69 396 w/ coolant leak and tranny problem?

[Longhorn Paul]

Note: I am NOT a gear head but I'm trying to learn. Looks like I found my first opportunity.

Brand new owner - 5 days w/ the truck. Yesterday she blew off the lower hose that connects the transmission radiator(I think that's what it is) to the tranny and dropped about 5 qts of fluid. Wasn't able to get it completely tight heading out this morning to see if I can get her snug w/ the right tools this time. It was stone cold when it happened and I didn't get far. She seems to be driving alright now but I need to stop the leak.

Noticed there was coolant ON TOP of the engine block. Seems to be coming from this piece. What is this and how hard is it to replace?



Finally - I decided to double check the radiator (in light of this) and there isn't any coolant showing when I opened up the cap this morning. IOW, I look into the rad and can't see any coolant at all. Should I be able to? The expansion tank is completely empty.

Could use some advice / help please.

Paul

[JimKshortstep4x4]

The water outlet piece that is leaking is called a thermostat housing. The one you have is an aftermarket piece and they don't seem to hold up very well. I would suggest getting an original style housing as they seem to last forever. The original one was made of aluminum and a good used one will work if a new one cannot be located.

Jim

[Shyguy]

The coolant leak seems to be an easy fix once you get the new part. In the picture it looks like there is a crack in the water outlet housing to the radiator.

Take the old one off and go to a parts store and they should be able to get you one that will work.

I know very little about automatic transmissions on these old truck, but on my '92 there is an o-ring on the line that goes to the radiator. Some one should be able to answer your question though.

Danny - Sotheast Missouri

[Andy4639]

You need a new water neck. The aftermarket chrome ones are cheap-o's and don't hold up very well. Buy a factory one it will last forever if it's a good one. The level on these trucks is about a 1" from the bottom of the cap without a recovery tank. If the recovery tank is empty and you can't see any in the radiator don't drive it until you get some in it. If you have a recovery tank you need to fill the radiator full and add a small amount into the recovery tank.

For the transmission coolier inside the radiator if the level is as low as you said it probably blew off the line form getting to hot. Some people just slip the hose over a smooth peice of tubing and it will slip right off once it get's hot. You need the barbed fittings to attach the hose with so it will stay put once you fire it up.