My automatic transmission started pumping the fluid out. I was told that it was probably the cooling line that broke. How much of a job is it to replace the cooling line and is it rubber or metal? Thanks for any info. Fred.
If it's the same as on my '91 then there is a metal tube that goes into a rubber hose at the bottom of the radiator. It might just be leaking down there.
After looking at the cooling lines I have discovered that they go from metal tubing to rubber and then back to metal. One of the lines is leaking. I think it is the rubber part but I can't see it because it is under the fan shroud. Do you have to remove the fan to get to the line or is it just the shroud with the two bolts at the top that has to be removed? Thanks for any adivce. Fred.
I don't think you should have to remove the fan but the radiator is not all that difficult to remove. First you remove the air intake from the air cleaner and intake manifold, then the shroud (four screws I think). You can probably just push the shroud toward the fan to get it out of the way. At that point there are two radiator hoses and two trans cooling lines that would need to be disconnected (drain the radiator first, of course) and the trans lines capped or plugged to prevent dirt from getting in there. If you keep them raised they probably won't lose much fluid. I believe there are only two screws that actually hold the radiator on and they are at the top. The bottom fits snugly into rubber dampers.
But what I think you are talking about is a second transmission cooler that is mounted in front of the radiator. You will probably need to remove the radiator to get to it but you should be able to see if it's leaking by simply looking through the front grill. Perhaps you can get to it by removing the grill but I've not done that yet.
Also check for leaks at the vacuum cluster on the driver side of the intake manifold near the rear of the engine. If you have swollen or disconnected vacuum lines then that may indicate a problem with the transmission particulary the vacuum modulator. Before doing anything I suggest you find where it is leaking from. It also sounds like it would be worth the $12 or whatever to get a Hayne's or Chilton's manual. My Hayne's manual is pretty good with disassembly/assembly instructions: tells you just about everything and in some cases even which way to turn the wrench. I have never replaced a cooling line so someone else is gonna have to tell you that part but if it's just the rubber hose that's leaking then I'd just go to an auto parts store and tell them what it's for and get some more tubing. Maybe even snip off about 1/4 inch to take along. Maybe some new hose clamps would be in order too.
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