I installed a new radiator in my girlfriends 99 2.2L auto cavalier a few weeks ago. The lower transmission line is leaking a very small amount of tranny fluid (barely noticable even after driving a few weeks). With the old radiator the tranny lines ran straight to the radiator but with the new one from advance had some brass or copper adaptors that go into the radiator first then connect to the trans lines. Both fittings went in easily and are tightened fairly snug.
Im thinking of throwing a small amount of teflon tape on both of the threads but thought I would check on here and see if anyones had any better luck with another kind of liquid thread sealer?
Kinda scared to use teflon tape for fear of a piece breaking off and getting into the transmission.
I wish I would have went ahead and put some on both fittings before I put that radiator back in, oh well. I'll wrap some tape on both ends of it tommorow. Thanks for the help.
I do not disagree on the tape for sealing however.I always have used permatex's HI temp thread sealant liquid/putty like for ALL my sending units,and or fittings and this is SAFE to use with oil,gas,trans fluid, etc.Sold at auto zone,napa,advance etc comes in a big tube or small.Just place enough on the thread to have good coverage and it will never leak again.I have used this for years auto,heavy duty trucks and zero issues.Just clean the thread with brake cleaner for a clean surface so it adheres and not contaminted before.It last until you remove said item.Just my share and the tubes last a good while,and less hassle than the tape to wrap on and not mess it up.Ok
Teflon tape does not work for oil or hydrolic lines, same with compression fittings. You need thread sealant.
On the inside my car looks like a fighter jet.
I went to put some tape on it yesterday and noticed that adapter going into the radiator was somewhat loose and way to easy to break loose. I was positive that I had that thing pretty snug. anyways I just went ahead and put some tape on it, so far so good. If it leaks again I'll through some sealant on it. Thanks for the help.
ok so it looks like this thing may be leaking yet again. ( I keep noticing some kind of leak under cavalier) I have some newspaper up under the engine and radiator to see if I can find out if it is the line leaking again. So far I dont see anything that has dripped down from the line on the paper. I just touched the fitting while it was super hot and it kinda feels like it is kinda slick/really smooth but Im not entirely sure that its a leak.
If it is leaking yet again I'll try thread sealant instead. I do have one more question regarding this however. Just how tight are the fittings supposed to be on the aftermarket radiators? I was positive that it was pretty tight the first time but apperently is wasn't. I know this sounds like a stupid thing to ask.
It would help out alot if GM had designed these cars with dipsticks to check the fluid level.
From the 1999 J-Body service manual (the real one, from GM)
The torque for the line to radiator fittings is 20 lb/ft.
The torque for the nut that holds the metal bracket to the transmission is 16 lb/ft.
There is no mention of using any sealer, whatsoever. Also, check the lines where the metal crimp fittings meet the rubber. Those are the areas most prone to leaking/failure. If you replace the lines, lubricate the inside of the rubber seals (in the transmission) with ATF before you install the metal lines.
20 lb/ft, I didnt think it would be quite that much. Thanks man thats exactly what I needed to know.
Im hoping its not an issue with the line since it never leaked before I put the radiator in. I found out what I seen on ground was oil dripping. Im still not sure if its really leaking again tho, I cant feel anything with my hand under it but if I rub a paper towel on it I can see a slight red tint just barely tho, not enough to really be sure its leaking again. If it is leaking tho, its coming from the brass fitting meeting the radiator.
Next time I'll get a radiator for theses things from GM. I will take it off tomorow and put thread sealer on the brass and see what that does.
Another point to keep in mind, when you're tightening the fittings in the radiator keep the pipes steady, and watch that they have and 1-2" of clearance between them near the bottom. When they're too close they'll rub, accelerating the wear on the joints.
Rob Dotterer wrote:Teflon tape does not work for oil or hydrolic lines, same with compression fittings. You need thread sealant.
AGREED
PRND321 Till I DIE
Old Motor: 160whp & 152ft/lbs, 1/4 Mile 15.4 @88.2
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Yeah I put some thread sealant on it sunday and let it sit about a day before running it. Ive been real busy with work so I havent had time to check it any yesterday but Im hoping this will do the trick. I do not want to have to pull that radiator out of that car again any time soon.
