ATF dripping down the cooler return line

[fortunate1]

I noticed that the original transmission pan was oily when I last changed the fluid & filter (and changed to a mag-hytec DD pan). The level was fine; it's only a very slight amount that runs down the steel line from underneath the oil cooler. I guess that's the "quick connect" fitting that's allowing the ATF to weep past. I tried using a release tool from an A/C service set, but it wouldn't spring the wire clip out so I could remove the line from the fitting. Any ideas or suggestions? Am I using the correct tool? I cant' see any plastic fittings. Should I be concerned about the infamous "meltdown" curse that barfs out all of the ATF while you're obliviously driving down the road? Thanks for the knowledgeable replies that I'm sure will follow!



Phil P.

 

[Joe G.]

There are a total of four of those fittings. If they are still the factory fitting they will fail! The only question is when. There are two in the side of the trans and two in the cooler under the exhaust manifold. I've had compression fittings on mine for over a 100K miles and no problems.

 

[Reddog1]

Joe G.



Please elaborate on the compression fittings.





Wayne

 

[Joe G.]

Wayne,



The stock lines have little ridges around them for the plastic quick (dis)connect fittings. You can get the compression sleeve fitting on in front of the ridges but it will eventually leak at the ridge. I cut the end of the lines off just behind the ridge as close to it as possible after getting a couple of leaks from fractures in the ridges. No problems for a lot of miles since then. The lines are 1/2" so you need the fittings for that size tubing. The NPT end is 1/4" on the trans and the next size smaller on the bottom of the cooler under the exhaust manifold. The fittings on the bottom of the cooler are kind of PITA. Hard to get to from above and you need long arms from below. Your transmission lines may be a little different because the '95 line for the output from the trans to the cooler has a temp sensor in it. The ends of the lines at the front cooler are not a problem.

 

[fortunate1]

Thanks, Joe, for the informative responses. I guess it's time for a search of the forums for the exact "how-to's". I seem to remember something about getting new lines from the dealer that are updated or have improved fittings. Is this the same thing?



Phil

 

[Joe G.]

Not the same thing. New lines cost something like $300. These fittings cost less than $10. If I have any trouble with these I'm going to replace my lines with hydraulic hose. I was expecting to have some sort of vibration failure by now, but that's not happening so I'll keep this set up.