Hood and Radiator Clearance

[john g]

I am having a problem with my hood and radiator. With the radiator raised about 1/2 inch to clear the steering rack boot, the radiator cap interferes with the hood. When I remove the radiator lifts (home made), there is no interference at the hood, but the boot rubs on the lower radiator hose. Both the steering rack and the radiator are from a junkyard Impreza. I don't know the exact year (the parts were harvested on a cold rainy day), but probably an '06-07.

Any thoughts? I first thought that I reduced the hood returns too much, but if anything, the hood is a little high relative to the fenders.

John

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I am having a problem with my hood and radiator. With the radiator raised about 1/2 inch to clear the steering rack boot, the radiator cap interferes with the hood. When I remove the radiator lifts (home made), there is no interference at the hood, but the boot rubs on the lower radiator hose. Both the steering rack and the radiator are from a junkyard Impreza. I don't know the exact year (the parts were harvested on a cold rainy day), but probably an '06-07.

Any thoughts? I first thought that I reduced the hood returns too much, but if anything, the hood is a little high relative to the fenders.

John

Hi John,
How close are you to running?

You could cut off the radiator cap and have a flat plate welded on. Then if you need a cap, add an inline one to the top hose.
My forester radiator did not have a cap.
Bob

[john g]

Thanks, Bob. I like the idea of using a radiator w/o a cap and will see if I can get measurements of one from a Forester or other Subaru.

But I am still wondering why I have such little clearance. Did I do something wrong with the fender installation? Has anyone else had clearance radiator-hood clearance issues?

John

[wallace18]

Not sure what is going on for you. I have built 2 818S's. One with a Mishimoto rad and one with a stock WRX rad. No hood problems did I incur. Make sure you nose is located correctly. I only raised the rad about 3/8" to clear the rack.

[C.Plavan]

I had too much clearance between the hood and radiator. I had to build an air block off on the radiator. This was so the air went through the radiator and not over the top gap which was big!

[Mechie3]

Mine looks like chads. Post some photos so we can see if you have aftermarket parts.

[john g]

Here is the problem. The hood barely clears the hood, even without radiator spacers. The view is from one of the vents cut into the hood before the mesh is installed.


IMG_0735_zpsggs0hayu.jpg

This picture is shows a straight edge across the fenders. Compared with Chad's picture, the radiator does not look too high. Looking at Chad's setup, I now wonder if my hood has lost some upward bow. I stored the hood for about five months standing on its nose. Could this be my problem?

IMG_0739_zpsrdvjnsxi.jpg


Here is another image from the front. I believe that all parts are stock.

IMG_0738_zpsi5ar3qqn.jpg

[Bob_n_Cincy]

john
The neck on your radiator cap is longer than typical.
Bob

$_57.jpg

[wallace18]

john
The neck on your radiator cap is longer than typical.
Bob

$_57.jpg

For sure that is the problem.

I have a good used one that I will sell for $25 plus shipping if you are interested. It is off a 2002 WRX. PM me if interested.

[C.Plavan]

Like the other have said. That is one weird radiator you have.

[K3LAG]

John,

I've got an OEM radiator you can have for $25 if you want to come to Laurel/Savage to get it. PM me if you are interested.

Larry

[john g]

Thanks to all for your comments. I have PM'ed Larry about his offer. Turns out he is close to me.

As I mentioned, the radiator came from a salvage yard from a fairly new car, so I didn't suspect it as the problem. This afternoon, I compared it with the radiator in my Outback and found that one was also long-necked. Maybe there is something in the water around here...

John