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Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

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Quarterwave

Re: Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

85lebaront2 - mine is a 4 core aluminum unit from Summit (if memory serves) - I'm actually wondering if it's overkill for the 351W.

Gary - seriously, it must be season. Out of nowhere I have a plumbing drip under my kitchen sink (main drain pipe) along with a toilet that just started running. Man, I can't keep up with the "honey-do" list!!!

1985 Ford F150, 2WD.
351 H.O Windsor, aluminum heads
Cam: Lift = .496''/.520'' Duration @ .050: 224°/234°
C6 Transmission
6" Rough Country Lift
33x12.5x15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains
15x10" Pro Comp Rims

85lebaront2

Re: Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

Administrator

Just and FYI on transmission cooler lines. Chrysler used molded hoses on the FWD cars, some 5/16" and some 3/8". My konvertible has the turbo II engine with an intercooler on the left end of a smaller than normal radiator. Since the turbo II engines were never originally built with an automatic and the intercooler prevents access to the cold end, I had to use and external cooler which I removed along with the quick connects from a Durango with a 4.7L V8. I figured since it was the only cooler used on the transmission it should be adequate for the little A413.

I first tried just using a length of hose, but short of using two long pieces and having to secure them away so they wouldn't rub on things. I looked at the original molded pieces from the 1986 TBI cooler plumbing, but they really didn't like being twisted 90° to reach through to the cooler. What I ended up doing was cutting both of them just above where they turned up to go to the radiator. On the lower one, I just turned the cut off piece around to point it forward, the upper one I cut the last 90° section off, cut the lower portion like the lower hose and did the same reverse of the resulting L shaped section.

To splice them, I didn't have a long straight section to make the connections in so I took my bubble flare kit and using the 8 mm tools made a nice "barb" section to assemble everything.

Here are pictures of the completed job.

Hose clamps on the transaxle and splice are the original fuel line clamps, I put all new ones on since the fuel pressure gets to 70 psi under boost.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

Gary Lewis

Re: Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

Administrator

Slick idea, Bill. Don't think I'd have thought of that, but it worked out very nicely. I'll remember that - I hope.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

85lebaront2

Re: Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

Administrator

You could probably use a regular double flare kit and just do the first stage of the double flare, my set needs a new "vice" as the internal teeth that are supposed to grip the line are worn and no longer hold. I didn't push it all the way as I think it leaves the back side flat which could create a place where the hose could be cut internally.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

Gary Lewis

Re: Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

Administrator

Yes, I agree that you don't want sharp transitions where it could cut the line. A nice smooth bump seals the hose and ensures it can't come off when you have a clamp on the back side.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Steve83

Re: Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

Banned User

In reply to this post by 85lebaront2

If you want the best seal between steel & rubber, buy a brass compression-to-barb adapter.

85lebaront2

Re: Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

Administrator

Steve, it was rubber to rubber except at the cooler and I used the quick connect pieces from the Durango it came off of there.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

Steve83

Re: Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

Banned User

Then a brass or Aluminum barb-to-barb would be best.

85lebaront2

Re: Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

Administrator

That's all well and good IF i lived in an area where I can run to all sorts of sources for these type of fittings quickly. I have an ACE hardware about a mile away, one parts jobber who carries an amazing assortment of marine and farm equipment items and can make permanent crimped fittings for them, just not small stuff. I have a NAPA and AutoZone 15 miles away, no O'Reilly anywhere close (nearest one is 60 miles and an $18 round trip toll away) nearest Advance is 60 miles the opposite way. Tractor supply, who might have something is up where AutoZone and NAPA are.

After spending 30 years in a laboratory where we frequently had to make parts needed to perform tests, I decided to make my connectors and use the nice full contact hose clamps I had saved off of three or four of these cars that were being scrapped. I also wanted to restrict the flow as little as possible as some Torqueflites are very sensitive to flow restrictions in the cooler lines.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

Steve83

Re: Leaking Trans Cooler Lines

Banned User

Then something like this might be a good investment for you:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CC4TWLB

I recently got this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OMKIDI
But after searching up that link, I wish I had gotten one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DN6Z7T7
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073V9R3FJ
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077TPHPNC

I've had this for a while:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KO1XK