Leak in the Auto Transmission cooler lines

[ray1933]

I have a very small slow leak on the quick connect fittings where the lines fasten on cooler.

I have yet to get in close and take a good look but intend to do that tomorrow afternoon.

The transmission fluid has not gone done but just curious as what to look for.



Are there replaceable seals in the fittings or what.



It does not drip, has just sort of soaked down the out side of the line.

All thoughts and suggestions welcome.



I have the service manual on CD but it does not show those fittings part wise that I can find.

I suppose that it is such,, that one would have to purchase the whole dang line but will find out tomorrow.

 

[TRLRTRSH]

Yes you will most likely have to replace the line, been there done that
You will need a special tool to remove the leaking line.

Oil & Fuel Line Disconnect Tools | Toolfetch

You may find Dodge tools locally. It was not that difficult a job once "we" finally got the right plastic tool for the fittings.

 

[gathomas]

Ray, this is just for future reference - in 2001 I purchased "97" 3500 12v which I soon discovered had a cooler line leak. After a little detective work I found out that there was a crack (split) in the line.

To make a long story short, all of these Trans cooler lines are made from "welded seam tubing" obviously cheaper than "Seamless", apparently the vibration of our Diesel engines, over time weakens those welds.

I had a shop in Pittsgurgh make a seamless, stainless steel replacement, after two trips to the dealer to buy their high priced junk !

 

[BGlidewell]

Ray, this is just for future reference - in 2001 I purchased "97" 3500 12v which I soon discovered had a cooler line leak. After a little detective work I found out that there was a crack (split) in the line.



To make a long story short, all of these Trans cooler lines are made from "welded seam tubing" obviously cheaper than "Seamless", apparently the vibration of our Diesel engines, over time weakens those welds.



I had a shop in Pittsgurgh make a seamless, stainless steel replacement, after two trips to the dealer to buy their high priced junk !

this seems to be the way to go. Especially if the fix is a replacement. I imagine his problem could be a split as well and the fluid is seeping to the fitting before it drips...

 

[TCDiesel]

The connections leak when colder temps arrive, if the leak is only wetting the frame I would just leave it, when it warms up ,it will stop. I have replace the lines just to have them leak again. If it's dripping you will need to replace them.

 

[ray1933]

cooler lines

The connections leak when colder temps arrive, if the leak is only wetting the frame I would just leave it, when it warms up ,it will stop. I have replace the lines just to have them leak again. If it's dripping you will need to replace them.

TWest, thanks for the information and I shall watch fluid levels very close and wait till warm weather and see what happens.

It does not drip on the frame and there are none on the ground of the carport.



For the heck of it I took it into our local dealer to have it checked and what it would cost to fix it.

The head diesel man said that both the auto lines and power steering lines needed to be replaced and it was best not to drive it. The fluid level in the trannie has not dropped and the steering fluid is full. I just figured they thought I did not know my ear from my elbow and wanted to make money.



The service manager did tell me that they change a lot of those lines and always have to wait for them as they are always on back order.

 

[MoparDave]

Does this apply?



CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION NO. C44

TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE

'03-'04 DR

This notification applies only to trucks equipped with a 5. 9 liter Cummins diesel engine (sales code ETC or ETH) and an automatic transmission (sales code DG8 or DGP) built through November 24, 2003. The transmission cooler line on about 97,000 of the above vehicles can transmit high pressure pulses when the vehicle is operated at heavy loads. These pulses may cause the engine-mounted transmission cooler to crack and leak fluid which could result in significant transmission damage.



Repair: The transmission cooler line must be replaced on all involved vehicles. In addition, the engine-mounted transmission cooler must be inspected and replaced if necessary.

 

[ray1933]

Does this apply?



CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION NO. C44

TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE

'03-'04 DR

This notification applies only to trucks equipped with a 5. 9 liter Cummins diesel engine (sales code ETC or ETH) and an automatic transmission (sales code DG8 or DGP) built through November 24, 2003. The transmission cooler line on about 97,000 of the above vehicles can transmit high pressure pulses when the vehicle is operated at heavy loads. These pulses may cause the engine-mounted transmission cooler to crack and leak fluid which could result in significant transmission damage.



Repair: The transmission cooler line must be replaced on all involved vehicles. In addition, the engine-mounted transmission cooler must be inspected and replaced if necessary.

Dave



I checked on the recalls using the Vin number and mine is not included. The metal lines are not cracked, what leak there is,, is in the flexible line.



Thanks for all the replies on this subject.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

I bought a 2005 3500 with auto transmission last week that has 417,000 miles on it. Didn't even make it home with it after purchase because the quick connect fitting on the bottom line going into the cooler started gushing the red fluid. Upon inspection I found that the quick connect clips inside the fitting had worn the aluminum tube it attached to and caused it to leak. While I realize this truck has lots of miles it would seem wise to replace those quick connect fittings with something less likely to leak. I'm thinking maybe hydraulic hoses to replace the lines and hoses. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Godspeed,
Trent