Transmission Cooler Lines
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From: Central Connecticut
Transmission Cooler Lines
I've got a leak in either the feed or return transmission cooler lines. Was wondering what type of fix anyone has done? I can get the standard metal lines and bend them to shape but I was wondering if there is a certain spot that they usually form a hole? Any ideas are welcome!
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From: Virginia
No usual spots. If they are not put back in their proper brackets and holders if any work is done, they can crack. And the fittings can get loose at either end. Not a common problem though. I have had them get rusty.
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Using rubber hose in place of steel tubing is ONLY for a short-term, temporary fix until replacement steel lines can be installed. Look at a local auto parts store, they should have 4-5-6-foot lengths of straight tubing with the flared endings already installed on them.
Rubber hose fails a LOT easier.... abrasion, dry rot, sharp edges, heat, rodents, etc. can all render a rubber hose useless, and then you're spewing all your transmission fluid onto the road or, worse yet, onto the hot exhaust system and starting a fire.
There are reasons why the auto industry uses steel tubing for this...
Rubber hose fails a LOT easier.... abrasion, dry rot, sharp edges, heat, rodents, etc. can all render a rubber hose useless, and then you're spewing all your transmission fluid onto the road or, worse yet, onto the hot exhaust system and starting a fire.
There are reasons why the auto industry uses steel tubing for this...
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
BTW I would guess the most common location for leaks is where the lines attach to the transmission. Those are flare fittings, ya have to be careful there but the ends can sometimes be re-flared if you have the right tools.
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From: League City, TX
I have metal lines from the transmission to the front of the engine and rubber hoses from the front of the engine to the radiator and external oil cooler. This setup works OK, but I do check the hoses for any wear every oil change.
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From: Central Connecticut
I'm just going to replace both the feed and return the right way with the tubing. The routing isnt even that bad to do.
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From: Wausau, WI
Using rubber hose in place of steel tubing is ONLY for a short-term, temporary fix until replacement steel lines can be installed. Look at a local auto parts store, they should have 4-5-6-foot lengths of straight tubing with the flared endings already installed on them.
Rubber hose fails a LOT easier.... abrasion, dry rot, sharp edges, heat, rodents, etc. can all render a rubber hose useless, and then you're spewing all your transmission fluid onto the road or, worse yet, onto the hot exhaust system and starting a fire.
There are reasons why the auto industry uses steel tubing for this...
Rubber hose fails a LOT easier.... abrasion, dry rot, sharp edges, heat, rodents, etc. can all render a rubber hose useless, and then you're spewing all your transmission fluid onto the road or, worse yet, onto the hot exhaust system and starting a fire.
There are reasons why the auto industry uses steel tubing for this...
I have to agree with Chris 110% as I found this out first hand, but not because of using hose (read on).
About 10 or so years ago I had a major trans failure (grenaded the bell housing, torque converter,drive shaft, etc..) and when the trans fluid hit the hot exhaust, it immediately started on fire. I could see the flames through the floor shifter. (The front u-joint blew apart and the driveshaft knocked out the rubber plug in the bottom of the shifter housing so I could see through).
I would advise to anyone NOT to use rubber under the vehicle. In short lengths up by the cooler is fine, but not anywhere around the exhaust.
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From: Central Connecticut
Alright thanks for the info guys. Im just going to replace both of the lines the right way, it isnt very expensive anyways not sure why I was even thinking of cutting corners
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From: Virginia
I thought this also, but I have worked on a lot of factory vehicles where the steel lines went right into the radiator. So I guess depending on the situation and what was there originally, you can have short pieces of rubber to the radiator or have solid metal line the whole way.
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