What would u do?
 

1939 coupe

Had my radiator professionally cleaned. Putting everything back together. Got 3 of the four bolts on the fan tight. One bolt won’t tighten, only snug and then turns.

1) use lock tight?
2) buy four longer bolts and add nut an lock washer? Does balance matter?
3) only by 1 longer bolt and add nut and lock washer?

Re: What would u do?
 

It's striped, I would put a heli-coil or insert in it. You could go to a larger bolt size but there could be a balance issue, but I would think it would be very slight.

Re: What would u do?
 

At that small radius, I doubt you would have a balance problem

Re: What would u do?
 

At that small radius, I doubt you would have a balance issue.

Re: What would u do?
 

Drill and tap four new holes between original holes.
Bruce

Re: What would u do?
 

You might try a metric bolt.

Re: What would u do?
 

If there is a metric size smaller than the next fraction size, re-tap for the metric. I would consider also changing the bolt opposite the stripped bolt for balance sake.

Re: What would u do?
 

Put a nut on and NO LOCK WASHER.

Re: What would u do?
 

JWL thanks. just on the one? No balance issues?

Re: What would u do?
 

I would try the metric bolt first. If that doesn't work, I would use a helicoil, if possible.
Just curious. What size are the threads and what is their depth? Can you post a photo?

Re: What would u do?
 

Very tight spot. If JWL idea of nut and no lock washer for just the one would work that would be best

Re: What would u do?
 

Do all the bolts stick through that far then put nuts on all 4

Re: What would u do?
 

Logical advice from joe 1950.

Re: What would u do?
 

Is te4 bolt stripped or is the base stripped also? Pull a clean bolt out and try that in the Stripped hole. You may get lucky and only the bolt is stripped. Before putting in a new bolt, run a tap or thread chaser through the hole first to straighten any bent threads.

Re: What would u do?
 

Weld up the hole and re tap it.
You don't want the fan coming off later on even though the chances of that are slim.
Do it right and there is one less thing to think about while driving down the highway.

Re: What would u do?
 

Thanks guys it was the base that’s stripped. I don’t know how to weld. I added 4 nuts, as suggested, with a dab of lock tight on each.

Re: What would u do?
 

Good solution. You will be safe and sound for many more miles.

Re: What would u do?
 

Good solution. "If it ain't broke, don't break it."
Another solution would be to JB weld the bolt into the stripped hole. Three bolts will hold the fan OK and the glued-in bolt would takes care of the balance problem.