Screwed up (literally)- bolt thread issues
 

As the title states, I screwed up. By that I mean that I might have cross threaded my distributor bolt and radiator trans cooling fitting. Just wrapping up after doing a cam and springs swap and plenum kit, and this is how I'm rewarded, right at the finish line. I was hoping to get it started up this weekend, but I might be looking at borrowing a die and thread set instead before I do anything else:(
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/dodgefo...a08d13358.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/dodgefo...a7adcae19.jpeg

What are my options for the distributor bolt? It's a HUGE pain in the rear to try and mess with, I've been trying to thread it straight for at least 3 hours, and it keeps wanting to catch the threads at an angle. I've been rinsing and repeating just trying to get it to bite straight down with no luck :mad:

Get a tap into it, make sure it goes in straight, and clean up the threads. (put some grease on the tap, to catch the shavings.)

For the cooler line, should be able to replace that fitting......

Would you happen to know the thread specs for the bolt on the distributor plate? Thanks

Look in the FAQ/DIY section, there are download links for parts manuals, get the one for your truck, find that bolt, and it should give you specs. I haven't had a truck with a distributor for several years now. :D

It's likely just photography playing tricks, but I swear that dist bolt is bent.

Just pull it out and measure it. If you don't have inexpensive calipers and thread pitch gauges, they're inexpensive and invaluable. Be sure to get both SAE and metric pitch gauges. In the meantime any hardware store or fastener house can help you.

I'm guessing 5/16‐18 because that's what the thermostat housing is <----- NOT a good reason!!

The threads are gone on the cooler(tip). I doubt you will be able to get a replacement to thread on to it.

Yeah, been looking for ways to remove the tip now. Is it a push-in type that fits in a rubber seal or is it threaded? If it's threaded I don't see any way to unscrew it unless I grab the threads and twist. Otherwise, I might just throw the whole radiator out lol, a lot less work to just put in a new one probably

If you're going to replace the radiator anyway, I'd suggest looking at an all-aluminum radiator as a replacement option. I've had my fill of leaks at the plastic tanks over the years with the OE style radiator :icon_twocents:

here's an example

https://www.ebay.com/itm/276087131997

The hose fitting is casted in the plastic tank and unremovable. That aluminimum radiator looks nice.

I installed an all-aluminum CSF 2969 radiator in my truck many years ago. It's still holding up well with no issues and was an easy bolt-in swap. Unfortunately, CSF no longer makes it, but there are plenty of other knock-offs are out there. Here is an old thread that discussed the CSF 2969 all-aluminum radiator - https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-radiator.html