oil cooler frustration

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 31, 2011 | 08:50 AM

Professor

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 627

Likes: 195

From: St. Louis

oil cooler frustration

Just added an oil cooler to my 2010 Heritage. When I replaced the threaded connector that holds the filter to the body, I had to make a tool to insert this. The old piece could be removed with a standard socket; the new one requires a 7/16" allen socket. Good luck trying to find one. The largest I could find was 3/8" with a jump to 1/2". Nothing in between. I had to buy a 5/8" cold chissel and use the 7/16" shaft as the allen was able to wedge the chisel end into a 5/8 socket to torques this. Why would Harley produce a part that requires this size unless: (1) they want to sell you the tool (2) they want dealers to perform this job.

I have made odd length and size allens in the past by cutting a bar or using bolts with several nuts on this. Just sayin, so you guys will know what to expect. BTW, I bought the 5/8" cold chissel at O'Reilly auto parts.

Jul 31, 2011 | 09:27 AM

DR. V-TWIN

Former Sponsor

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 19,364

Likes: 40

From: Los Angeles, CA

Add an UltraCool with the fan and there is no need for special tools! That is what i run! You neglected to say what brand you are running. Post a link so we know which one requires this.

Drew

Jul 31, 2011 | 11:16 AM

Dan89FLSTC

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 21,132

Likes: 12,692

From: South Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor

Why would Harley produce a part that requires this size unless: (1) they want to sell you the tool (2) they want dealers to perform this job.
.

For cryin out loud...

Some people look for any excuse to bash HD...

A 7/16 allen socket is not some highly specialized tool. If you can`t find an allen socket the size you need, just use a regular allen wrench, cut off a small length, put it in a regular socket.

Jul 31, 2011 | 04:21 PM

billfitt

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 198

Likes: 0

From: VA

I used an 1/4 bolt (7/16 wrench) and used a washer to prevent the bolt from going too far in. I've installed 2 coolers on 2 different bikes and this worked great each time.

Jul 31, 2011 | 04:52 PM

Tracker56

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 754

Likes: 24

From: Southern Maine

Ingenuity is a lost skill...... If I had to buy all the specialized tools it takes to keep my Ironhead running, it wouldn't be on the road anymore.

Aug 1, 2011 | 06:32 PM

Professor

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 627

Likes: 195

From: St. Louis

This is an HD oil cooler. BTW, the parts guy at the dealership didn't know that Sears, et al did not offer this. Where did you find a 7/16 inch allen wrench. No one I talked to had one. I have cut these in the past, but this is an odd size. Most places jump to 1/2 inch for 1/2 drive.

Aug 1, 2011 | 06:51 PM

DK Custom

Platinum Sponsor

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 18,685

Likes: 5,816

From: Hickory Flat, Mississippi

Ran into the same thing this weekend. Used the 12mm allen that I had ground down a few years ago last time I was adding an oil cooler.

Kevin
HDForums Scavenger Hunt Contest

__________________
DKCustomProducts.com

Call/Text: 662-252-8828
Email: Support@DKCustomProducts.com
Open House Details