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distaff · 07-04-2019, 06:55 PM

Well, got the new part from Source Engineering today and jumped on it. Had a look at the fittings and went out to pick up a 1 1/4 inch wrench, and when we figured out it was a boss o ring fitting so thought I'd pick up some o-rings.

Got the part out (lots of fun separating the fittings from each other and the cooler, then saw that the oil filter to cooler hose had some corrosion inside the fitting so shot off to the shop to have a new hose made up (they are like 3.5 minutes from my home).

Ready to install the new one when I put it up agains the old one the fittings are reversed. I can't use it.:

CountryB · 07-05-2019, 04:00 AM

I cant tell from the photo what is reversed. It looks like the old cooler is sitting upside down from the new cooler in the photo (tab facing back on one, and facing forward on the other). If you flip the new cooler over...
Maybe a different photo would show the problem better.

hypoxia · 07-05-2019, 04:57 AM

That's annoying and one of the reasons I enjoyed having a Freightliner product previously. With a VIN they always got it right.

Like CountryB said, it is hard to make out from that photo.

Bill767 · 07-05-2019, 06:13 AM

I'm sorry to hear that. When ours started leaking Source overnighted us a new one that popped right in.

distaff · 07-05-2019, 10:16 AM

Better pictures. Only way to get the inlet/outlet positions correct is to put the cooler in so the mounting flanges don't sit against the mounting surface, which obviously is a very bad idea. I am rather surprised but I'm pretty sure Source (who don't actually make the coolers) didn't open the box to inspect it, just forwarded it.

vito.a · 07-05-2019, 09:09 PM

Paul, if you can get the hoses connected, I don't think flow direction matters.

Another option is to cut off the fitting and TIG weld it in the correct location.
Any good TIG welder can cut the fitting off, weld a cap over the hole and then drill a new hole in the proper location and TIG weld the fitting. Because it's new and never had oil through it should only take 20 min.

distaff · 07-06-2019, 09:28 AM

VitoA - it would be a major undertaking to replace the hoses. I could have extensions made, but that adds resistance and leak points. I thought about having the ports moved, but I'd either need the permission (and $$) from the vendor/manufacturer, or I'd void the warranty.

Source didn't answer their phone on Friday - I suspect they made it a long weekend and I can't blame them, but up here in Canada it was business as usual. I had called a specialist shop that does aluminum fabrication and welding (big marine applications here) and they had said they can't repair an aluminum rad, but I asked if he could find the leak and just close off the offending tube.

He said he had done that on bigger units for drilling rigs, and he probably could If he can't, he also suggested moving the ports. I'll know Monday if he can fix it, if not I'll ask Source if they want to pay to have it modified or send a new one.

Don't like having to wait, especially after they messed up the first one. Also, fixing it will be cheaper.

pwhittle · 07-06-2019, 10:40 AM

Can you cut off the mounting tabs and weld new ones on?

153stars · 07-06-2019, 11:58 AM

Yeah looks like tabs are or could be flipped. Only surface welding no leak \ or lot less chance that way. Good luck

distaff · 07-06-2019, 03:44 PM

Thought about flipping the tabs. I'll wait for Jim at Source to call me back because it really is his problem.

On the other hand, I have a perfectly good reason to return it, and I may have a fixed cooler next week, so the option is to just send it back for a refund and be ready to roll next week.

I started the week with a list of things to fix - this, a bad valve on the HWH slide mechanism, some body damage that was preventing my from opening a bay door (need to get to the dump valves behind it so rather important), and a broken door on the sewer hose.

Down to this and the sewer hose and we are good to go. Should be done with the sewer door tomorrow.

ga traveler · 07-06-2019, 04:04 PM

A stack of large OD washers could work as spacers.

distaff · 07-06-2019, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga traveler

A stack of large OD washers could work as spacers.

In something that isn't subject to significant forces, that might be a good idea. Problem here is you would be 2 inches from the mounting surface with a relatively weak bolt holding it in place.

ga traveler · 07-07-2019, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by distaff

In something that isn't subject to significant forces, that might be a good idea. Problem here is you would be 2 inches from the mounting surface with a relatively weak bolt holding it in place.

Why not change over to a grade 8 bolt?

CountryB · 07-07-2019, 12:52 PM

But he paid for a cooler that fits...
If I was me, I would have Source Engineering pay shipping to return it - or have them pay for a local welder to remount the mounting tabs/brackets (if that's the only difference).