Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) transmission line

[ddmk6]

Hello All,



I was wondering if anyone besides me is having this problem. Since I have had my transmission built, I have gone through 3 factory hard lines #@$%! The line in question is the one that runs from the driver side of the case, across & up to the heat exchanger under the exhaust manifold. (Dodge calls it a intercooler). I have blown this line out 3 times while pulling my 5ver. The folks where I had the transmission built ( very good people) have never experienced this. Twice it has blown at the double flare where it connects to the heat exchanger, and once at one of the bends. Where ever the weakest spot is I would assume. I do not know how much pressure is supposed to be on this line, but I wouldn't think it would be enough to have a blow out.



Anyone have any ideas??



Thanks

 

[CanadianCarGuy]

Too much pressure in your transmission maybe??

 

[B.G. Smith]

More than likely a harmonic vibration in the line, need to support it somewhere in the middle. bg

 

[Nate]

Do you have the clips that hold the lines together and prevents them from rubbing each other?

 

[ddmk6]

Do you have the clips that hold the lines together and prevents them from rubbing each other?

Yeah all of the clips are there. This only happens when I pull the 5ver. I have replaced the line and drove quite a few miles with no problems, then hook up to the 5ver and not make it 200 miles. The last time I replaced the line right before pulling, didn't make it 180 miles. I had a hydraulic hose made up to swap it out. I think the hose fittings are restricting flow though, it runs warmer with the hose installed. Can't blow that out though



I bent up a stainless line to replace it. I was going to use swagelok fittings to hook it up until I discovered that the fitting coming out of the exchanger is a check ball. Can't find the fittings to make it work.



Anyone know where to get stainless lines, or fittings that would work for this application?



Thanks

 

[rweis]

Call DTT.



I have a DTT and replaced the fittings in the heat exchanger to full flow (ie no drain back check valve). Do you have 2 drain back check valves? Should only have 1 at the most.



I took mine out because it restricts the flow by 50%. The down side is you have to wait 20 seconds after start BEFORE puting the transmission in gear to be sure the T/C is full of fluid.



I get in, crank her up, adjust the seat, put my seat belt on, check behind me and 20 second have elapsed and ready to go.



I also tow heavy 13k 5er and never had a problem. I do have an aux transmission cooler mainly when backing up.



Bob Weis

 

[ddmk6]

I'll check it out Bob, Thanks I know I have one check ball. I have not had any problems with the other line, so I haven't taken it apart. I don't know of any reason for 2 tho.

Thanks again for the info

 

[rweis]

There is 1 check valve in the body of the water heat exchanger. Then, there are some of the rubber flexible connect hoses that also have a check valve mounted in them. That's how you could get 2 check valves. Not a good idea to have 2.



Bob Weis

 

[ddmk6]

There is 1 check valve in the body of the water heat exchanger. Then, there are some of the rubber flexible connect hoses that also have a check valve mounted in them. That's how you could get 2 check valves. Not a good idea to have 2.



Bob Weis

Thanks for the info Bob. I am assuming since you have eliminated the check ball all together you haven't heard of any adverse effects to the T/C caused by this. I have the fittings necessary to do this but wasn't sure if I should get rid of the check. When I originally bent the stainless tubing I was going to swap out the fittings until I noticed the check.



Did you have to do anything else to the system along with removing the check??



Thanks again,



Ken

 

[rweis]

No nothing else, just took out the check valves.



You do have to wait about 20 seconds to be sure the T/C is filled and the transmission pump pressures are up befre you put it in gear.



I looked at the check valve and can easily see where it would restrict fluid flow was the primary reason I removed mine.



I also have a aux transmission cooler under the bed. Never had a problem in 65k miles. Bill K did say DO NOT remove the water heat exchanager and was emphatic about that. Also NO external transmission filters because he wants you inside the transmission every 12k miles to adjust the bands and look at the pan and wipe the pan out etc. He said with an external transmission filter you tend to not drop the pan as often as you should and do the visual checks and band adjustments.



Makes sense to me.



Bob Weis