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How should I patch my transmission cooling line?

gt1009

New member
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Location
st.charles,IL
The trans cooling line sprung a leak in the most awkward place on the whole line. Its under the engine on top of the crossmember. Its the place where two lines are right next to each other. When I start the truck, fluid shoots out of the leak under pressure. I'm thinking the patch will be a piece of fuel line wrapped around the leak, then epoxy covering the whole thing. What do you guys think, or is there a better way than this?
 

Avn-Tech

Active member
194
31
28
Location
California City, Ca
GT1009,

To add to the previous post.

Cut the line where the hole is, put new fittings on each side, then use a union to reconnect the line. If the line is too short, buy a short section of line at any auto parts store to replace the missing section.

You could use compression fittings or use flair fittings (I prefer flair fittings). Even if you buy a flair tool kit pirce is probably under $20.00. This is a full fix and should not ever give you trouble again if done properly.

You may want to check the length of the lines and be sure there are no more rub spots to wear and cause problems later.

Laterrrrr
Avn-Tech
 

jeepin

Member
149
11
18
Location
Vermont
Mine had the same problem. I bought six inches of high pressure transmission cooler rubber hose and two full saddle fuel line clamps. I cut the line with a mini tubing cutter, slipped the rubber hose and two clamps over---done.
 

ctmustang

Member
714
1
18
Location
Thomasville-N.C.
unless you have experience flaring line go with compression couplers we use them at the garage when cust. doesnt want to spend a little extra money. rubber hose and clamps wont work -there is nothing to keep the hose and clamps from sliding one way or the other.:-D
 

gt1009

New member
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Location
st.charles,IL
Thanks guys. This will all work on the steel lines right? Looks like I'm gonna have to fix it on wednesday now. Family trip for the next two days.
 

ida34

Well-known member
4,118
31
48
Location
Dexter, MI
I would replace the whole line in one piece. You would sill need probably need to cut and flare one end but if part of the line gave up the rest may not be far behind. I have used both rubber trans hose and compression unions in the past. I would lean toward the compression union if you are not going to replace the whole line. I did the compression union and the rubber hose when I was younger. Now I want to make sure I do not have to do the repair over again so I just replace the whole line. If I had to use a union I would use a regular union using a flare tool for the repair. Hoses have a tendancy to pop off without a barb to hold on to it. You could just double clamp but I really hate using a hose when one can use a hard union. What ever you decide, good luck with the repair.
 

mrcucv

New member
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Location
central mass
a cheap way to do it is to cut out the damaged piece and clamp a rubber hose on perhaps a fuel hose because its braided and stronger.
 

cucvrus

Well-known member
11,291
9,688
113
Location
Jonestown Pennsylvania
I would say it is safe to use rubber automotive grade fuel line. It would be better to bend a new set of fitted steel lines and make them fit properly. I do not use any rubber lines on any transmission lines unless it is fitted hydraulic line. Do as you wish. But most metal lines that have rubber in them are just cut steel lines with no barbs or anything to help hold the rubber securely. The transmission can start leaking and bleed out while you are driving and you would have no clue until failure because these old trucks have nothing to indicate transmission failure or temperature.
 

4x4 Forever

Emerald Shellback
Steel Soldiers Supporter
Rubber hose for a very temp repair and Replace with new steel line soonest.
The rubber will slip off the ends of the lines and dump all of your trans fluid and then you will have fried trans...

Try Summit Racing...
 
Last edited:

TGP (IL)

Active member
511
33
28
Location
Metro East IL
Replace the line and be done with it.
Or install a compression fitting.

BTW they do make specific trans. cooler line hose. Fuel line hose will work but
Can't take the heat for long.
Tom
 

MarcusOReallyus

Well-known member
4,524
811
113
Location
Virginia
Mine had the same problem. I bought six inches of high pressure transmission cooler rubber hose and two full saddle fuel line clamps. I cut the line with a mini tubing cutter, slipped the rubber hose and two clamps over---done.


Done, and good for many years. I've used this method many times. Have that setup on my Jeep at the moment. I didn't have a leak; I put it there to facilitate flushing out the old fluid. It's been there two years. There's not a lot of pressure in those lines.

Don't make it complicated. It doesn't need to be.
 

Chaski

Active member
684
55
28
Location
Burney/CA
Braided stainless hose is another option, in conjunction with some AN fittings. Jegs and Summit both sell braded hose that will survive hot ATF for a long time. I think I used -06 sized hose on mine.
 
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