Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cracked transmission cooler port repair?

[Blue Coyote]

After 9 months of chasing down the leak on a reman trans, a DC tech friend of mine found the source - the rear cooler line port is cracked at the case. Very small crack, hard to see, only opens up when the trans is hot.



The rebuilders prior responce to solve the leak is remove the transmission, ship it back, they will fix it return it to me. However with 7+ races in the next 2 months, I cannot have the truck down for 2+ weeks. And I have no desire to pull the trans out for a 4th time.



So... is there any feild repair for this issue? Will JB weld or a simular substance work? Vice grips / welding clamp it shut? Can it be TIG welded in place (pull the Xfer case & OD unit)?



Thanks

 

[Howard Durand]

Welding would probably be your best bet but the necessary precautions against fire or explosion might be more work than removing it and having it done at a shop.



I think JB weld would probably crack open but wonder if a sheet metal patch over the crack glued down with a liberal coat of high temperature silicone gasket material would work. I glued a couple sheets of lead to my oil pan with the stuff for noise control and it has never moved or loosened up.

That might keep it under control until you have time to get it repaired properly.

 

[6btsmoker]

i manage a transmission shop . i would not weld the case . sonnax has a special tap and fitting to repair 1/4" npt cases . check their web site pn 22000-01K.

 

[Blue Coyote]

i manage a transmission shop . i would not weld the case . sonnax has a special tap and fitting to repair 1/4" npt cases . check their web site pn 22000-01K.

Bakerjohn, Thanks for the info!

Talked to the rebuilder, he said this is a very common problem with this trans. They are sending me the "special fitting " to install. Will see if it is the Sonnax kit.

 

[6btsmoker]

you are going to need the tool , a special tap , to cut the threads for the new fitting.

 

[Howard Durand]

From what you are saying, the crack is in the threads only and does not extend out into the case.

 

[6btsmoker]

i have seen the cases cracked not just the threads , but the case . the tap cuts a deeper thread , past the cracked area , for the new fitting . they work very well . can you post a photo of the damage on your trans ?