using 1/2 NPT fittings yes they will become tight once they go in a few threads. Also use some kind of thread sealer on the fittings

Info here:
http://store.summitracing.com/defau...rch&DDS=1&N=115&target=egnsearch.asp&x=13&y=0

EDIT:Just curious what adapters did you buy? (IE adapting from what to what)

 

[half-cocked]

Thanks for the responses. The adapter was a 1/2" NPT to -6 AN, this was part of the diamond star motorsport oil cooler package. The more I look at it the more it seems to be a defect in the cooler. I say the cooler because I checked the threads on the fitting first, open the seal on the cooler and screwed it in. It can't be cross threading because the first 2 or 3 threads are perfect, 1 screwed up one, the the rest are ok. The first thread on the fitting looks almost completely flattened. I know I said it broke off, but after looking at it, it looks mushroomed.

I tapped out the cooler inlet this evening, trying to keep it as clean as I can and I am going to blow it out with brake cleaner and compressed air tomorrow. I would look into sending it back but I feel I have done too much. I.ll shoot the company an email tonight and see what I get.

Thanks