2007CalSpec

So I bought the Steeda triple pass heat exchanger because of the Labor Day weekend sale. It was back ordered and I just got it today. You have to install the Spal fans to the heat exchanger since it doesn't come preinstalled. Well it would be nice if the bolts were a little longer. I did everything I could to get one started but no luck. The bolts need to be a little longer or the fan mounting tabs a little thinner. I might have to grind down the mounting tabs just enough so I can get the bolts started or go buy longer bolts. Anyone else have this issue? I don't think I'll get a lot of responses to this question since it's not a common mod. FWIW, the VMP triple pass HE was my first choice but the 20% off sale from Steeda was too good to pass up.

By the way, the Steeda HE is made by some company called CSF.

Lethaldosage423

CSF make top brand radiators. at our shop, most of the Japanese cars get CSF or KOYO radiators. German cars get BEHR no exceptions and american cars get factory radiators. *fun fact*

can't you just get a longer bolt. (I understand you paid for everything you need already but its an easy fix?)

2007CalSpec

I'll think of something. Maybe cut off one of the washers to get more reach. Instructions said to use blue loctite on the threads anyway. I just expected more from Steeda. I guess they can't check everything that leaves their warehouse.

jz78817

um, that's a split lock washer. when you tighten the screw it flattens out. a longer screw might contact the fins/tubes.

ghunt

Go to Lowe's or Home Depot or whatever and get some longer bolts. You're making this more complicated than necessary.

2007CalSpec

It's the lock washer that's causing the bolt to not reach the threads in the hole. I need to use something to push down on the bolt to compress the lock washer because a socket isn't working for me.

Derf00

Or compress the washer a bit to get the little bit of reach that you need. Alternately you could find a different lock washer with the same thickness.

Personally I'd go the route of compressing the lock washer a bit. That way you're not having to worry about the final reach of the bolt when tightened.

2007CalSpec

Yeah I need to find something to push down on the bolt and compress the lock washer as I turn it. A socket won't do it. It would be so easy if the flat washer was removable but it's not. I could then swap it for a thinner washer or toss the locking washer all together and just use blue loctite.

Andy13186

maybe thats not where the crush washer is supposed to go? 2 washers there serves no purpose from what i can tell.

ghunt

I've put together all kinds of things that have had a flat washer with a lock washer on top. The flat washer helps keep the lock washer from damaging the surface you're tightening the bolt down on.