stripped upper trans coolant line
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
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stripped upper trans coolant line
So what are my options here? I justed stripped the upper coolant line going into the radiator
Its a brand new champion all aluminum 3 core and the trans is a 4+3
Its a brand new champion all aluminum 3 core and the trans is a 4+3
Last edited by ekess744; May 27, 2012 at 11:09 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
So, are you saying that you stripped the threads in the radiator where the line fitting screws in?
Options if that is the case:
1) Buy or borrow a tap chaser to straighten out the threads. Use a thread sealer on the threads when you screw in the fitting and let it cure overnight.
2) Re-tap to the next size larger and use adapters to get back to the original size for the line. You may have to shorten the trans. line. Just cut it off and use a compression fitting.
3) Do way with the radiator as a cooler for the transmission and mount a transmission cooler behind the radiator. You will have to re-route lines for this option.
Best of Luck.
Options if that is the case:
1) Buy or borrow a tap chaser to straighten out the threads. Use a thread sealer on the threads when you screw in the fitting and let it cure overnight.
2) Re-tap to the next size larger and use adapters to get back to the original size for the line. You may have to shorten the trans. line. Just cut it off and use a compression fitting.
3) Do way with the radiator as a cooler for the transmission and mount a transmission cooler behind the radiator. You will have to re-route lines for this option.
Best of Luck.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
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thanks for your helpful input. yes the threads in the radiator are shot.
I had thought that the external cooler might be the least effort, though cutting the lines is a no turning back kind of affair.
Running a tap is not possible to my knowledge because of the flare fitting in the radiator.
I may pull it out and have a new bung welded on. I may know a guy that would do it relatively cheaply.
I had thought that the external cooler might be the least effort, though cutting the lines is a no turning back kind of affair.
Running a tap is not possible to my knowledge because of the flare fitting in the radiator.
I may pull it out and have a new bung welded on. I may know a guy that would do it relatively cheaply.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 841
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I just added a tranny cooler. I didn't cut the lines, I just slid the fitting back and put the hose over the flare. It worked out nice because the flare acts like a stopper for the clamp between the fitting and the flare 
I just bent the lines a little out and up with my bender.
I just bent the lines a little out and up with my bender.
Thread Starter
Pro
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I just added a tranny cooler. I didn't cut the lines, I just slid the fitting back and put the hose over the flare. It worked out nice because the flare acts like a stopper for the clamp between the fitting and the flare I just bent the lines a little out and up with my bender.
I just bent the lines a little out and up with my bender.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 841
Likes: 1
is your car auto or 4+3? did you mount yours in front or behind the rad? i have my a/c deleted so I was thinking I might go in front. Any idea what would be a good size to use for a 4+3. The last thing I want to do is f up my newly rebuilt 4+3 by not cooling it properly.
Thread Starter
Pro
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My car's an auto. I used a Hayden 15" X 10" and I mounted mine between the condenser and the secondary fan. I NEVER believed in running a tranny-cooler through the rad, I always ran them alone. I'm thinking around the size I have is more than enough and I'd mount it in the front, which I believe would keep it cooler. I'm sure people will disagree, but I've been running coolers this way for 25yrs, oh well
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
Likes: 341
From: Database Error Indiana
I had the same problem with my Champion. Threaded it with a pipe tap. Dont recall the size but I used the adapter that fits the lines in the case of a 400 turbo . Probably a 1/4 or 3/8 pipe tap. Its been a couple years.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 841
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I have a 4-speed auto with O/D 700R4 that was rebuilt in 08 and has about 47K on it, I don't know what the PSI is but I'm doing fine with everything. I also have a 180 stat with both my fans running off my 180 secondary fan switch. Since I've done all this, my car runs nicely in the high 180's to the low 190's in the worst city traffic. I'm very happy with those numbers, the car seems so much smoother and tighter now that it's not cooking anymore in the 200's.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
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I had considered your solution as well. I think its a pretty good one
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
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I would think the NPT to flare adapter might be the more desirable fix if it's possible. The new "bung" is also a good thought but I believe "cheaply" is NOT - "quality" yes but sometimes isn't inexpensive!
Where was it purchased? How much to exchange?
Lesson to "be learned" for all! Test fit all threaded fittings before an install on a bench, chase or confirm condition of all threaded components before an install. All threaded components!
Where was it purchased? How much to exchange?
Lesson to "be learned" for all! Test fit all threaded fittings before an install on a bench, chase or confirm condition of all threaded components before an install. All threaded components!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
Likes: 341
From: Database Error Indiana
I'm not sure its a good fix but it worked. Really couldnt tap the fitting as deep as I would have liked, but I had the adapter laying on the bench so I had nothing to lose by trying. Whole time I was doing it, I was sure it wouldnt work. It worked. Option 2 was an external cooler. Nothing wrong with that but I didnt want to do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
I would go with the aux trans cooler, this would be a win win situation...Solve your problem and make your trans last longer at the same time..This would be a no brainer for me..Rubber line couplers will hold the pressure your trans has with no problems.....WW
..WW
Last edited by WW7; May 28, 2012 at 09:44 AM.