Blown Transmission Cooler Line

[GLanoue]

As a newbee to the forum seems there is no time better time to get my feet wet with the first post.



A transmission cooler line ruptured while backing the 5er into my home parking pad last night. I will change both lines out today hope that is the only problem. Are the cooler lines something that should be considered as a preventative maintenance item do to vehicle age and ect? This problem seems premature on a 96 model considering it has only been driven to church on Sundays.



Enjoy the Forum alot Keep up the good work.

 

[Joe G.]

Known PITA!!

Most have replaced the stock plastic fittings with compression fittings. That's not the best solution, but it works. There are four that have to be changed. Two in the transmission and two in the cooler that is under the exhaust manifold. There is a recall to replace these lines but it only applies to the gassers. So there are replacement lines available from Dodge. They are pretty expensive. I'm using compression fittings, but if I have anymore trouble I'm going to replace all of the lines with hydraulic hoses.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Here are the part numbers in case you want to replace the lines.

 

[GLanoue]

Thanks Joe & Ron for your input. Picked up the parts for retro Sat. The problem was on the crossover high pressure line (according to parts person)with the clipon connection on driver side. Pricey was an understatement though .

 

[BillGotthelf]

Two summers ago going from North Georgia to North Carolina on a road that had an unbelievable grade 8 degrees for 7 miles I melted the plastic clips on trans line. Truck spent three days in Dodge dealer awaiting the new lines and the extended warranty did not cover it. $500 was the cost-not to mention a rental vehicle for 3 days. Live and learn I had heard all about this problem but never saw my trans temp get over 175 so I thought I was safe.

 

[GLanoue]

Bill



The clip-on fitting on in my case did not look like heat damage. The blow out occured during a back up situation under high power. New lines should eliminate heat or pressure related problems at least I sure hope so. Now that this problem is taken care of suppose I had better do some research on other known issues along with the KDP huh. Thanks for your reply.



Gary

 

[BillGotthelf]

The heat softens up the fitting causing them to leak. Then backing up-high pressure- they leak. Fittings don't even look like they melted.

 

[GLanoue]

Makes sense to me. I sure wish they would manufacture more parts with plastic

 

[BillGotthelf]

Let me tell you about plastic. Ever see a Prestone flush and fill kit? I install them on my vehicles as it make flushing coolant much easier and quicker. Tee fitting fits in heater hose back by firewall above turbo. Extreme temp on climbing monster incline pulling toooooo much weight-noticed steam coming out from under hood on passenger side. Pulled over-cap that screws on is plastic and was MELTING allowing coolant to spray out on exhaust manifold. Cap is hose thread-only thing I had was plastic garden hose spray nozzle. Lasted 2 miles-found a quick disconnect hooked up to camper water system that was brass-got me to K-mart to by brass hose cap. BOY I LOVE PLASTIC.

 

[GLanoue]

Bill -- Just keep the 5 th wheel in tow at all times and you will have all replacement parts you need.

 

[BillGotthelf]

Thats where I got the water to fill the radiator each time! Nuff said!!