Trans Cooler Line Kinked

[BigBrakeFuelie]

I had the chance to stand under my Vette for the first time since I bought it last June.I saw something I didn`t want to see.The metal line going from the trans is kinked and taking a hard upper right route to the radiator.First off shouldn`t it go along the block to the radiator?Secondly the flow has got to be restricted.My fluid still red at this point.Not burnt yet.What other problems will this cause?
Also I noticed that the gas lines are outside the frame.Their running up inside the wheelwell.That has to be wrong.A body shop probably did that one.Kinda scary.
any insights?:eek

 

[page62]

Bubba wuz here!

With regards to the tranny lines, the cheapest fix is to remove the kinked section and replace it with rubber tranny hose. Make sure you get the right stuff!

Or you can take it to a tranny shop and have them replace the lines. Depends on your budget.

The tranny lines do indeed go to the right-hand side of the radiator. And one of the lines goes up to the top. Normally, this is a rubber section of hose.

 

[Jack]

I had the chance to stand under my Vette for the first time since I bought it last June.I saw something I didn`t want to see.The metal line going from the trans is kinked and taking a hard upper right route to the radiator.First off shouldn`t it go along the block to the radiator?Secondly the flow has got to be restricted.My fluid still red at this point.Not burnt yet.What other problems will this cause?
Also I noticed that the gas lines are outside the frame.Their running up inside the wheelwell.That has to be wrong.A body shop probably did that one.Kinda scary.
any insights?:eek

Dunno about an 80 ... but if it's truly kinked that section should be replaced. Kinks can become cracks. Restricted flow can starve trans ... can lead to poor shifts ... or worse (burnt disks). Sound like you caught it in time ... fix the kinks and enjoy.
JACK:gap

 

[GWHITE75]

Hydraulic hose would be an easy remedy, but I was once told that you want to minimize the amount of rubber hose in the system, due to the restrictive nature of the hose, as well as the exposure of the outside surface to the prolonged higher heat in the engine compartment. My question was that add on transmission coolers kits come with the rubber hose. The question was never answered.

If you have the tools and are capable, you can still buy the bendable steel hose at some auto stores in various lengths. I use it to make a set for my vehicle, when I went to an automatic tranny.

I think that all fuel lines used to run inside the frame and rubber-hosed over to the fuel pump. If yours is outside and through the fender well, it is possible that someone got real creative. Does it run all the way to the back on the outside of the frame? What size and type of line is it? Aluminum, steel or rubber? Also, did they separate the lines with spacers and secure them? You don't want them rubbing together.

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

Hydraulic hose would be an easy remedy, but I was once told that you want to minimize the amount of rubber hose in the system, due to the restrictive nature of the hose, as well as the exposure of the outside surface to the prolonged higher heat in the engine compartment. My question was that add on transmission coolers kits come with the rubber hose. The question was never answered.

If you have the tools and are capable, you can still buy the bendable steel hose at some auto stores in various lengths. I use it to make a set for my vehicle, when I went to an automatic tranny.

I think that all fuel lines used to run inside the frame and rubber-hosed over to the fuel pump. If yours is outside and through the fender well, it is possible that someone got real creative. Does it run all the way to the back on the outside of the frame? What size and type of line is it? Aluminum, steel or rubber? Also, did they separate the lines with spacers and secure them? You don't want them rubbing together.

Their Rubber.Yes they are secured.The tire gets pretty close to it at full turn.Probably not a major hazard but I`m gonna change it back the way it was supposed to be just for peice of mind.
As far as the trans line.It`s kinked back near the tranny.I don`t know if rubber would work there?

 

[GWHITE75]

I believe you are making the right decision on the fuel line. It will be a little involved, but you will eliminate one area of the car that could cause devastating consequences, if it fails. Also, with that length of tubing, you are facing higher restrictive forces than you would have with steel.

You will be okay if you cut out the kink and put rubber hydraulic hose in its place. You just need to make sure you clean out the lines and properly swedge the ends, so the hose will hold properly, after you make the cut.

I had two 2" pieces of hydraulic hose on both of my lines about 4" from the transmission. It made it very easier to install and remove transmissons, without harming the tubes or the flare nuts. Of course, you need the proper flare, cut and swedging tools to do it.

For you, it might just be better to get another line and replace the whole thing.