transmission cooler lines/connections Q's
hi.. i am posting this here since it is related to a drivetrain swap. i have a '13 4l60-E and looking into a finned cooler for it. i would like to know if the factory steel lines can connect to a aftermarket cooler & how this would be done?. i have seen/read alot of people do this, but the factory lines "look" like they are crimped for pressure. and not sure if doing "typical" an fittings to lines/cooler can "handle" the pressure :confused:? and will not leak? assuming the connections are correct.
thank you, :o |
Re: transmission cooler lines/connections Q's
I have my whole transmission lines done with 3/8 aluminum tube and AN fittings.
If you want to use the factory lines, coming off the transmission and adapter them to AN up near the front of the truck. I would stick with stainless steel compression fitting to AN adapters, since I believe the factory lines are steel and the typical aluminum AN fittings will probably not compress the steel tube with the ferule as well as they do aluminum lines. Something like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/185364203958 Another alternative would be to take your factory lines to a hydraulic shop and see if they can weld/braze AN fitting on the end where you need them. I MIGHT also trust a high quality Tube Nut and Sleeve like these: https://www.jegs.com/p/Earls/Earls-H...49390/10002/-1 To install those, you cut your line, slide the nut on, slide the sleeve on, flare the end of the tube to 37° and tighten onto a male AN fitting. But again, you are trying to squish steel with aluminum. I haven't tried it... |
Re: transmission cooler lines/connections Q's
On my LS swaps with 4l60E's I use -6 SS line from the trans to the trans cooler. I use the B&M stacked plate cooler that have inlet/outlet setup for -6/npt fitting. You can buy -6 adapters that fit into the trans. I've never had a failure.
If you still want to go with steel lines I would talk to a hydraulic shop in regards to compression fittings and -6 fittings. Just like high pressure hydraulic lines. |
Re: transmission cooler lines/connections Q's
thanks for the replies.. very helpful, my thought is lsshortbox, but, i currently have a plate type cooler with just the straight metal ends. I guess I am looking for how to attach the fluid lines to this actual trans. cooler? I have seen many with just the hoses connected via clamps, but the factory 4L60-E trans lines are steel(?) with rubber ends that have "pressure type" crimp ends, so this leads me to believe there is a pressure that needs to be accounted for?? :confused:
...my thought is to get some alum. straight line/PTFE line, bend/route as needed, attach with AN fittings or "redhorse" fittings or similar?... thanks!!;) |
Re: transmission cooler lines/connections Q's
Maybe bite the bullet and buy a new cooler with NPT fittings? You don't need to use PTFE -6. Regular -6 SS hose is fine pressure wise. I've used Russell, Earl's and Summit and again never a failure.
In lieu of a new cooler you could have -6 fittings tig welded on as said above. |
Re: transmission cooler lines/connections Q's
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My swap came from an '02 TransAm,
I used the factory steel lines up to the front of the oil pan and brazed on -6 AN fittings..... from there to the radiator with teflon braided hose, from the radiator to an auxiliary cooler and back with 3/8" aluminum lines. the line to the cooler comes out at the top of the radiator, the return comes out at the bottom and back to the transmission Attachment 2271987 painted all the lines black to help them disappear Attachment 2271988 Attachment 2271989 |
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Nonetheless that's how it's plumbed...obviously my description was a little confusing and the return line from the cooler going back to the transmission is hidden from view except at the very bottom of the radiator (the short black tube at the bottom under the braided fitting in the radiator) Thanks for looking at it that closely, and being willing to point out a possible mistake, guys like you are the ones who really make this site the best. a better picture…i took the radiator out so i can run all the wires up inside the core support Attachment 2272170 |
Re: transmission cooler lines/connections Q's
That's an interesting radiator. The core is cross flow but there are no coolant hoses on the drivers side tank?
What makes water flow through the core and not just through the end tank? |
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I had it running already about a year ago, at full operating temperature, I could lay my hand on it without getting burned… Attachment 2272239 |
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just make sure that's what yours has. finished all my plumbing and tightened it all down....fired it up Saturday...no leaks anywhere..:metal: Attachment 2277894 |
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