Transmission cooler lines

Topic: Transmission cooler lines (Read 3883 times) previous topic - next topic

Transmission cooler lines

June 06, 2012, 07:41:27 PM

My '87 - 3.8 has a cooler line that decided to crack and start leaking near the front engine pulley.

I'm going to replace both lines, but the fittings going into the trans don't want to break loose. Is it okay to hit the fittings with some PB Blaster, and if so will it even help? I'm worried about leaning on the fittings too hard and having the threaded portion break off in the case.

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #1 – June 06, 2012, 08:17:52 PM

I fixed a cut line with 3/8" flexible fuel hose, (I believe that was the diameter, check to make sure first), and a tiny hose clamp on either end. Has never leaked.

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #2 – June 07, 2012, 01:08:29 PM

Both of my lines are coated in rust, and the leak appears to be a crack, so I'd like to just replace both of them. Is it possible (or a good idea) to change the fittings on the trans and radiator and run neoprene lines rather than hard lines?

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #3 – June 07, 2012, 03:09:32 PM

You could replace the lines with rubber transmission line and fittings. Just make sure you use rubber transmission line as it's designed to not react with transmission fluid.

Or you could probably use these since you have an AOD:
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-MUT1021SC/84-93-Mustang-Stainless-Automatic-Transmission-Cooler-Lines

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #4 – June 08, 2012, 01:54:56 PM

Quote from: sarjxxx;391726

I fixed a cut line with 3/8" flexible fuel hose, (I believe that was the diameter, check to make sure first), and a tiny hose clamp on either end. Has never leaked.

Totally incorrect. Trans mission line has a higher burst pressure rating and it is designed for ATF. Two totally different animals. Never use fuel line for hydraulics. And most likely his lines are 5/16. Just saying!!

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #5 – June 08, 2012, 02:59:47 PM

Quote from: TOM Renzo;391854

Totally incorrect. Trans mission line has a higher burst pressure rating and it is designed for ATF. Two totally different animals. Never use fuel line for hydraulics. And most likely his lines are 5/16. Just saying!!

Too bad the kid at AutoZone didn't know the difference. I stopped in yesterday and asked specifically for 5/16" "transmission line". Get home, take the stuff out of the bag, and see "fuel" printed on the line. I should have checked it before I left, but my cranky grandkids thought otherwise.

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #6 – June 08, 2012, 03:07:41 PM

Quote from: thunderjet302;391794

You could replace the lines with rubber transmission line and fittings. Just make sure you use rubber transmission line as it's designed to not react with transmission fluid.

Or you could probably use these since you have an AOD:
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-MUT1021SC/84-93-Mustang-Stainless-Automatic-Transmission-Cooler-Lines

I'm liking the LMR lines. I'm going to cut out the bad part to get it back on the road, and order the LMR part. Thanks for the link!

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #7 – June 23, 2012, 10:45:45 PM

my 88 TC has quick disconnect fittings at the a4ld trans that are leaking, and they are discontinued from ford, any ideas?

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #8 – June 23, 2012, 10:54:32 PM

my 88 TC has quick disconnect fittings at the a4ld trans that are leaking, and they are discontinued from ford, any ideas?

motormite/ dorman HELP line ..... at any autozone/advance/ oreilly ..etc

Part number 800-608 or 800-609

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #9 – June 23, 2012, 11:42:15 PM

X2, I found some as a dorman part number for my 87-5.0 .

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #10 – June 28, 2012, 10:35:19 PM

the dorman 800-608 are not the same as the ones on a 88 tc auto. the thread size is much larger on the oem fittings. however i took the o-ring and clip out of the new parts and installed them in the old fittings. it seemed to work.
the 800-609 fittings are not a quick disconnect, but accept a threaded line.

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #11 – March 07, 2013, 10:08:32 PM

My trans cooler lines are leaking at the trans. fitting. Can not get it to stop leaking .What are my options ? I can get another fitting for the bottom line,but can I use rubber tranny hose and clamp to join it to the rest of the line?... Mark in KC
1988 Cougar/3.8 auto.

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #12 – March 08, 2013, 12:30:09 AM

Quote from: Markinkc;410737

My trans cooler lines are leaking at the trans. fitting. Can not get it to stop leaking .What are my options ? I can get another fitting for the bottom line,but can I use rubber tranny hose and clamp to join it to the rest of the line?... Mark in KC
1988 Cougar/3.8 auto.

Worked for me. I had a similar situation a few years ago and cut the line in two to replace the fitting. I used trans line and two very tiny hose clamps to splice it back together, and I haven't had a problem in 3 years.

Nice to see another 88/3.8 member on here! :)

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #13 – March 08, 2013, 06:39:17 AM

If you use tranny flex line the cut end of the hard line needs to be bubbled out. If not it can let the hose blow off and then you will smoke the tranny. You basically can do 2 things. Section a piece of the good line and install a fitting and flare it. Then run new hard lines from that point to the radiator. Or bubble flare the line and use FLEX. But i would remove the damaged line and install all new hard line. Copper Ferrous is what we use. An easy way to get the fittings out of the tranny is to break off the hard line close to the tranny fitting and use a DEEP socket to remove the flare nut, On fords it is very tight. If you are not wanting to do this remove the fitting from the tranny. Same way with a deep socket. But from experience it is sometimes a c to do that without a lift. Also if you use soft line with a bubble on the hard line do not use worm clamps they will eventually leak. Use old fashioned spring clamps and use no less than 3 on each connection. This is from experience and i have dun hundreds of them. Bottom line replacing the entire line with flex is not something i would do. Just saying.

You can use the Quick connect adapters ans braze on a bubble pipe and use flex from that point out. Or check the threads in the tranny and use an inverted flare adapter like the older units. Those snap connectors do leak. I have battled with them on GM cars for quite a while now. My T 6060 6 speeder has them and i converted them to inverted flare. I needed to do that to install the tranny cooler. It's been some time since i messed with a Ford Automatic. But if i am correct not 100% the snap connector can be replaced with an inverted flare adapter. Not 110% unless i see the threads. Chevy snap connectors are readily available at NAPA.

Most Fords are 5/16

:burnout:

Transmission cooler lines

Reply #14 – March 08, 2013, 09:26:15 AM

Excellent post Tom. The only thing I would add is to make sure it's a 6 point socket.......less chance of rounding it off.....you only get one chance.