Do I need a new raidiator?
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Joined: May 2003
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Do I need a new raidiator?
My transmission cooling line is leaking. It leaks where it connects to the radiator. Im not sure how I go about removing the connection from the radiator. It is tough to tell from the rust on the connection weather or not I can use a wrench on it. I have read here that there are cooling lines in this part of the radiator for the transmission. Is it serviceable or do I need a new radiator. I dont want to touch it until I know what I'm looking at.
Thank you
Bill 05 F250 5.4L 4x4
This is the bottom of the Radiator
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95434470@N08/8695609991/" title="100MEDIA36IMAG0406 by BDuece, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8695609991_732e769d1f.jpg" width="282" height="500" alt="100MEDIA36IMAG0406"></a>
Thank you
Bill
This is the bottom of the Radiator
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95434470@N08/8695609991/" title="100MEDIA36IMAG0406 by BDuece, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8695609991_732e769d1f.jpg" width="282" height="500" alt="100MEDIA36IMAG0406"></a>
Senior User
Joined: May 2012
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From: Derby, ks
snip the line off and buy an aftermarket cooler.. it will mount in front of the radiator or anywhere you want it to really.. get some flexable tranny hose and connect it up.. save the money on the rad and get the aftermarket cooler.... plus it cools better than stock.. doesnt have to complete with the coolant to cool off.. it is its own at that point...
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,339
Likes: 350
From: Breckenridge, TX
There already is an oil-to-air fluid cooler on his truck, the flow is routed through both the in-tank radiator cooler and the OTA cooler. If the in-tank cooler is damaged, then the entire unit has to be replaced. But before you do that then I'd pull the fittings apart and see what's actually leaking. A new radiator is around $240+shipping last I heard.
You need a disconnect tool to remove the lines:
OTC , 307-459 Ford Transmission Cooler Line Disconnect Tool - F-Super Duty 250-550, E-Series, Expedition/Navigator
Edit: I don't know why I read 5.4 as 6.0. Just replace the radiator, add a 6.0L stock cooler and move on.
You need a disconnect tool to remove the lines:
OTC , 307-459 Ford Transmission Cooler Line Disconnect Tool - F-Super Duty 250-550, E-Series, Expedition/Navigator
Edit: I don't know why I read 5.4 as 6.0. Just replace the radiator, add a 6.0L stock cooler and move on.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
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From: Mesa AZ
My transmission cooling line is leaking. It leaks where it connects to the radiator. Im not sure how I go about removing the connection from the radiator. It is tough to tell from the rust on the connection weather or not I can use a wrench on it. I have read here that there are cooling lines in this part of the radiator for the transmission. Is it serviceable or do I need a new radiator. I dont want to touch it until I know what I'm looking at.
Thank you
Bill
Thank you
Bill
You 'might' be able to remove the fitting and replace it but I think the risks outweigh the rewards by a large margin. A radiator shop should be able to replace the lower tank with new fittings but I don't think it will be all that much cheaper than a complete new radiator. Your call though...
Here is a photo of what the cooler looks like inside the tank. This is a 7.3 liter radiator but I presume the others are similar.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
snip the line off and buy an aftermarket cooler.. it will mount in front of the radiator or anywhere you want it to really.. get some flexable tranny hose and connect it up.. save the money on the rad and get the aftermarket cooler.... plus it cools better than stock.. doesnt have to complete with the coolant to cool off.. it is its own at that point...
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 740
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just bypassing things and tossing in coolers is not the best idea. Transmission fluid has an optimal running temperature, and too cold is just as bad as too hot. The cooling system is designed to keep the temperature in this ideal range. The two work in conjunction to do this. This is why whenever adding an external cooler to a system that doesn't have one I like to purchase the thermostatically operated coolers. This way the fluid stays between the magic 175-225 F optimal temperature. For what its worth.
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From: Stephensville WI
just bypassing things and tossing in coolers is not the best idea. Transmission fluid has an optimal running temperature, and too cold is just as bad as too hot. The cooling system is designed to keep the temperature in this ideal range. The two work in conjunction to do this. This is why whenever adding an external cooler to a system that doesn't have one I like to purchase the thermostatically operated coolers. This way the fluid stays between the magic 175-225 F optimal temperature. For what its worth.
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Joined: May 2003
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I appreciate the input gentlemen. I will order a new radiator. I dont think I'm going to have much luck removing that fitting. It is a rusted mess. I will make the attempt once I have a new radiator on hand. I just bought the truck and I'm going through it.
Thank you
Thank you
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,339
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From: Breckenridge, TX
Isn't there some really popular mod with the gassers adding the 6.0L OTA cooler into the trans cooling loop? Or is that a 4R100 vs 5R110W thing, and not a diesel vs gasser thing?
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From: Isanti, MN
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Good Luck.
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