Installing oil cooler end caps

[fordmanmark1]

Ive just got done changing my "o" rings on my oil cooler and Im having a bit of trouble getting the end caps on. Ive tryed putting the cooler in a vise and hit the end cap with a rubber malett with some grese on the o-rings and they just wont go on. I dont want to dammage anything. Any sugestions?

Mark

[jcart]

Try a ratchet strap, you know the kind you use to hold down loads. That is what I used to compress the end caps onto the cooler with. Also used a nylon belt to hold the caps on while assembling back onto the engine block. Be certain not to over tighten the front flange bolts that hold cooler on the front of the block!!! Did that too and cracked the block side of the flange which means you have to pull the front engine cast aluminum cover and replace it. I made the mistake of using IH cooler to block aluminum gasket that was not exactly the same as the ford part (thickness) overtightned to stop the leak and cracked the flange which cause an antifreeze leak.....major PITA....

[fordmanmark1]

Thank I will try that!