Trans leak at radiator

[kenfyoozed]

So after changing the oil and topping off the trans fluid, I found I have a leak at the connection of the steel trans line and the bottom of the radiator. Look like someone has wrapped teflon before tightening the connection. I assume because the connect was leaking they thought the teflon would help seal. I have yet to pull it apart but I am going to assume the threads of either the nut or the nipple on the radiator are toast. If its the radiator can it be repaired? Its an aftermarket all aluminum style radiator. Also one of the lines, the one on the driver side has a section of the steel line missing and its been replaced with a 6" section of hose and clamps. So its steel, rubber hose, steel. Is this safe to leave it this way until I can get it repaired? Or should I just go ahead and replace both steel lines? How hard of a job is this? Lots of questions so thank you in advance...

 

[Joseph James]

Mine had about 4 inches of rubber on both lines at the radiator when I got the car. It does not leak. I did replace the rubber.

 

[Polara_500]

Not at all unusual for a rubber transition, just make sure the rubber is rated for transmission fluid.

 

[kenfyoozed]

Mine isn't leaking at the rubber either. But it is leaking at the the radiator connection. Correct me if i am wrong, but isn't that fitting supposed to be removable from the radiator? If so I should be able to just replace that and hopefully the nuts and line that is there will seal properly. Worth a try I guess....

 

[rkrochen]

First of all the Teflon tape is a waste don’t use it again. I would take the fitting apart and check the threads carefully, it’s probably been cross threaded at some point or the seat on the steel line is possibly damaged or even cracked. If the fittings has been cross threaded you may be able to clean it up if you take time and are careful. Best scenario is it’s the steel line which can simply be replaced.
I have seen rubber hoses used many times. You need to use oil resistant hose and the steel lines should be flared prior to putting the hose on. You can also use crimp style fittings to crimp a new steel line to the old. It’s a pain but best is replace the whole hose.

 

[barnfind]

Hardware store item. I'd replace both steel lines as well.

 

[Davea Lux]

If it is just a bad flare on the line, that can be repaired by cutting off the old flare and re-flaring the line. Some radiators had removable fittings and some were soldered in so proceed carefully if trying to replace the radiator fitting. If the line srrews into the radiator, it probably does not have a removable fitting. If there is a brass fitting sticking out of the radiator, those usually can be replaced.

Dave

 

[kenfyoozed]

This aluminum radiator had welded in nipples. As you can see the threads were stripped. So I cut them off and carefully drilled out the centers. There was about 1/2" of material so I was able to tap to 1/8npt and screw in some new brass fittings.

 

[kenfyoozed]

Got the radiator back in after installing the new fittings. I am happy to report there are no leaks at the moment.