Water Leak

[nitedmn]

I have a '92 Ford Explorer and for the past several months the radiator has been leaking where the transmission line enters the radiator. It started as just a slow leak that was more of a pain then a problem (just had to keep the coolant topped off) but now it's at the point where the water drains out almost as fast as I pour it in.<br /><br />I've disconnected this line and I'm unable to find any type of gasget on the fitting. How does this hole get sealed up?

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Water Leak

Transmission line leaking at the seal should be leaking transmission fluid, not coolant. So if you're losing coolant, the seal at this fitting is not your problem.<br /><br />I'd guess you have a crack/rust/bad fitting and simply need to replace your radiator. Probably $150 brand new at Autozone.

 

[nitedmn]

Re: Water Leak

Unless I'm looking at it wrong the transmission line goes into a hole in the top of the radiator and the exits through a hole in the buttom. I'm guessing there is coil of line inside the radiator.<br /><br />I'm not sure how to describe this but here goes. The tranny line sticks out of the hole in the top of the radiator. When everything is disconnected this line is loose in the radiator and can be freely moved. There is a large nut the screws onto the outside of this fitting which should pull it tight against the inside of the radiator. The line from the transmission then connects to this fitting. <br /><br />My guess is that there should be some kind of gasget that seals this line to the inside of the radiator but I don't see any. I guess the other possibility is that this line should be attached to the radiator and is broken (although I don't see anything that would indicate the plastic broke) in which case I would have to replace the radiator.

 

[rwise]

Re: Water Leak

mine (on my dodge) is welded (soldered) in place.

 

[nitedmn]

Re: Water Leak

I guess I could disconnect the line on the bottom of the radiator and see how it's connected. I just don't want to drain the radiator unless I have to.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Water Leak

Good description, I can picture what you're describing. But I've never seen the tranny cooler line flop loose at the nipple on radiator like that, sounds to me like it's broken. Still thinking you probably need a new radiator unless you can find an old-fashioned radiator repair shop to re-attach it properly.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Water Leak

No gasket, you have a bad radiator, its just like my Ranger.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Water Leak

Ditto on the bad radiator. Replacing it is a lot cheaper than replacing an engine. (Easier too!)