I am losing coolant right where the upper tranny line comes out of the radiator. Is there a way to repair it or is the radiator trash. Also how does the cooler seal both to the radiator and to the steel stub that comes out of the radiator? Any help would be appreciated.

 

The brass thread that the brass jam nut threads to is stripped. I'm in the same boat as you. You could either take it to a rad shop and have then retap it and install a new bolt or just buy a new rad at $120.

 

I dont think it's stripped as it tighens and does not continue to turn. But antifreeze is squirting out btween the steel line and the washer. How do the threads seal to the tranny cooler so antifreeze doesnt go in the tranny? And can I just loosen it gob rtv around it and retighten?

 

Theres a small cylinder that runs inside the rad that isolates the two fluids. Stripped threads is your problem. check both threads.

 

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So where is the cylinder? And why does this nut tighten? Not doubting just asking? And if I take this nut off will tranny fluid come out or just coolant? This is a v10 1998.

 

Cylinder is inside the radiator tank. The large nut you see, with the washer behind it is what holds everything in place (at that end), and also seals the radiator. You can try disconnecting the trans line, removing the nut and washer, and see if there isn't supposed to be some other flavor of gasket back there, but, I wouldn't hold out a lot of hope of being able to find a replacement.

If the nut tightens, and it still leaks, and the above check doesn't solve the issue, replace the radiator.

 

K thanks how do you get the tranny line disconnected? And will loosening the nut expose any potential for antifreeze to contaminate the tranny?

 

Need the special tool. You can pick 'em up at any parts store. The cheap plastic fellers work, but, not as well as they could. The single size metal ones are better, but a bit more pricey. Might be able to borrow/rent one too for that matter.

Anyway, the tool will wrap around the line, and have "ears" that insert into the fitting, push it ALL the way in, twist it around a couple times, hold it there, twist the fitting a couple times, push IN on the fitting, and then pull it off. Should come off fairly easily. Careful though, you WILL lose some fluid out of the line. Probably not a lot, just keep the end up.....

 

If the end of the fitting spins can I just loosen the nut without disconnecting the tranny line?

 

Probably. Having it out of the way would be easier. Give it a shot, and see how it goes. Worst case, if it doesn't work that way, grab the tool, and give it a go.