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Is this a very bad thing that I need to deal with immediately? It looks like there is coolant coming from the transmission line connection to the cooler, driver's side. I guess it could be ATF, but it's not slippery like oil, it feels like coolant.
Is a new radiator in my near future, or is there something else going on here?
It HAS to be trans fluid.... BTW, you don't want to put ATF in there. Ford SP or LV only. Have you tried tightning the line to the radiator cooler? The pic LOOKS like the bottom of the radiator anyway.
So why does it run through the bottom of the radiator? I figured there was an exchange of heat between the trans fluid and engine coolant, effectively using 190-220°F coolant to ensure the transmission stays below ~250°F. So I'm worried that coolant might be getting into my trans fluid, which I know is very bad.
(I know 250 is the temp Dana Powershift transmissions need to be kept under - I'm guessing this auto transmission is similar enough from that standpoint.)
What would be a good home-garage way to test it? Dab the leak with a paper towel and then put some coolant on a paper towel and see if they burn the same?
The bottom of the rad is separate from the rest of the coolant part for the engine. There is also another trans cooler in front of the rad.....
Again...did you attempt to tighten the connector that is leaking? Wipe some on the white paper towel. If it is close to red, it's gotta be trans fluid (SP).
It's leaking from where the fitting with the hex attaches goes into the plastic of the radiator. I moved the white clip a bit and got a 15/16" wrench on the fitting and torqued as much as I felt comfortable doing on something that goes into plastic, and it didn't move.
Between the plastic of the tank and the cooler on the inside is a o-ring if that is dislodged or damaged the trans lines may be tight but the coolant will leak by.
^^ and if that inner oring is messed up, you need a new radiator. Trans fluid has a distinct smell also. compare smells. break the nut loose first before you retorque it
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