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OIl Cooler Bolt interference

MElstien

Well Known Member
Hello,

I am looking for confirmation or solution I have not seen.

I test fit my oil cooler plenum and oil cooler last night. I have the Airflow Systems 2007 X cooler. This cooler requires the modification of the upper mounter flange but not the bottom mounting flange.

I test fit the cooler and modified the flanges on the cooler to clear the engine mount as instructed. I inserted the AN3-40 bolts and washers and spacers and it all worked well.

Almost. The bottom, outside most bolt, when assembled, will NOT have enough room to come back out. The bolt head will hit the engine mount, preventing it from backing out of the nut plate on the oil cooler. I mounted the unit assembled, so I did not notice until it was mounted. Luckily, I have not riveted the oil cooler plenum onto the firewall yet. I am waiting until everything is fit and then I will insulate the firwall with FiberFrax cover with SS foil.

One easy option is to not use the -40 bolt in this location. I could use a much short bolt and only fasten the oil cooler using just the oil cooler flang that directly mates to the oil coller plenum. One location is the problem.

https://shared69.accountservergroup.../Bolt Interference will come out IMG_1918.jpg

https://shared69.accountservergroup.../Bolt Interference will come out IMG_1916.jpg

https://shared69.accountservergroup.../Bolt Interference will come out IMG_1917.jpg
 
Your pictures are not viewable.

I remember facing the same issue. I think I either drilled new mounting holes or found a way for internally wrenching bolts/screws to fit and clear the engine mount.
 
Yes just use a short bolt on the plenum side flange only. Spacers on all the rest.
FWIW vans FWF plans have short bolts all round with no spacers between flanges.
I also have the 20007X with a modified plenum.
You may need to trim the outer flanges too. Mine are very close to the engine mount and I suspect that it’s possible the cooler moves enough to possibly touch the tubes.
Cheers
 
That’s exactly what I did. Just for that one bolt I didn’t use a spacer and attached it via the inner flange only.

Sorry photo is on its side.
 

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That’s exactly what I did. Just for that one bolt I didn’t use a spacer and attached it via the inner flange only.
Sorry photo is on its side.
Thanks for the photo, that helps. I am about to be at that step. Question: what were your thoughts on having heatshield material between parts that get riveted, like your oil cooler plenum? I am hesitant and was only going to do it for bolted-on parts like the heat valves which I would be able to re-tighten during annuals.
Tx
 
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