2002

Click on each thumbnail photo to see the full sized picture.

First attempt at manufacturing an oil cooler block off plate ended in the realization that my welding skills prevented my success. Subsequently found a commercially available unit from Great Planes Aircraft Supply Company. I'm still not satisfied as the outlets are on the top and I would prefer them on the front.

I was not sure if welding the unions on to the bracket would require subsequent heat treat so I contacted Richard Shirley and asked his advice. He told me that I had to be sure what the material was before making that decision. I had assumed 6061 and from the way it behaved when I welded it I think that it is 6061. Richard suggested that I check with the manufacturer and make sure. Welded 2024 will crack catastrophically as it's failure mode, so it is important to know the type of material.

I also spoke with Jack Delong my Cronatron welding rep for his metallurgical expertise. He agreed that it was most likely 6061 because it can be welded and machined. 2024 can be machined however it will weld very poorly because the lead and zinc in this alloy will vaporize and blow the argon off the weld causing severe contamination of the weld.

My next call was to Bob at Muscle Motorsports where I purchased the unions. He checked the Aeroquip catalog and found the specification for the fittings to be 6061. He faxed me a copy of the page in the Aeroquip catalog that documents this fact. Unfortunately when the fax arrived it was a general statement about Aeroquip compression hose fittings. On the same page there was another note that the nut on these fittings was 2024.

I next went to www.aeroquip.com and found their contact us link under the Performance Motor Sports section. I requested the type of material that is used to manufacture their FMC2054, AN815 -10 to -10 union.