New Radiator Help

ttwiss · #1 03-18-2006, 05:26 PM

I am replacing my radiator on a 94 4.3L that has 208k miles. When I reattach all of the hoses and lines and then start the engine, it leaks pretty steady from the lower transmission line on the passenger side.

I need some help figuring out what is causing this to leak. I didn't strip the threads either.

Anyone? Thanks.

Markgc · #2 03-18-2006, 06:24 PM

I don't what your fittings are - I am sure someone here will know more but is there a washer or o ring missing. Look in the fittings of the old radiator and see if a seal or o-ring was left behind in there. If it is a threaded fitting does it use a taper seal or are you supposed to use thread tape.

Hope this gives you a few things to think about.

Mark

ttwiss · #3 03-19-2006, 09:47 PM

I figured out a way to fix the problem. It is a threaded fitting, and I just put some gasket sealant/ liquid sealant on the threads and tightened it up. Waited about 15 minutes to let it set up and tried it again. No leaks at all now.

Thanks for the help.

Rmbodie · #4 03-20-2006, 06:15 AM

I hope that will hold for awhile , But keep an eye on it . Mine did not last long , most sealants are not ment for heat , temp and fluid pressure .
I think they are shaped by the first radiator fitting and the replacement is not a perfect fit .
I had to put an oring in mine after first attempts . 2 years now and no leak . Rob

Markgc · #5 03-20-2006, 08:38 AM

I would get the right o-ring parts and then fix the fitting properly. It is so much easier to do the job at home than on the side of the road - don't ask me how I know LOL

ttwiss · #6 03-22-2006, 04:30 AM

Yeah, I'll have to find an o-ring to fit this and get a better seal. I'd rather not have to figure it out on the side of the road.

SultanGris · #7 03-22-2006, 09:24 AM

you should also use thread tape on the fittings, wrapping it in such a fashion that when you tighten it up it wont unwind the tape.

Rmbodie · #8 03-23-2006, 01:25 AM

I have to disagree with the thread tape ideas . If yours has a flange nut as mine did . the radiator has a small nipple in the center of the fitting and the line is flared out with a nut that can spin freely behind it . Which means if you put thread tape on the outside , the inner part of the nut will still leak because you can't tightened it down firm enough with tape on it . Rob

BlazerLT · #9 03-23-2006, 12:18 PM

Nothing wrong with using thread tape on the connection.

blazes9395 · #10 03-24-2006, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rmbodie

I have to disagree with the thread tape ideas . If yours has a flange nut as mine did . the radiator has a small nipple in the center of the fitting and the line is flared out with a nut that can spin freely behind it . Which means if you put thread tape on the outside , the inner part of the nut will still leak because you can't tightened it down firm enough with tape on it . Rob

I agree threaded tape will not work in this situation. Just like Rmbodie said the flare is where the sealing occurs, not at the threads. Also be careful where you put threaded tape. Make sure you don't leave strands of tape, because if it gets inside an engine, or the transmission, it can cause damage.

Cloud Strife · #11 03-24-2006, 10:17 PM

At what degree would the thread tape start to dissolve? or would it be okay at the temps that the transmission fluid would be running at....

blazes9395 · #12 03-24-2006, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud Strife

At what degree would the thread tape start to dissolve? or would it be okay at the temps that the transmission fluid would be running at....

Teflon/thread tape doesn't dissolve. It would have no problems at temps the transmission fluid is running at - just don't get it inside the transmission.

SultanGris · #13 03-25-2006, 07:50 PM

well, think what you want, ive used thread tape exactly for that many times with no problems, when you tighten the nut, it holds your flanged end in tight, and it wont leak.

BlazerLT · #14 03-25-2006, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SultanGris

well, think what you want, ive used thread tape exactly for that many times with no problems, when you tighten the nut, it holds your flanged end in tight, and it wont leak.

You did nothing wrong, as long as the tape was not exposed to any portion where it comes in contact with the fluid you will have no problem.

Hell, they say you use it on the knock sensors when replacing them and it hasn't been a problem there.

The threaded portion never comes in contact with the fluid so I have no idea why people are saying it can get into the tranny.

blazes9395 · #15 03-26-2006, 03:41 PM

"people" are not implying it IS getting in the tranny, or anywhere else for that matter. I have used, and will continue to use teflon tape - I have no problems with using it. Read what I said, before you accuse me of "implying" anything.

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