Ford cars are killing me mentally

[ajoliver2010]

I love my 97 gp. It's the best car I had so far in my time driving. I've taken care of it for the last 6 years I think and she takes me anywhere. Now for some strange reason..I purchased a 4th gen Taurus for my girl. Biggest mistake ever. From getting the Vulcan engine instead of the 'Tec, to drum brakes..it's been a money pit.

My new dilemma is the transmission cooler tube pops out of the radiator while driving on the highway.. literally lost every ounce of atf. Radiator doesn't have a nipple you can attach a rubber hose to like our gm vehicles. Instead they have this quick disconnect crap. I was wondering if I can use a barb hose fitting to insert in the radiator and splice a rubber hose on the tube for a secure fit? I'm never buying a Ford again! Should have got that Buick Park Avenue for her. Sorry for the long paragraphs.

[Explicit_Spade]

Can you take the nipple off with a tubing cutter (like you would use to make a brake line) and adapt a rubber hose?

[blackspike2710]

This is America (for now). You can do anything.

[ajoliver2010]

@blackspike Lol that is true. @Explicit Spade There's no nipple at all. Just a hole that you slide the tube into..no threads or nothing. Pretty pathetic if you asked me

[QUICKSILVER462]

If there is enough "meat" around the hole, cut some threads and install a hose barb.

[Bronco Boy]

Instead they have this quick disconnect crap.....I'm never buying a Ford again! Should have got that Buick Park Avenue.....

These disconnects are not just a Ford thing. Sounds like the plastic part is worn out; Dorman makes replacements for under $10US.

I was wondering if I can use a barb hose fitting to insert in the radiator and splice a rubber hose on the tube for a secure fit?

I don't see why not.

[Bronco Boy]

If there is enough "meat" around the hole, cut some threads and install a hose barb.

There is already a threaded fitting there, so would just need to remove it and put in a barbed fitting.

[ajoliver2010]

@Bronco Boy There is no threaded fitting. The hole just has a o-ring that the tube pushes on to.

[Bronco Boy]

@Bronco Boy There is no threaded fitting. The hole just has a o-ring that the tube pushes on to.

Really? That doesn't seem right. Is this how they are? I looked up radiators for the 4th gen and they all show threaded holes in the rad.

[Explicit_Spade]

Post pictures of what you're working with.

[FordMan77]

From what I recall Ford uses a quick disconnect clip on those rads, similar to how the push in lines w/metal clip are on the GP's. You might have a broken or missing clip which is why at higher pressure it pops loose and drains the trans. You'll need a 3/8 quick disconnect tool to remove the transmission lines. This tool wraps around the transmission lines. You push-in on the tool which in turn spreads the nylon clamp, then pull on the transmission line to remove it from the radiator. Once the line is removed you'll see how this system works. Do the same thing when installing the new radiator but you'll be pushing into the radiator.

The quick disconnect tool can be used for A/C and fuel lines. The tool can be found at most auto parts retailers.

[ajoliver2010]

@FordMan77 That's exactly what the situation is. I took the plastic clip out of the hole because that was the only way I could mustard it in. I found that piece and took one side off. So far so good. I have to try it on the highway next..I'm so nervous. Thanks to everyone for the input. P.S...I love my Grand Prix lol!!!