Slow ATF leak at radiator trans cooler

[Drake57]

bugs me, radiator tank on cooler side is soaked with ATF,and I get a few drops on garage floor, and also on the earth. I've snugged hose clamps, it seems as though leak is where cooler fitting meets tank.

On my 92, cooler fittings are a couple of metal tubes protruding from a plastic radiator tank, with a nut where tubes meet tank.

Does anyone know what the sealing element is in this stackup? May the tubes be unthreaded from the tank?

I guess the other thing I'd guess is that the metal part of trans cooler inside tank is fastened with the external fittings.

I'd like to fix it, has anyone successfully dispatched same trouble?

Thanks!

[qship96]

Easiest to just replace the radiator.....which is a great thing to do if it is older anyway.I bought a CSF brand metal/plastic model for around $100 and when I got rid of the Q,that radiator was operating like new after 8+ years and 150,000 miles of use.

[Skibane]

Yep - Unless that radiator was previously replaced, it's now around 24 years old - Almost a quarter century!

Plastic doesn't keep its original strength forever. Even if you fix your ATF leak, you could be looking at another leak not too far in the future.

Replace it!

[Q451990]

Another option is to bypass the factory cooler and install an aftermarket auxiliary cooler.

[OwnerCS]

Another option is to bypass the factory cooler and install an aftermarket auxiliary cooler.

+1

ATF and coolant mixed is dangerous combination for a transmission.

You don't want to learn about the Strawberry Milkshake of Death (SMOD) through first hand experience.

It ain't pretty.