Fluid cooline line replacement issue

[Sabrewings]

I recently found that one of my transmission fluid cooling lines (going to the radiator) was leaking. Both parts were $37 shipped from a friend of mine at a GM dealer who looked the part up for me. So, I ordered both.

The one that was leaking (the one that goes vertically into the trans and into the lower part of the radiator) was replaced fine after I cussed out the designers at GM that thought these "quick connect" fittings would be better than a simple threaded fitting. Anyway, the other line (top of the radiator and goes horizontally into the trans) I'm having some issues with.

To put it simply, the beveled end is too long. Both new parts had a slightly longer beveled edge than the old lines. The first line was no issue since there appears to be no obstruction in the trans. The line I am having trouble with there is a lip inside the opening for the fitting. It hits the longer fitting on my new part and won't snap in to the retaining ring. The radiator ends work fine.

Here's a pic, to help visualize. The old line is on the left, new line is on the right.



Trannyman, have you ever seen this? Any ideas for a solution? The part numbers have been confirmed and triple checked. I have a 2004 Impala.

[Trannyman95]

Not sure what to tell you as to why it isnt fitting properly. I replaced the lines on an 04 Monte last year with new GM lines and they fit fine. Is there ANY possibilty that they list two different lines for the 04s? The fittings did slightly change in Jan 04 of production but was only the thread size in the case to my knowledge and shouldnt effect this. I have never really looked at the ends being longer or shorter as you are showing as I have never had a problem installing a new line. Are you putting some trans fluid on the end and making sure that it isnt just stuck going over the oring? I just checked a brand new fitting, the one that you are having trouble with, and it measures .500" from the top of the fitting to the part inside where the diameter is slightly smaller. The snap ring groove is about .100" below the top, so as long as the line past where the grove to catch the snap ring is measures less than .400" it should fit.

[Sabrewings]

The lack of tranny fluid wasn't a problem. It was everywhere...

I'll go measure tonight. I gotta get some rest. I'll also have my parts guy look and see if there is maybe another line for that year model. Mine was made in October of 2003, so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. What kinda bugs me is that there are some markings on the line (you can barely see it in the picture, near the tip) where you can see it was hitting something on the way in. Just at the edges of the opening in the line, there is a "ring" of scuff. So I'm pretty sure it's hitting.

Oh, and I couldn't get it to go in with or without the snap ring installed, so the snap ring wasn't impeding it.

I appreciate your insight.

[Sabrewings]

Trannyman, can you check the other fitting in the trans (the one that goes in vertical)? Like I said, I noticed that the other line had a longer end to it too, but it went in fine. Can you look at that fitting and see if the section where the diameter decreases (if at all) is further back?

I did the measuring and the distance from the ridge where the snap-ring would be to the tip is 0.5". So, it would appear the length is the problem. Now I gotta figure out why that is.

One thing I noticed was that on both the old and new line, the radiator end has the longer tip, while at the trans end, the old line has the short tip and the new line has the longer tip. Maybe a manufacturing error? I'm somewhat stumped. My parts guy is going to do his digging Monday on this.

[Trannyman95]

It could be the mid-model year difference but I havent run into this before. The fitting that points straight up into the trans does not have this smaller edge in it because there is a drainback spring and checkball at the top side of the fitting and it doesnt narrow down as it is actually larger in this area to accomodate where the spring sits. This is allowing the extra room for the other new line to fit. I would definately have your parts guy dig into this and even call a GM parts tech or someone on the higher rung of the ladder and ask about this.

[Sabrewings]

I gave my guy my VIN and he's going to go in detail on it. I'm not too worried about having a line that doesn't work, as long as I can source the proper one if needed. The leak has been repaired (other line), so it's not too big a issue.

Both line were $37 shipped, so the cost isn't a big deal. And I can maybe sell/return the other one (even though trans fluid got in it while trying to install it ).

[Sabrewings]

Update:

He found that there is a different part number for the 2003 year model. My VIN was build September of 2003 so it may still use the older part number (left-over parts). Unfortunately I forgot to specify which line to him, so he's going to call GM tomorrow with my VIN and the part number and they're going to help him clear it up.

If nothing else he said he'd send me the 2003 version and see if it works.

[Sabrewings]

Final update, in case anyone runs into this problem again. Here's what I heard back:

OK,.. talked to partech. They told me that GM does in fact have bad stock out there on these lines. But, new stock will not be available for about three or four months. They need to go through an inspection procedure after the new hoses are mass produced to make sure it fixes the issue.

However, they did tell me that it is OK to take an 1/8" off the end of the pipe for proper fitment. This is what they have been having dealers do to fix the problem. Or, a line from a 2003 will work, but,... a new fitting is also needed.

Here is what I can do. If you can wait, I will order a line in a few months and make sure it is shorter. Then i'll do a parts warranty for the line. At that time, i'll need your mileage and VIN again and do it that way. But, GM wont cover any freight. I can ship the new one free of charge, but I will more than likely need the old one back.

For reference of others.

My problem, I am opting to wait until the new lines are available. My situation isn't an emergency of any kind. If the remaining old line does happen to start leaking before new lines are available, I may try the cutting trick since GM says it will be okay.

Thanks for the help, and I hope this helps someone else.

[GR8racingfool]

Well there ya go. Slight change makes a difference sometimes. I just love when GM pulls stuff like this LOL.

~F~

[Sabrewings]

Well there ya go. Slight change makes a difference sometimes. I just love when GM pulls stuff like this LOL.

~F~

Well, I don't blame GM. I don't think they have their own manufacturing plant for these lines and obviously source them out. Something slipped in the quality control area, I assume.

What I find funny is the "Proudly made in Canada" sticker. Dang Canadians...

Oh wait. My whole car was built in Canada.

[scruff24]

I am way late to this discuss....but....I have a 98 Grand Prix GT. The lower line has a pin hole in it by the radiator. My question is is the quick connect the type of connection under there? It is rather corroded....and I didn't have a good light when I was looking at it to figure out what was leaking..and how to take it off of the radiator. Any help would be appreciated.

I am new to this forum.... I am active on the G8 board more so than this..

[BillBoost37]

It'll potentially depend on your build date. While you shouldn't have the issue the OP did, you may have threaded lines instead of click style.

[scruff24]

I appreciate the quick response...I am waiting for the line to come in before I venture to take it apart.

[BillBoost37]

That's a wise move.