1994 Radiator Issues
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 292
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1994 Radiator Issues
Hey guys,
Spent the weekend replacing the radiator, hoses, etc. Now, I'm leaking antifreeze and transmission fluid from the new radiator.
Not sure where the antifreeze is coming from, could be a bad clamp, but it's too cold outside for me to start looking at it now. (My garage is unheated.)
My real question is about the metal transmission lines. The new radiator came with adaptors (brass) which are basically reducers (flare fittings?). I was trying not to overtighten those (and damage the new radiator). Are those fittings supposed to get a ton of torque to seat properly? Is there any sort of thread sealant I could use (or even red RTV)?
Also, the lower cooler line fitting was tough to get out of the old radiator, and tough to get into the new one. I used some Liquid Wrench, and eventually got the nut to move freely (the nut that seats the line into the adaptor mentioned above). I was able to start the nut by hand into the adaptor, then tighten it with a wrench. How common is it to see a leak here?
I've replaced a bunch of radiators in various vehicles over the last 25 years, including one on this truck a few years ago, so I'm actually surprised to be having these issues. Of course, it's probably directly proportional to how FREAKING COLD it is outside in New England this week...
Mike
Spent the weekend replacing the radiator, hoses, etc. Now, I'm leaking antifreeze and transmission fluid from the new radiator.
Not sure where the antifreeze is coming from, could be a bad clamp, but it's too cold outside for me to start looking at it now. (My garage is unheated.)
My real question is about the metal transmission lines. The new radiator came with adaptors (brass) which are basically reducers (flare fittings?). I was trying not to overtighten those (and damage the new radiator). Are those fittings supposed to get a ton of torque to seat properly? Is there any sort of thread sealant I could use (or even red RTV)?
Also, the lower cooler line fitting was tough to get out of the old radiator, and tough to get into the new one. I used some Liquid Wrench, and eventually got the nut to move freely (the nut that seats the line into the adaptor mentioned above). I was able to start the nut by hand into the adaptor, then tighten it with a wrench. How common is it to see a leak here?
I've replaced a bunch of radiators in various vehicles over the last 25 years, including one on this truck a few years ago, so I'm actually surprised to be having these issues. Of course, it's probably directly proportional to how FREAKING COLD it is outside in New England this week...
Mike
