What were they thinking back in 1985!

[Jimb]

While rebuilding the transmission on my volumex spider I'm also doing a major refreshing of the entire undercarriage, running gear and engine. I've discovered that the oil cooler was made in aluminum, presumably to take the high pressure, while the feeds are braided stainless steel with steel fittings. Now as many of you probably realize whenever you use steel fittings to an aluminum rad they literally weld together.
Not sure if there is a better option when reassembling other than to make sure to coat the aluminum male fittings on the cooler with lots of "never-seize"

Jim

[RoyBatty]

What you describe is perfectly normal in aircraft oil system.
Steel fittings are required and the oil coolers are aluminum.

[Jimb]

Yes, so I understand. Of course it takes several years before they actually become literally inseparable without destroying the threads, so presumably the aluminum fixtures were intended to be throwaway.
Jim

[BEEK]

jimb, i believe i have a set of oil lines and a oil cooler, brand new oem, i bought them at the fiat freakout 10 or more years ago, but new never installed. i will try and locate them

[bradartigue]

Yes, so I understand. Of course it takes several years before they actually become literally inseparable without destroying the threads, so presumably the aluminum fixtures were intended to be throwaway.
Jim

The entire car was meant to be throwaway. FIAT didn't make cars for longevity.

[seabeelt]

I guess they didn't count on all of us

[TX82FIAT]

The entire car was meant to be throwaway. FIAT didn't make cars for longevity.

95% agree with this statement. Poor electricals, pot metal in many places, week transmission, tempermental cooling system, structure/safety and the list goes on and on. However, IMHO, Lampredi's Twin Cam engine is a very durable choice if maintained properly. How many high reving four cylinder cars built in the 60's - 80's have original engines in them still or fire up after sitting for long period of time. A lot of people have well over 100K on engines. Agree the car was not built to last. The engine is one of the reasons we love this car.

[Jimb]

jimb, i believe i have a set of oil lines and a oil cooler, brand new oem, i bought them at the fiat freakout 10 or more years ago, but new never installed. i will try and locate them

Hi Beek. Thank you, let me know if you find them. In the meantime I will be looking to European vendors to supply.

[wiggo]

I guess they didn't count on all of us

+1