Just replaced one of the high $$$ trans cooler lines on my truck and now have a leak, which sucks because it just looked like it was going to fail before. Thinking I must have nicked the O-ring on install, I carefully removed the line to check on its' condition, which (of course) was perfect. The metal cooler line also appears to be in good condition, so I'm currently at a loss. Any words of advice here? Thanks.

 

Where is the leak?

 

Sorry, that would have been useful info. It's dripping where the flex line (from front mounted cooler) snaps onto the hard line (just under the harmonic balancer, running along the side of the block). A fairly steady drip when the truck's in gear.

 

The line I used replaced went from the heat exchanger on the right side of the block to the driver's side of the transmission, and had a sensor port already built in.
It was for A pre-94 auto trans.

I'm not sure which line you used.
Is the leak around the fitting, or could the line possibly be damaged?

 

On my '99, the lines to the remote trans cooler run down the driver's side of the block. The leak is coming from that fancy, push-on fitting (I really miss hose clamps) that's on the end of the flex hose. The male end of the hard line looks fine, but there may be a small scratch just where the O-ring contacts the steel line, thus allowing the leak. I'm considering putting a very thin coat of JB Weld on the outside of that line in hopes of filling any small scratch that may be there. We shall see...

 

Still no luck. Since the truck is new to me, I have no idea what may have happened to that hard trans line in the past. It looks and feels just fine, but when you put it in gear the fluid starts leaking past the O-ring in the snap fitting. Short of replacing the hard line, what options do I have? I'm currently searching the forums ( ) if someone could direct me to a useful link. Thanks.

 

the lines are cheap from rockauto.com, dealer has them for much more.

 

Thanks for the advice, but the problem appears to be in the hard line, not the flex line (which is brand new). I'm beginning to suspect that there's a hidden crack in the 'crimp' at the end of the hard line.

 

Well, it turns out the end of the hard line did have a crack in the crimp. For the time being I've cut that piece off and dual clamped a piece of hydraulic hose to the hard line. I attempted to find a compression fitting/hose barb combo, but was not able to find the correct CF for the 1/2" line. Any suggestions? All the stuff I found (Lowes, hardware store) was the wrong size.

 

i know what u are goin through. the compression fitting is availiable. i have one on my truck. it has worked fine for a year and a half. just don't quite remember where i got it

 

What amazes me is how much time (money) has been spent (wasted) trying to fix something so incredibly simple! Thanks Dodge...

 

Whats wrong with leaving the hose with double hose clamps on, If it works, it is a simple fix. Those fancy quick connect couplings have a habit of leaking. but Dodge stays with them.

 

From an engineering standpoint it's not all that sound if there's not a raised area on the hard line to act as a 'barb' of sorts. If I don't find the correct compression fitting soon, I'll just put a small flare on the end of the line, reattach the clamps and call it a day.

 

Hi gator grabber, hey I have the exact same problem with my Trans Cooler lines that you have or had. My question is , were you able to fix the problem or did you just have to replace the metel line?