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Anyone replace the rubber ends of the transmission lines? Not much room and I have small leak. Not great photos but there is one at upper part of radiator and lower radiator. Seems likes it’s just the rubber connection to SS line that is got a leak
Yep, put new lines and hoses on my '72 a couple years ago. It's very tight in there and I don't recall finding any shortcuts to make it any easier. I'm pretty sure I had to use a 1/4" drive socket.
IF POSSIBLE you need to use a tubing FLARING TOOL to put a small flare on the ends of both metal tubings coming from the radiator.
ALSO...use new oil resistant rubber hoses and better clamps to hold the rubber hoses onto the metal tubing.
The GM tubing already has the flare and his look stock with the pictured bends. However, if upon removing the existing hoses there are no flares then I'd agree they will help seal the connections.
My repro steel lines came from Inline Tube. There are 2 long lines from trans to radiator support and 2 short lines that thread to the radiator.
Yup, I remember those lines. What a God Awful place to get at.
Not all rubber hoses are of equal value. Some is specific for ATF.
ATF is a chemical cleanser that may eat some rubber. So, when you are purchasing new hose, mention to the store employee that you need transmission hose.
Those spring type clamps are ok for easy to get at, vacuum lines, etc.
But trying to get pliers into the area you need to would be tricky.
The stock clamps are awful, but maybe your NAPA has Fuel Injection type hose clamps.
Just a tip, because I never wanted to do that job again:
I smeared a dab of Permatex Transmission RTV around the steel line before installing the hose.
The RTV acts as a lube & sealant.
Found it at AutoZone, small squeeze tube, few bucks.
The GM tubing already has the flare and his look stock with the pictured bends. However, if upon removing the existing hoses there are no flares then I'd agree they will help seal the connections. My repro steel lines came from Inline Tube. There are 2 long lines from trans to radiator support and 2 short lines that thread to the radiator.
I replace coolant lines, hoses and the clamps on my 78. I used the Inline Tubs but sent them back because they did not align properly. I sent them originals...they sent me replacements that fit without having to mangel them in.
As Heads UP notes:
Those spring type clamps are ok for easy to get at, vacuum lines, etc. But trying to get pliers into the area you need to would be tricky. The stock clamps are awful, but maybe your NAPA has Fuel Injection type hose clamps.
Spring clamps are used for vacuum lines but also are used for the fuel lines into fuel pump. However, those coolant lines are under a lot more pressure...use the screw clamps as they did at the factory.
I have a box full of those "spring clamps" in assorted sizes.
Never felt comfortable using those in safety situations: fuel & hot coolant.
They eventually loose tension whereas a screw drive does not.
Sure the factory used them on gas lines, but that doesn't make it right or safe. Just cheap.
I have a box full of those "spring clamps" in assorted sizes.
Never felt comfortable using those in safety situations: fuel & hot coolant.
They eventually loose tension whereas a screw drive does not.
Sure the factory used them on gas lines, but that doesn't make it right or safe. Just cheap.
When I make it to Carlisle, I would go thru parts dealers and their hose buckets to retrieve them, especially the red ones. Use em for the vacuum hoses up by the tank.
Trans cooler lines
