The lower transmission line going to the bottom of the radiator is rusted. I have been soaking it with penetrating oil, but so far it does not want to come loose. Afraid to put too much pressure on it and damage the radiator. Any tricks on getting it loose? Looks like it would be a little easier if I could get the radiator out of the car, but I cant do that with the line connected. Help Please.

Jack

quote Originally posted by J Gunsett: The lower transmission line going to the bottom of the radiator is rusted. I have been soaking it with penetrating oil, but so far it does not want to come loose. Afraid to put too much pressure on it and damage the radiator. Any tricks on getting it loose? Looks like it would be a little easier if I could get the radiator out of the car, but I cant do that with the line connected. Help Please. Jack

trans cooling lines can be a ***** , PB Blaster is my favorite penatrant. try spraying and tap the nut then spray and tap again, then try to loosen it. if that doesnt work spray again and tap, repeat for a couple of days. as a last resort cut the coolant line and remove radiater, then lay the radiater on work bench or floor and repeat spray and tap until it comes loose. trans coolant lines are low pressure and a comprestion fitting will work. but flairing both ends of the cut and a peace of rubber fuel line will work with small hose clamps works well to.

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technology is great when it works
and one big pain in the ass when it doesnt.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

cut thru the line, leaving about 1" of the line on, without smashing it down, then use a deepwell socket to get the fitting off. then use a rubber hose, clamped with hose clamps when done doing what you're doing. the rubber lines will hold - thats whats used in the back also. its not high pressure like a brake line is.

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1985 Fiero SE - Plain Red V6 Coupe
3.1 Crane272 MSD 4.10-4spd DarthChip Borla
D.A.M.M. - Drunks Against Mad Mothers

I just got my new transmission cooling lines from the Fiero Store on Thursday. The mechanics at work told me to use line wrenches on the fitting, distributes pressure evenly, won't strip off. My back is fried from a bad lifting accident, barely walking, but I went out to my car and looked for you anyways. The problem looks like there is no way to back up the torque as you twist the line nut off. I'm planning on taking some heat to the surrounding area around the line nut (CAREFULLY), and if that doesn't work then I was planning on cutting the trans line off so I could take a 13MM deep well socket to it while alternating tapping on it for shock value. This was my thoughts but I am going to see what other ideas the fellow members chime in here with.

Thanks for all the good info. I think I will cut the line off so I can get the radiator out of the car and do the soak and tap thing. The top line came loose quickly. I am afraid to put heat to it as the end pieces of the radiator look to be made of a composit material. I tried the line wrench and that just rounded the corners off the nut, I will try a 6 point socket and if that does not work I will go for the vice grips. I do have new lines to replace to old one with. I did not drain the oil out of the transmission, does much oil come out when the bottom line is remived or cut off?

Jack

Wait!!!

Before you cut the line off... If the car will still run, get the trans and rad hot. Then Apply your penetrating oil. Keep putting just a tiny bit at a time on it while the radiator cools. This can help draw the oil into the joint deeper.

You may still have to cut it and do as above... Use a 6 point socket or you'll probably strip it.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurasic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top of every forum page...)

Theogre, never thought of that, great suggestion. The car is up on jack stands and the coolant is drained.

Jack