Tranny cooler fitting question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 151
Likes: 6
From: Honolulu Hawaii
Tranny cooler fitting question
Hey guys,
So I have new tranny fluid on the way and I'd like to install a transmission cooler during the fluid swap. I have two Hayden coolers (one that was going on another vehicle, but didn't end up using it) and so I basically have two of these (I'm only going to use one of the coolers):
My question is, can I use the metal flare fittings (the thing with the copper on it) to screw into the tranny and radiator? I think they might be 5/8" barb fittings.
I was going to just cut the tranny lines and splice into it with the rubber hose, but then I would want to flare the lines to ensure the hose stayed on.
Should I attempt to get the metal fittings to screw into the tranny/radiator, or just cut and then flare the tranny lines?
So I have new tranny fluid on the way and I'd like to install a transmission cooler during the fluid swap. I have two Hayden coolers (one that was going on another vehicle, but didn't end up using it) and so I basically have two of these (I'm only going to use one of the coolers):
My question is, can I use the metal flare fittings (the thing with the copper on it) to screw into the tranny and radiator? I think they might be 5/8" barb fittings.
I was going to just cut the tranny lines and splice into it with the rubber hose, but then I would want to flare the lines to ensure the hose stayed on.
Should I attempt to get the metal fittings to screw into the tranny/radiator, or just cut and then flare the tranny lines?
Last edited by LCPLPunk; Nov 16, 2015 at 10:41 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 222
From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
If you flare the end of the lines, you'll end up with an edge that could eventually rub through the rubber hose. If you use a compression fitting on the hard line, that won't happen. Also, make sure that you use proper transmission fluid hose, NOT regular rubber.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 151
Likes: 6
From: Honolulu Hawaii
Ok, so don't flare the lines after I cut them?
I can just cut the tranny lines and then plug in the cooler with the attached hose/clamps?
I'm thinking I'm going to use the more industrial clamps and not just use the regular ones that came in the kit.
I can just cut the tranny lines and then plug in the cooler with the attached hose/clamps?
I'm thinking I'm going to use the more industrial clamps and not just use the regular ones that came in the kit.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
I prefer using tube cutters to a hacksaw, but that is personal preference to keep any metal filings out of the transmission.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 222
From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
If you use hose clamps, slip the rubber line further down on the metal line, and use 2 clamps per fitting, just to ensure no leaks or slippage.
There are differing opinions on this, but IMHO I think it makes more sense to splice the additional cooler into the return line, meaning that the trans fluid has already been through the cooler in the rad.
There are differing opinions on this, but IMHO I think it makes more sense to splice the additional cooler into the return line, meaning that the trans fluid has already been through the cooler in the rad.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 151
Likes: 6
From: Honolulu Hawaii
I'm gonna do return side and thanks for the advice! I think I'll use the hose clamps and maybe even one of the kinds used for the radiator hoses just to make sure nothing comes off.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 85
Likes: 3
From: huntingdale western australia
i just did mine and bought it in kit form and you don't need to cut the lines at all . you get screw on connections , and the lines are soft and pliable enough to bend with your hands .The tricky part is not poking a hole in the condenser when you fit the cooler in front of it . It is actually a big job because of the room issue and getting in there to do it , you have to take off a lot of stuff as you will soon find out . Cheers