leaky tranny cooler lines

[RobertN]

My tranny cooler lines still leak!

So my truck is stock '01 Dodge Ram2500 4x4, Cummins with an auto. The tranny cooler lines are hard piped(1/2" tube) from the transmission up to the front of the truck, just under the crankshaft damper/pulley. Then, there are quick disconnects, that go in to rubber hose. Those continue to the secondary cooler in front of the radiator. At the actual cooler, the hose slip on to hard pipe(1/2") and are held by hose clamps.

I had a leak at the quick disconnects. It had been happening for a while, but actually got bad this last week; it went from a little drip now and then to really leaking. So, I bought new ones, and new hose to go from the QC fitting to the actual cooler.

It still leaks at the quick disconnects... Just as bad as before.

The hard line from the tranny has a ridge about 1/4" from the end, that the quick disconnect "snaps" on to. I'm wondering if the actual hard pipe is worn too, and may be causing the leak...?

I do not see why I could not just ditch the quick disconnects, and use hose clamps to hold the rubber hosing directly to the hardline? After all, that is how it is attached to the actual cooler....

Anyone else dealt with this?

 

[RobertN]

This is the quick disconnect I used:

Dorman OE Solutions 800-717 - Trans. Line Conn. | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

[rjok]

We have a 1999 Dodge about the same as yours. We just replaced the couplers with hose by cutting the end from the transmission lines. When we had the transmission rebuilt due to the hard lines rusting thru the transmission shop said they do the same. Rick

 

[Diamondpilot]

This is a major issue with GM trucks with the allison tranny. What guys do to fix it once and for all is cut off the hard line square and either use compression fittings or braze on fittings then go to hydraulic hoses. Its the only way to fix it right and how it should have been done from the factory.

Chris

 

[RobertN]

Chris, what kind of compression fittings?

The hard line "looks" like it is in good condition at the ends. The "ridge" about 1/4" from the end "looks" good. It must be worn though from flexing and etc, at least enough for the QC not to seal.

I really don't want the rubber hose to come off while I'm 100's of miles from home, out pulling the 5th wheel, or while I am out in the boonies hunting.

 

[frischtr]

I suggest you search at www.cumminsforum.com if you haven't already done so.

 

[clemsonfor]

Not familiar, but why cant you cut it and use rubber trans cooler line? Is that line to small or something, you could always use hydraulic lines hose clamped on right?

As far as compression fittings hes talking an end like you would have on a brake line on one side and then a fitting and the ring that tightens onto it to seal it while you tighten it to a hydro line that you put in there. I know this makes no sense the way i described it but if you know what compression fittings are for anythining that you kind of have an idea.

 

[Egon]

Lots of different types of compression fittings that have the other end threaded. You will have a range choice from low pressure to serious high pressure.

Tube Fittings and Tube Adapters - Swagelok

Site showing some quality pressure fittings etc.

 

[Soundguy]

Chris, what kind of compression fittings?

.

different chris.. but..

they make a compression fitting for hy applications. I made up some comp to orb fittings for a tractor pow steer pump.. then unioned to hardline on tractor via comp fittings on hose.. the orb went into pump.

saved alot of work on new pre bent hardlines..

 

[RobertN]

After checking a couple local parts stores for compression and barb fittings, I went to a parts place that does everything from car stuff, to big rigs and tractors.

I had them make up a set of hoses with a compression fitting at one end.

I've run it in the driveway, topped off with fluid, and run thru the gears; no leaks.