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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Posts: 551
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Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
Put in my new Champion (MC369) radiator a few months back and has been cooling and running great but my new transmission cooler lines were too close to my vintage air pulley and decided to pull them out to "bend" the lines a little bit. Un did the top cooler line to bend it and when I went to put it back into the radiator it stripped out the threads on the radiator. Sheared off that cheap lightweight alluminum like it was plastic.... Pulled out the radiator today and is almost smooth in there!... anyways...anyone use a helicoil or something to fix the problem without buying another radiator.
Also, if I do indeed need another one... Such thing as brass fittings where the lines go into the radiator instead of just alluminum? Thanks for reading guys.
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Weev- Life's tough...... It's even tougher when your stupid - John Wayne |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: livingston co.mi
Posts: 2,457
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
you could just use a aux trans cooler
i dont think there is a fix for a flair fitting in your case
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California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Los Angeles California
Posts: 352
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
Standard thread size on a trans line radiator seems to be 5/16 inverted flare, -5 AN.
You may try and run a 5/16 -5 AN tap into it to clean up the threads.. If that won't give you enough thread to grab the line nut, tap the radiator with the next size up bottoming tap, -6 AN and get/make yourself an adapter.. Here's a good place to start for an adapter fitting, they may be able to suggest a fitting and tap you can use. http://www.summitracing.com/search/d...apter-fittings J.
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1972 Custom Deluxe Highlander C20 1971 Javelin SST New Project 1971 Demon 340 1969 SS El Camino 1968 SS RS 396 Camaro 1967 Barracuda Formula S 1965 140/4sp Corvair Monza Convertible Sorry, but I don't do Fords. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 2,151
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
Take it to a radiator shop and have them swap the cooler out.
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'83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project |
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#5 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tucson
Posts: 2,183
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Aledo, Texas
Posts: 803
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
Same thing happened to my champion,just run an external cooler.
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84 step side 87 swb |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: error 404 location not found
Posts: 816
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
You shouldnt just run a tranny cooler alone, get it fixed at a rad shop.
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1995 s10 blazer 4.3 1967 c10 350/350 fleet short 1993 s10 blazer 4.3l 4l60 RIP 6/20/14 2000 mercury sable Thats a how I roll |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: livingston co.mi
Posts: 2,457
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
I may be wrong but i have been told that an external cooler will take more heat out of your trans (if it is the rite size)
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California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 350
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
If you're going to use an auxiliary trans cooler- go big or multiple, and use a thermostat In the line- the radiator helps maintain a consistent temperature (helps with operation and efficiency), an external cooler may not have as good a heat transfer ability, and external temps can affect the fluid temp.
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If 'that which does not kill me, makes me stronger', then I should be Superman by now! |
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#10 | |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,006
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
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1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Aledo, Texas
Posts: 803
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
I've had no problems with mine in the Texas heat.
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84 step side 87 swb |
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 2,151
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
Quote:
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'83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: graham,tx
Posts: 344
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
Did the same thing, pain in the butt, but can be fixed. Get new bung and had a welder put it in. I think I was out 60 dollars.
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Posts: 551
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
Really appreciate all the replies! Going to call around for a few welding shops and see what they say. I called a few old school radiator shops and they told me I was S.O.L. But I think they were just trying to sell me a new one.
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Weev- Life's tough...... It's even tougher when your stupid - John Wayne |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 144
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
The last time I messed with a auto transmission, I used a Summit Racing tranny cooler alone and it ran cool. Install a temp gauge, then you'll know if everything is working correctly.
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#16 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Chandler AZ
Posts: 1,149
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
warranty???
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1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 |
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#17 |
RAT1968 '68 Cab/'71 Parts
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Coarsegold, CA
Posts: 2,375
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
I have the same brand radiator. I'm happy with it.
Except.....The trans cooler circuit had a leak. I didn't blame Champion...Maybe I tweeked it on assy. I don't think so, though. But, that and the others' responses suggest that there may be a weakness in this otherwise good product (the Champions). Since I didn't want to take the out radiator, electric fans (3), and condenser , I just bought what was supposed to be a good trans cooler and plumbed it with big, fat lines. Other responders know more than I do. But I've run external coolers on everything. And, I live in what is sometimes 100 + degree heat most of the summer months....But that's just me. I don't drive a lot. And I watch the levels and temps over all...so......???? Here it is just back from paint (bumper's off and the pinstripe is P-Shop..best pic I had of the cooler)
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M17 Coarsegold, CA RAT's shiny now. But always a rat. |
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#18 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: NH
Posts: 280
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
I just installed a Champion radiator today and same thing happened. I installed the trans lines and thought I had them tight enough. Started it up and they started leaking. Put a wrench on them to tighten them up and they are just spinning now and not getting tight. A buddy gave me a new trans cooler he had laying around so I guess Ill install it and bypass the radiator. I wont be driving the truck in the winter so I dont anticipate any problems. They seller told me I could send it back for an exchange but this is the second radiator as the first one didn't fit. And I have this one all filled with new coolant and mounted up. Its always one thing after another.
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Irondale, Missouri.
Posts: 196
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
I have a trans cooler on my 68 chevelle do to the one in the rad stripped out and lived in Vegas for 18 years before moving to the show me state and it is still doing just fine.
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#20 |
blood type; Retumbo
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: next to my reloading bench
Posts: 10,269
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
I've never heard of "champion" radiators. Is that a local brand?
Mine has an external only. Actually a large one of stacked plate design not the snaking tube type. It's worked very good for many, many years of hard work
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Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card |
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#21 | |
RAT1968 '68 Cab/'71 Parts
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Coarsegold, CA
Posts: 2,375
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
Quote:
http://tinyurl.com/m3gyvd4
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M17 Coarsegold, CA RAT's shiny now. But always a rat. |
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#22 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 1,397
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
Is it possibly to drill out the fittings for 1/4" NPT pipe threads? Then possibly buy adapter fittings to go back to your trans cooler size fittings?
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#23 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Henderson, NV
Posts: 304
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
I just stripped the threads on my new champion ! Do they make an aluminum fitting that could be welded in? Don't think there is enough room to tap it
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: republic, mo
Posts: 57
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
I bought a champion radiator 2 row about a year and a half ago and the same thing happened to me the threads came out from the where the trans cooling lines hook up. I called the company that sells them for champion radiators and they said they will fix it I just have to pay for shipping to them which I am willing to do. anyone with a champion radiator that has problems with them might just want to try to get them warranty out.
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#25 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Glendale, Arizna
Posts: 1,642
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Re: Stripped out tranny cooler lines in new rad... :(
Quote:
I like that idea, the pipe fittings would not tend to strip as they tighten as you tighten them. Hmm....what about the fittings on the trans cases themselves? Research indicates TH350 are usually a female 1/4"-18 NPSM (National Pipe Straight Mechanical (NPSM)). Research indicates that a 1/4"-18 NPT tap can be used, but care to be taken to thread it deep enough and not overtighten/crack part you are putting it in; you would use double wrenches to not back it out of the radiator tank. I'd install these and use JB weld on the threads then you would have a permanent brass fitting to screw the lines in like the brass radiators had. Don't forget to clean all the metal chips out of the cooler if you do a repair like this. Last edited by mechanicalman; 02-06-2015 at 02:59 AM. Reason: Don't forget LOL |
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