I recently replaced the trans lines with new steel lines I measured and bent to size. The problem is where the lines connect to the radiator are now leaking. They aren't cross threaded and are tight. Anyone have any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated! 😎

 

1/2 in. x 520 in. Thread Seal Tape-31273 at The Home Depot

 

I'll definitely give that a shot. Thanks.

 

If that does not work you may need to flare the end of the lines. You can rent a double flare kit from most parts stores.

 

The lines I bought and measured and bent have flared ends already. The strange thing is only 1 of the is leaking at the rad, not both. I'm gonna be working on the beast this weekend. So I'll take the connections apart, make sure all is seated well, wrap it and try again. Also any tips, accessories, kits etc to get better mileage out of the 390 ci engine with a 1405 edelbrock carb?

 

Jowilker said it best on another thread a few days ago, FE's are pullers not sippers. But to answer you question there are a few things that might help. 1st being a good ol' fastioned complete tune-up. Replace everything that has white hair. How old are the plug wires,PCV hose,vacuum hoses,filters,etc.? Also slowly dribble your choice of combustion chamber cleaner down the throats of the carb with engine at a fast idle. Some guys use store bought stuff,some water,some ATF,some Marvil's Mystery Oil,etc. 2nd being re-jeting the carb. Eddys come out of the box pretty fat (AKA rich). Don't go too lean. FE's like fuel. Investigate on Google a chart for where your particular jets and metering rods are.

 

BTW, If you over-tighten the flare nut you can split the flare. Especially on made in China steel.

 

on the tranny lines, tape wont work, the seal is not made with the thread, it's made at the flare by pressing the flare of the tube into the seat of the fitting..

not sure what you have without looking at it, but some of the old fords run a deep flare fitting on the radiator, it requires a special long flare male fitting on the line. The trucks tha have that, the fitting on the rad is usually black in color and has about a 1 inch long hex, you'll notice the hex on your line bottoms out with the hex on the radiator.

If you have the short fitting then your problem is on the mating surface of the flare. could be as simple as a spec of sand, or a rusty fitting.