Problem Installing Trans Cooler

[richbob]

I read all the threads I could find on this topic, l looked at all the pictures, and thought I knew exactly what to do. Then, when I removed the coverings from under the engine, to put the new hose ends on the metal ones coming from the transmission, I found that the connections are directly over a frame member, leaving very little room to attach the new hose, and no room to attach and tighten the screw-type hose clamps.

As I see it, there are two ways to go; either cut into the hose further out from the frame, and splice in the new hose, using some kind of hose-to-hose connector; or disconnect the hose from the metal, and use the kind of hose clamps that are on there now - the kind you just squeeze together to expand, slip it on the hose, then let it go.

Suggestions?

And, I'm a little surprised, with the excellent DIY writeups, that this hasn't come up - or, did I just miss it?

 

[kball]

There have been lots of complaints about the tight squeeze in there. I cut the old hoses off at those metal tube ends and put the new hose on. It was a chore to do no doubt but I wanted all new hose. Leaving 14 year old rubber on there was not going to happen.

I put the screw type clamp on using a 1/4" ratchet and socket.

 

[vthokie]

I also went with all new hose. It is a tight area to work in, but it can be done. The hardest part for me was getting the hoses off, getting the new ones back on really wasnt that bad. I also used the screw type clamps. Just take your time and you will be fine.

 

[richbob]

I agree...

...leaving the old rubber on there is not really a good idea. I didn't think about using a small ratchet on the clamp: my mechanical abilities are, I'm afraid, sorely lacking.

Thanks. I'll give that a try.

 

[t4r4life]

i just cut the old ones

 

[quicksilvr]

I read all the threads I could find on this topic, l looked at all the pictures, and thought I knew exactly what to do. Then, when I removed the coverings from under the engine, to put the new hose ends on the metal ones coming from the transmission, I found that the connections are directly over a frame member, leaving very little room to attach the new hose, and no room to attach and tighten the screw-type hose clamps.

As I see it, there are two ways to go; either cut into the hose further out from the frame, and splice in the new hose, using some kind of hose-to-hose connector; or disconnect the hose from the metal, and use the kind of hose clamps that are on there now - the kind you just squeeze together to expand, slip it on the hose, then let it go.

Suggestions?

And, I'm a little surprised, with the excellent DIY writeups, that this hasn't come up - or, did I just miss it?

After doing this job 3 times, these are my suggestions:

1) wear a pair of mechanics gloves
2) put a brand new razor blade into your knife and cut the old rubber by digging the blade down against the metal tube and cutting parallel to the tube.
3) twist/yank/pull the old hoses...even though they are cut, they're still a pain.
4) use a 1/4 drive ratchet and extention to tighten your new small hose clamps. And be careful not to overtighten. It doesn't take much! Just make them snug. I overtightened the first one I did, and it seeped fluid very very slowly because I actualy pierced the hose with the clamp.