Transmission Cooler Leak @ Radiator

JoshBarber · 04-03-2006, 11:52 AM

ok, so after replacing the oil cooler lines, I degreased the undercarriage to watch for any possible leaks.

No signs of Oil Leaks at this time. WOOHOO! (its a bitch to get to that back oil line mount! was VERY worried it might leak again) Keep fingers crossed...

BUT!

Again, on the passenger side of the vehicle, topside of the cooler, I have transmission fluid seaping steadily from its cooler line down the radiator.
I have gone through TWO (2) radiators for this problem, thinking that it was the internal threads themselves that were leaking.
I thought I had solved it last time, but it's obvious its leaking again.
It's just a quick release at the end of the cooler line thats held into place by the snap ring around its nut.

Anyone have any pointers here?

SComp23 · 04-04-2006, 12:42 AM

You are definitely going to need to replace the tranny fluid, I hope no coolent got into the fluid

JoshBarber · 04-04-2006, 12:27 PM

no, it's leaking OUTSIDE the radiator.

83T/A98Blazer · 04-04-2006, 12:44 PM

I've never replaced one, but it sounds like the quick-connect is leaking. Did you try replaceing the seal? I don't know if it's an o-ring or other type of seal but there should be something there. Or maybe the plastic retainer clip, maybe it's not seating properly and needs to be replaced? Just a couple suggestions.

JoshBarber · 04-04-2006, 08:09 PM

like I said, Ive replaced the radiator TWICE because it was leaking from this same place, and the way the radiators for the 98Blazer are made, theres no way if the Internal nut was leaking, that it could be replaced or really fixed.

It IS from all that I can tell, the Quick Connect, as you mentioned. I've taken the plastic cover off, spring clip off, and reseated the tube more than once. Sometimes it seems like it helps, but it always starts leaking again.

Given the fact that it leaked through the original radiator, new radiator #1, and now new radiator #2, Im thinking it has to be something with the line. Not sure if it could be tension on the line pulling it off its sealing surface? Or an imperfection in the sealing flare or Oring (i.e. - knicks, or dents)

A new line, top or bottom, is only about $20 from Autozone, but it looks like it may be a HUGE job removing it from the trannsmission side. Anyone done this?

sock_s · 04-04-2006, 08:20 PM

I have had the same problem, but mostly with aftermarket radiators. The angle of the cooler line entering the top of the radiator is not 90 degrees. This prevents the quick connect to really seal with the raditor. Unfortuantely the clip does not put enough pressure on the connection to seal it. If anyones finds a remedy to this problem, I think we would all appreciate it.

JoshBarber · 04-04-2006, 09:06 PM

AHA! Im not the only one. Mine just continually seaps when the truck runs. WHAT to DO? Really dont want to replace a 4th radiator.

Mr. Smith · 04-05-2006, 12:23 AM

Look inside that fitting and see if there is an o-ring that needs replaced. Better yet go to the dealer and see the parts guy, they can do more that your local parts folks can. Reseating the tube will do nothing if the o-ring is cut.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshBarber

like I said, Ive replaced the radiator TWICE because it was leaking from this same place, and the way the radiators for the 98Blazer are made, theres no way if the nut was leaking, that it could be replaced or really fixed.

It IS from all that I can tell, the Quick Connect, as mentioned. I've taken the plastic clip off, spring clip off, and reseated the tube more than once. Sometimes it seems like it helps, but it always starts leaking again.

Given the fact that it leaked through the original radiator, new radiator #1, and now new radiator #2, Im thinking it has to be something with the line. Not sure if it could be tension on the line pulling it off its sealing surface? Or an imperfection in the sealing flare (i.e. - knicks, or dents)

A new line, top or bottom, is only about $20 from Autozone, but it looks like it may be a HUGE job removing it from the trannsmission side. Anyone done this?

SComp23 · 04-06-2006, 03:31 PM

Just go to Advance and buy a pressure tester. There is definitely a gasket on the manifold, it is relatively thin so you wouldn't see it hanging out of the engine

JoshBarber · 04-06-2006, 03:33 PM

we're talking about two different leaks here Scomp. This is RADIATOR leak not engine

JoshBarber · 04-12-2006, 02:47 PM

3 radiators later, I may have fixed this leak with a simple AutoZone random parts fix. I will report back in about a week (or before if I notice it continues to drip)....with a HOW TO (with photos)

I dont wanna curse it!

JoshBarber · 02-16-2007, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshBarber

3 radiators later, I may have fixed this leak with a simple AutoZone random parts fix. I will report back in about a week (or before if I notice it continues to drip)....with a HOW TO (with photos)

I dont wanna curse it!

A new o-ring does not solve the problem. Silicone however, does.

Southern Comfort · 02-16-2007, 04:59 PM

GM says the snap ring retainer is a one time use only, Try replacing the o-rings and the snap ring, that cured mine.
SC

ZL1power69 · 02-16-2007, 09:41 PM

good update on the problem but the thread's almost a year old. lets try not to bring back older threads.

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