What type of leak is this?

[157mphourly]

Hey everyone -

Long time reader, first time poster. Had this truck for over ten years. Rock solid, but I’m a little confused as to what this leak is. Please see pic. I’m pretty sure it’s an oil leak (smells like oil), but curious to what this line is. Passenger side, near the pulleys and radiator.

Here’s my truck specs:
2003 XLT, 4.6L, 4x4, auto

Any tips would certainly be appreciated!

 

[SyberTiger]

Looks like the transmission cooler lines. Tranny has it own little radiator to cool the fluid. You should be able to easily change out that particular line and you may be able to add a little tranny fluid to make up for what comes out by adding the fluid through the hose....of course you'll be guessing.

Take a look at THIS THREAD to give you some insight into the tranny cooler/lines.

 

[157mphourly]

Excellent, thanks for the info and link! I was able to locate the part thanks to you. Much appreciated!

 

[157mphourly]

So, an update on my little adventure here. After some serious digging on the inter webs, I found that Ford DISCONTINUED production on their transmission cooler lines for this year (and probably others too). Can't find them anywhere.

So does anyone out there have any tips as what to do now? I thought about just buying some transmission fluid approved hoses and running them the length from tranny to tranny cooler, however I'm afraid the hose will melt near the headers after some time.

Should I go ahead and bend my own, or just go ahead and two it to an AAMCO/Ford Dealer and just have them do it? Any tips would be appreciated!

NOTE: The image in my post above was incorrect. It's part # 1L2Z7R081AA

 

[SyberTiger]

Is THIS what you need? I haven't done my homework so check to see if 1L2Z7R081AA is superseded by 1L2Z7R081AD

 

[transman304]

Superseded part number.

 

[157mphourly]

Thanks for your help, I greatly appreciate it. Went ahead and went to the junkyard and pulled a nice clean line off of another Explorer. Went ahead and cut the rubber hose at the metal sleeve because my compression fittings were rusted, and then spliced the tube together with clamps.

No leaks, but man....what a messy job. This was a job where I wish I had smaller hands! Ha