When I gave my dad’s 98 Chevy K1500 its annual oil change I noticed that one of the transmission cooler lines is severely rusted. Is there anything special I need to know about replacing them, or is it just turning bolts and adding fluid?
Replacing transmission cooler lines?
- Thread starter Elkins45
- Start date
Get the Fan, Fan Stroud & Lower Radiator hose out of the way so you don't have to tweak the lines as much.
Further advice will depend if these are Quick Connect or SAE Flare....IIRC '98 is Quick Connect?
Further advice will depend if these are Quick Connect or SAE Flare....IIRC '98 is Quick Connect?
Quick glance online they appear to be Quick Connect. Does it have an auxiliary cooler already?
Not unless it came from the factory with one. I honestly don't know I usually drive manuals.
Knowing that could help you determine whether or not you're getting the right line. Or it could help you determine if you need one (if you do a lot of towing). Should be a small (likely black) looking 'radiator' directly behind your grille.
Can you even get new lines for a 1998?
Autozone lists them.
If they aren't leaking- just rub some grease on the rusted portions.....
Sent you a PM
Is there any harm in leaving the line open for long enough to take the old one to the parts store to make sure it’s the right part?
Please post some pics on these lines.
No. Just cap the ends so dirt and debris doesn't get into the lines.
Good luck with that, Call your local GM dealer armed with the VIN to see if OE lines are available. You'd be surprised at what OE-NOS stuff is sitting on dealer shelfs.
I just did cooler lines in my '16 3.6 Equinox. RA had GM lines complete with the cooler assy.
Took maybe a pint or so of fluid afterwards.
Took maybe a pint or so of fluid afterwards.
Is this one of those where you have to measure the fluid level at a specific temperature using the drain plug?
And Part 2 of that question: How much does the level vary between hot and cold temperature? I am always skeptical that its very much.
I won't claim to be an expert on servicing transmissions (though in hundreds of thousands of miles I've never had a transmission problem), but I've looked into servicing transmissions for Toyota's with the idea of servicing one for a family member. Haven't done it yet, but looking into the Toyota transmissions (measuring from the drain plug)... I'm impressed in a way with how they did it... but I feel like they tried to reinvent the wheel.
In trying to answer your question... I feel like it's relatively complex. Volume definitely varies from some ambient temperatures to operating temperatures so it could make a difference in how things turn out (another factor could be the shape and volume of the pain as well). With that said, I believe there is wiggle room so that you don't have to be 100% precise. But I would do my best to be as close as possible. With that said, I think it works to measure what you get out and put the same amount back in.
I can check later, but there is a professor from Weber State University I believe that makes some thorough videos on how to service some of these more complicated transmissions. He does an excellent job at explaining (and showing) procedures and specifics.
In trying to answer your question... I feel like it's relatively complex. Volume definitely varies from some ambient temperatures to operating temperatures so it could make a difference in how things turn out (another factor could be the shape and volume of the pain as well). With that said, I believe there is wiggle room so that you don't have to be 100% precise. But I would do my best to be as close as possible. With that said, I think it works to measure what you get out and put the same amount back in.
I can check later, but there is a professor from Weber State University I believe that makes some thorough videos on how to service some of these more complicated transmissions. He does an excellent job at explaining (and showing) procedures and specifics.
I have a somewhat passable GM catalogs, ACDelco Connection, at work and I have made it a habit to go out to the car and take a pic of the RPO sticker. Maybe it is better on newer trucks, but on ones the vintage of my Silverado it helps so much having all the RPO codes.
Done it a couple time on Nissans and I agree - roughly a pint sounds about right, maybe less?
My Nissans have a cold fill line and a hot fill line on the dipstick - that don't actually corelate as well as they should, but I would say the difference between them is also about a 1/2 quart - which is a lot. It holds I think 11 quarts from empty?
