Tranny Cooler Line Leaking at Radiator

93_Rarity · #1 03-05-2016, 09:45 AM

So I'm having an issue. I'm putting a new radiator in my truck because my old one was cracked and leaking coolant. I got everything torn apart, reinstalled, and when I started him up my lower line was leaking. I pulled it back off, and everything seems to be in order. Called AutoZone, they said it needed o-rings, but the lines didn't have o-rings when I pulled them off and there aren't any in my old radiator either. And mine wasn't having any ATF leakage with the old one." "Well you need them." Ok, no biggie. Got a huge assortment of o-rings, two hours of switching and finigling around, still leaking. So what am I missing here? Any ideas?

Jswifto · #2 03-05-2016, 12:15 PM

Can you take a pic of your tranny line? And no you should not need orings

MNRANGER2002 · #3 03-05-2016, 12:27 PM

Only thing off the top of my mind is that either for some reason on the new cooler the threads are different or the threads got crossed threaded and are not sealing all the way

GSF1200S · #4 03-05-2016, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNRANGER2002

Only thing off the top of my mind is that either for some reason on the new cooler the threads are different or the threads got crossed threaded and are not sealing all the way

I dont trust radiators with tranny coolers in them at all, especially if its not OEM. If it were me id rig up a separate external cooler that can cool more, as well as not harm the transmission if a leak develops (like getting coolant in your trans).

Anyways, its got to be thread related. Id take the radiator back and get a refund, go to another parts house and try their brand. Perhaps youll have better luck?

sheltonfilms · #5 03-05-2016, 01:54 PM

No o-rings needed. They are flare fittings.

The fitting on the radiator should have a hex shape. Try tightening the nipple on the radiator. Maybe it came loose.

If you put an oring on, get rid of it. Anything but a a dry flare connection will leak. Pipe sealant will cause a leak. Pipe tape will cause a leak. An oring will cause a leak.

rcobb · #6 03-05-2016, 07:44 PM

So when installing a new radiator u don't need pipe tape what so ever on any threads?? I'm installing one soon I need to know...

Jswifto · #7 03-05-2016, 07:56 PM

It is just like brake lines no tape

sheltonfilms · #8 03-05-2016, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcobb

So when installing a new radiator u don't need pipe tape what so ever on any threads?? I'm installing one soon I need to know...

Yeah flare fittings never need anything extra.

Ordinary Biker · #9 03-05-2016, 10:09 PM

X2 ^^

In a flared fitting application the threads are not the sealing surface:

The surface labeled 'tubing seat' seals against the flare.

93_Rarity · #10 03-05-2016, 11:59 PM

I apologize for not responding, I've way overslept. I appreciate all the responses and will just dump my old one back in and take the new one back in the morning. I appreciate it y'all!

rcobb · #11 03-06-2016, 06:56 AM

What about the threaded pieces going into the radiator they don't need tape?

rcobb · #12 03-06-2016, 09:47 AM

My old raditor is thicker yet new one is thinner. Did I buy the right one??

Jswifto · #13 03-06-2016, 09:17 PM

Nope

Undrstm8ed · #14 03-07-2016, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSF1200S

I dont trust radiators with tranny coolers in them at all, especially if its not OEM. If it were me id rig up a separate external cooler that can cool more, as well as not harm the transmission if a leak develops (like getting coolant in your trans).

Anyways, its got to be thread related. Id take the radiator back and get a refund, go to another parts house and try their brand. Perhaps youll have better luck?

beat me to it... The Nissan frontier was notorious for this exact same issue, the dealership fix was an external trans coolers..