Oil filter relo kit

[k9sar]

So I finally get around to installing my dual oil filter relo kit, Got the oil drained, dumped the existing filter all over the starter (as usual), built a bracket, modified a connector rack to fit my design, etc. Went to do the final install and the adapter that fits onto the block will turn about 2 rotations before not going any further. I can screw the remote nipple into the adapter, I can screw the remote nipple into the new oil filter, I can screw the new oil filter onto the block, there is no reason why the adapter shouldn't screw onto the block. It is not cross threaded. I'm guessing that the tolerance in the threads is just a hair too smalla nd the cast aluminum adapter binds on the threads. Any suggestions on how to open the threads a bit if I don't have a tap that big? I thought... Oh, I'll just screw one of the new nipples into it and that will make it fit... but the nipple screws in fine. DAMN!

 

pictures to follow after I solve the issue and finish the install.

[Precise1]

Does the adapter gradually tighten during the 2 turns on the block nipple or does it just all of a sudden stop dead? There may a burr or bit of casting slag at the root of the thread that interferes... Look real close under bright light (you may just see heavy wear marks in the aluminum).

If you find something, try to pick it out with a needle file or just dremel that section away (if possible) with a small burr.

If you have lots of crap in the threads, you may have to use a small wire wheel and spiral along the thread path.

If the threads are just too tight, all I can think of is a tap or chucking it up on a lathe and picking up the threads for chasing.

OR if you can get the block nipple off, cut a small groove across the threads all the way to the root for the depth you need to thread it into the adapter (this will create a down and dirty chip groove and cutting edge although it will form as much as it cuts). Use plenty of lube and start twisting the block nipple into the adapter (2 counter locked nuts would make a handy hold point) 1/8-1/4 turn at a time, backing it off 1/4 turn each time. Continue until finished.

OR if you can get the block nipple off, go to the parts store with it and your adapter and buy a new one that will screw in.

 

Yeah, not all threads are created equal, I've run into this kind of crap before. Thats why there are a minimum diameter, maximum diameter and pitch diameter tolerances!!! Bastages!!!

 

Good luck Bud, and yell if you need clarification on anything. Who made the kit you bought?

 

B

[Precise1]

Well?

*poke*

*poke*

*poke... poke*

 

B

[k9sar]

Does the adapter gradually tighten during the 2 turns on the block nipple or does it just all of a sudden stop dead? There may a burr or bit of casting slag at the root of the thread that interferes... Look real close under bright light (you may just see heavy wear marks in the aluminum).

If you find something, try to pick it out with a needle file or just dremel that section away (if possible) with a small burr.

If you have lots of crap in the threads, you may have to use a small wire wheel and spiral along the thread path.

If the threads are just too tight, all I can think of is a tap or chucking it up on a lathe and picking up the threads for chasing.

OR if you can get the block nipple off, cut a small groove across the threads all the way to the root for the depth you need to thread it into the adapter (this will create a down and dirty chip groove and cutting edge although it will form as much as it cuts). Use plenty of lube and start twisting the block nipple into the adapter (2 counter locked nuts would make a handy hold point) 1/8-1/4 turn at a time, backing it off 1/4 turn each time. Continue until finished.

OR if you can get the block nipple off, go to the parts store with it and your adapter and buy a new one that will screw in.

 

Yeah, not all threads are created equal, I've run into this kind of crap before. Thats why there are a minimum diameter, maximum diameter and pitch diameter tolerances!!! Bastages!!!

 

Good luck Bud, and yell if you need clarification on anything. Who made the kit you bought?

 

B

 

the kit is a Transdapt 1213 dual filter kit.

 

Further investigation is as follows:

 

When I hit the 2 turn stop putting the adapter to the block, it will allow me to continue to turn for 1/8 to 1/4 turn but it is very difficult and a bitch to get back off.

Since the design of these things is to allow you to thread something on that tightens against the block and not with the threads, I paid very close attention to any looseness or wobble while threading things together. When threading the new nipple into both the adapter and oil filter, it was not tight on the threads and there was a noticable wobble (not much, but there) between the pieces. When I screwed the oil filter onto the block nipple, about 2 or 3 turns had a slight wobble but then it turned tighter. Not enough to stop it but the wobble was gone and I could no longer 'spin' the filter. 4 or 5 turns later, it loosened up again and I could spin the filter to the block. That tells me that there is some buildup on the threads on the block nipple. Of course, these are VERY EASY TO GET TO (yea, right). I'm thinking of 2 solutions... try to get a wire brush down to clean the block nipple while beating my knuckles against the starter (that's now full of oil) or raising a small burr on my old oil filter and using that like a die to clean the deposits from the threads on the nipple. If the adapter was made of steel, I'd just horse it on and be done. Aluminum however, is less forgiving.

[Precise1]

That tells me that there is some buildup on the threads on the block nipple.

That sounds quite likely, good call.

 

I'm thinking of 2 solutions... try to get a wire brush down to clean the block nipple while beating my knuckles against the starter (that's now full of oil)

Don't you have a Dremel or the like, especially with flexline accessory? That with a 1" wire wheel wil take care of it in moments. If you don't own one, borrow...

 

VERY EASY TO GET TO (yea, right)

Took me at least 3 hours (and a neighbors wrench, mine was longer) to tighten the 2 hoses.

Buy, beg, borrow or steal a 7/8" crows foot wrench for the 1/2NPT fittings, it will save you much time and many cramps!!! (I'm buying a set next week!!! )

 

B

[k9sar]

That sounds quite likely, good call.

Don't you have a Dremel or the like, especially with flexline accessory? That with a 1" wire wheel wil take care of it in moments. If you don't own one, borrow...

Took me at least 3 hours (and a neighbors wrench, mine was longer) to tighten the 2 hoses.

Buy, beg, borrow or steal a 7/8" crows foot wrench for the 1/2NPT fittings, it will save you much time and many cramps!!! (I'm buying a set next week!!! )

 

B

 

definate on the crow-foot wrench. Already using this as an excuse to buy a set. Dremel with the small brush is a good idea. I should be able to get at that through the wheel well. Would do the remainder of the work from there except for the rigid hoses in the way.

 

This weekend... rear brakes, finish the relo kit, cupholder (maybe) and perhaps the parking brake repair.

[Simon]

On your list, just before the relocation kit, put in a body lift. It'll make you life easier.