Cross-Threaded Trans Cooling Line in Radiator...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Cross-Threaded Trans Cooling Line in Radiator...
Well, they don't call me 'torque wrench Ted' for nothing...
I managed to incorrectly thread the lower trans cooling line into my rebuilt radiator... So much for the $108 I spent for the tank repair. Now I gotta decide if it is worth pulling the radiator and having it repaired AGAIN or considering a trans cooler. My concern is where to mount a trans cooler? I'm not crazy about attaching it through the radiator but that may be the only practical option. Suggestions?
I managed to incorrectly thread the lower trans cooling line into my rebuilt radiator... So much for the $108 I spent for the tank repair. Now I gotta decide if it is worth pulling the radiator and having it repaired AGAIN or considering a trans cooler. My concern is where to mount a trans cooler? I'm not crazy about attaching it through the radiator but that may be the only practical option. Suggestions?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
I think I'll suffer the embarrassment of returning the radiator for a 2nd repair... pulling it this evening. Next time, I'll do what I shoud've done and put a light film of grease on the line threads and tighten it by hand; it is a bit of trouble to get at that line with my left hand heaving scratched and bruised from tight clearance betw the fan shroud & radiator... 
At over $10 gallon, I'll be recovering the fresh radiator fluid for a 2nd, more careful go at it later this week. I was really hoping to get the L48 out but I'll have to be patient :o
At over $10 gallon, I'll be recovering the fresh radiator fluid for a 2nd, more careful go at it later this week. I was really hoping to get the L48 out but I'll have to be patient :o
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Ted, Back when I used the side tank for auto tranny cooling. I had the 3/8ths flare tubes with nut screwed into the radiator. They were cut short so I could install them with teflon tape while the radiator was out.
It's been a long time but the top was just a short straight piece and the lower was a 90 deg. short piece. Then I could install the radiator and then just slib the tranny hoses over the pipe end with a screw down clamps.
It's been a long time but the top was just a short straight piece and the lower was a 90 deg. short piece. Then I could install the radiator and then just slib the tranny hoses over the pipe end with a screw down clamps.
Last edited by gkull; May 11, 2006 at 09:33 AM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 1
I just installed a small tranny cooler right in front of the radiator, centered and at the bottom to stay out of the way of the hood. The REASON I did this was that after numerous repairs and replacements around the front end, the radiator fittings and hoses from the tranny HAD TO MOVE ! I couldn't get a tool OR my fingers to these things, and if I ever wanted to pull the radiator again, I figured I'd damage the fittings in anger! The small cooler (Summit # PRM-1005) will install easily anywhere you want to put it. It's light, has brackets built in, and comes with fittings. That's one little hassle I'm glad to have behind me!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i have the same set up as gkull.....flared tubes that the hose slip over....the nuts are fastened before the radiator slips in.....if i were to mount a trans cooler i would do it horizionatally up by the vaccum tube with home made brackets
Last edited by bobs77vet; May 10, 2006 at 11:21 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 62
From: USA
I mounted an Earl's trans cooler attached vertically (slight forward angle) to the vacuum reservoir in front of the radiator (the big metal tube/pipe running crossways, it's a '78). Used the Earl's mounting brackets attached with fabricated aluminum angle piece and hose-clamps. been attached for years and couple ten-thousand miles and still real solid. easily clears hood opening. of course, I'm using -6 braided hose and AN-flare adapters and AN fittings.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Originally Posted by rpoL98
I mounted an Earl's trans cooler attached vertically (slight forward angle) to the vacuum reservoir in front of the radiator (the big metal tube/pipe running crossways, it's a '78). Used the Earl's mounting brackets attached with fabricated aluminum angle piece and hose-clamps. been attached for years and couple ten-thousand miles and still real solid. easily clears hood opening. of course, I'm using -6 braided hose and AN-flare adapters and AN fittings.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Originally Posted by Restorod '79
I just installed a small tranny cooler right in front of the radiator, centered and at the bottom to stay out of the way of the hood. The REASON I did this was that after numerous repairs and replacements around the front end, the radiator fittings and hoses from the tranny HAD TO MOVE ! I couldn't get a tool OR my fingers to these things, and if I ever wanted to pull the radiator again, I figured I'd damage the fittings in anger! The small cooler (Summit # PRM-1005) will install easily anywhere you want to put it. It's light, has brackets built in, and comes with fittings. That's one little hassle I'm glad to have behind me!
P.S. As I wait for the cooler to arrive, please advise if you can send a pic or two of your installation.
Last edited by TedH; May 11, 2006 at 01:10 PM.
