transmission cooler lines from radiator

[stoliti]

Hello;

We had the transmission rebuilt and are in the process of re-installing it. We are stuck on the transmission cooler lines. Is there a certain process that we should follow when re-installing them?

i.e….. top line from radiator to transmission and then bottom line from radiator to transmission ….. or ….. connect to transmission first and then connect to the radiator?

This is the last thing we need to do to finish and we are stuck. They do not seem to want to go back into place.

We marked them before we unplugged them to make sure we knew which was the top and which was the bottom tube. But they don’t seem to align perfectly… is that normal?

HELP!

 

[checkedout]

Should be pretty straight forward. Try to loosen the radiator so you can slide it to where you need it. Don't forget to put pipe tape on the threads.

 

[checkedout]

Sorry, I just reread the post. Your having trouble at both ends. My manual says:
8. Install the oil cooler lines in the retaining clip at the cylinder block. Connect the lines to the transmission case.

9. Remove the jack supporting the front of the engine.

10. Raise the transmission. Position the front crossmember, rear engine support insulator and support and damper to the frame side supports and install the attaching bolts. Refer to «Section 02-03» for torque specifications for the engine in the vehicle.

So it sounds like you connect the lines at the transmission before you have the transmission installed on the vehicle

 

[stoliti]

I was so afraid of that.... So, there is no way around it?
Can we bend the tube just enough to make it fit or will that create more harm than good?

 

[checkedout]

Sorry, I don't know the answer. I haven't done one myself yet.

 

[stoliti]

ok, thanks so much. I guess we have to lower the trans again.
:-(

 

[IZwack]

you can bend the transmission lines a little bit. thats what I had to do when I put another tranmission in. just be careful you dont put any kinks, try to make the bend's radius as large as possible. also dont forget to flush the cooler and the lines before you attach them the new transmission!

dont use pliers or anything to make the bends, as this will crimp the lines and do more damage - just try to use your hands. they're a little stiff but put some muscle into it and they will bend - but be gentle at the same time!

 

[stoliti]

Thanks IZwack. We will definitely try that before bringing the transmission down again.

 

[410Fortune]

I cut all 4 of the ends off my metal lines about 4-6" long, then used a simple flare tool and a hose clamp and ran high pressure trans cooler lines, rubber.
Works great!

the metal lines do allow for more cooling however.

 

[msmith65]

Should be pretty straight forward. Try to loosen the radiator so you can slide it to where you need it. Don't forget to put pipe tape on the threads.

These are flare fittings, correct?

If so, sealing the threads makes no difference It's the flare pressing against the flat part that makes the seal. No sealer of any kind is required there.

If the fitting is properly aligned and tightened, there will be no leak.

I'd eschew pipe (teflon) tape because it can strip off in handling and contaminate the fluid.

 

[410Fortune]

I have used teflon tape on almost all pipe or flare fitting for years, its just good practice. If you do it right its not gonna contaminate anything, but you are right the flare fittings do not require it

 

[stoliti]

Thanks for the help. I was able to get the lines in last night. What a bear!

 

[IZwack]

a bear :

 

[410Fortune]

HAHAHAHA nice paint work
Looks like the polar variety? as opposed to the teddy.

 

[IZwack]

LOL thats not my work!!! just found it on the net so i thought i'd post it.

ahah yeah it is of the polar type.

 

[stoliti]

very nice, indeed.

 

[stoliti]

so after the transmission cooler lines comes the gear adjustment

So, we finished with the cooler lines but now the transmission will not slip into gear.

We followed the instructions in the Haynes Book (which sucks by the way) to set the steering column to drive. We then moved the gear lever (under the truck) counter clockwise as far as it would go and then forward three times. We then connected the gear lever back in place (under the truck) and moved the steering column to Park. The truck turns on but it will not slip into any gear. Are we forgetting something?

 

[Robb]

I merged your two threads, since they are both following the same subject.

 

[410Fortune]

keep adding fluid, did you get it?

 

[IZwack]

The truck turns on but it will not slip into any gear. Are we forgetting something?

When you move the shifter on the steering column, are you able to get the full range from one end to the other (from [R]everse to all the way the other end)? If so, then you've hooked up the shift cable properly. If not, then the shifter is not synced with the shifter arm on the side of the transmission.

410 mentioned to keep adding fluid... did you try that? The torque converter needs to have fluid in it in order for it to function.