'84 Auto radiator changeout PROBLEM! Please help.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville Tennessee
'84 Auto radiator changeout PROBLEM! Please help.
So I'm trying to get my old busted radiator out and I've run into a problem. I'm down to removing the transmission cooler lines. I've hit them both with PB Blaster about 6 hours ago and then put a 1/2" crows foot flare nut socket on it. Somehow, the flare wrench is rounding the nut! I'm holding the part that goes into the radiator with an 11/16" wrench for counter torque but that AN fitting WILL NOT BUDGE.
Is there a trick to this?
Also, what do I do if the nut totally rounds? Right now I've switched over to using a spring loaded pair of vice grip nut pliers.
Thanks in advance.
Is there a trick to this?
Also, what do I do if the nut totally rounds? Right now I've switched over to using a spring loaded pair of vice grip nut pliers.
Thanks in advance.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I DID IT!!! I seriously thought I was going to break the line. At one point, I was considering cutting it off at the fitting and reflaring another fitting on. Here's how I got it to work:
After letting the PB Blaster set for a few more minutes, I took a torch and heated the black union where it goes into the radiator for about 5 minutes. I put the vice grips back on and decided I didn't care if it broke or not, I'd deal with one issue at a time. Leaning on it pretty good, it finally broke free.
The next problem was that I couldn't get that side of the radiator to come up out of the lower fan shroud. Figured out that I could raise the condenser cooler just enough to clear the lower radiator support (completely covered by leaves so I had NO idea it was even there), then I was able to angle the lower trans cooler fitting past the hole in the lower fan shroud and FINALLY lift the radiator out.
I'm done for the night. I really hope my new radiator comes in soon....... I'm ready to drive!
(Time to go hose down the lower fan shroud)
After letting the PB Blaster set for a few more minutes, I took a torch and heated the black union where it goes into the radiator for about 5 minutes. I put the vice grips back on and decided I didn't care if it broke or not, I'd deal with one issue at a time. Leaning on it pretty good, it finally broke free.
The next problem was that I couldn't get that side of the radiator to come up out of the lower fan shroud. Figured out that I could raise the condenser cooler just enough to clear the lower radiator support (completely covered by leaves so I had NO idea it was even there), then I was able to angle the lower trans cooler fitting past the hole in the lower fan shroud and FINALLY lift the radiator out.
I'm done for the night. I really hope my new radiator comes in soon....... I'm ready to drive!
(Time to go hose down the lower fan shroud)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
I went through the exact same problem with my 1984 auto when I changed my radiator. I ended up having to replace the fittings on both lines after I got them out. I just cut the flares off and put new fittings on the line and reflared the lines. Good luck with your repair. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I went through the exact same problem with my 1984 auto when I changed my radiator. I ended up having to replace the fittings on both lines after I got them out. I just cut the flares off and put new fittings on the line and reflared the lines. Good luck with your repair.
Racer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 21
From: Grand Rapids MI
Crimeny, you guys are scaring me! Planning on a full cooling system renewal, sooner rather than later. I won't be ordering parts til at least after taxes, but I'm gonna go PB soak those fittings right effing now 
Last edited by 84Z51J; Jan 10, 2016 at 11:48 AM.
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Never too early to start the PB. Tap the fittings after PB applications, it helps penetration. Good Luck! 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville Tennessee
When you are ready, let me know. I learned a thing or two while replacing mine.