LOST JEEPS :: View topic - What is leaking? Trans cooler? CHECK YOUR LINES!

The bottom of the AC condensor is transmission oil cooler. Both the in/out lines have a fitting that's retained by some sort of clip, I've not seen it but there have been posts on those fittings; the fittings can leak and I think but am not sure that there are aftermarket replacements. A tranny shop could probably tell you. It's also possible for the cooler itself to leak.

I'd suggest clean the area up with something like engine degreaser and then attempt to locate the actual source of the leak preferably without driving as blowing air can move that fluid all over the place. You might want to see if there is a ATF+4 compatable UV dye that could be used to quickly spot the leak.

If it's the condensor that's leaking the dealer fix is a new condensor or the DIY fix is cut that cooler out of the system and install an aftermarket cooler behind the grill. Run a search of my recent posts for links to several aftermarket installs.

I just finished installing the mother of all transmission coolers, lol, i'll post the reviews after some miles, the new cooler deletes the stock one and is rated 40k gvw and 45k btu. The only thing I dont like is that I had to take out the electric pusher and replace it with 2 7in fans (that ill start through a switch), and I think the btu rating of those 2 is less than the factory one, but I'll take notes and post them.

Thats a pic before finishing:

Now I just have to decide if i want to try and replace the line with OEM or cut them and go aftermarket. how much pressure are we talking about in the lines, can I get away with cutting and hose clamping on a flexible line to an aftermarket cooler? I don't tow a lot so I don't need anything like thermorex that's for sure!!!

Both sides were rubbing I suggest everyone check out their line and maybe prevent this with a piece of heater hose or maybe even a few zip-ties!

That is a hell of a cooler!!! I need that on my powerstoke!

This cooler is in fact better for a pickup than for liberty, it is definitely overkill for a small suv that tows 5k max, I planned putting the next down version, but it is too wide (not that tall and thinner though...), so I didn't have a choice, I went to the bigger but less wide one. The pressure in the line is not too big, can't tell you how many psi, but it doesn't seem too big. You can also use transmission hose, I cut my transmission metallic line and mounted a transmission hose with 2 clamps on that side, just to be sure. Never had an issue in over 2+ years - on the cherokee, just finished the liberty, still need to add the trans temp gauge. But I highly recommend using Tru-Cool products, those are very high quality

thermorex wrote:

I am thinking of picking up a nice large cooler for my superduty http://www.dieselsite.com/specialordertru-cool4739transmissioncooler.aspx
and maybe rigging up my stock f250's cooler on the jeep.

Author:	painemann [ Sun Jun 16, 2013 11:48 am ]
Post subject:	What is leaking? Trans cooler? CHECK YOUR LINES!
I have a bunch of nasty gunk at the bottom of the condenser/ trans cooler. From what I understand the bottom I the condenser is the trans cooler? Is this a common leak point? After a trans filter and flush I have been filling it up slowly as you know it is fun to check fluid right afte adding. Today I noticed a bunch of trans fluid soaking the underside of the jeep in the very front. Any ideas?

Author:	papaindigo [ Sun Jun 16, 2013 12:04 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: What is leaking? Trans cooler or connections?
The bottom of the AC condensor is transmission oil cooler. Both the in/out lines have a fitting that's retained by some sort of clip, I've not seen it but there have been posts on those fittings; the fittings can leak and I think but am not sure that there are aftermarket replacements. A tranny shop could probably tell you. It's also possible for the cooler itself to leak. I'd suggest clean the area up with something like engine degreaser and then attempt to locate the actual source of the leak preferably without driving as blowing air can move that fluid all over the place. You might want to see if there is a ATF+4 compatable UV dye that could be used to quickly spot the leak. If it's the condensor that's leaking the dealer fix is a new condensor or the DIY fix is cut that cooler out of the system and install an aftermarket cooler behind the grill. Run a search of my recent posts for links to several aftermarket installs.

Author:	painemann [ Sun Jun 16, 2013 12:46 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: What is leaking? Trans cooler or connections?
papaindigo wrote: The bottom of the AC condensor is transmission oil cooler. Both the in/out lines have a fitting that's retained by some sort of clip, I've not seen it but there have been posts on those fittings; the fittings can leak and I think but am not sure that there are aftermarket replacements. A tranny shop could probably tell you. It's also possible for the cooler itself to leak. I'd suggest clean the area up with something like engine degreaser and then attempt to locate the actual source of the leak preferably without driving as blowing air can move that fluid all over the place. You might want to see if there is a ATF+4 compatable UV dye that could be used to quickly spot the leak. If it's the condensor that's leaking the dealer fix is a new condensor or the DIY fix is cut that cooler out of the system and install an aftermarket cooler behind the grill. Run a search of my recent posts for links to several aftermarket installs. To the rescue again ha. Yeah I just got done with the hose and some degreaser, I guess I will let it idle for a while and see what I can see. They was going to be my next question, the aftermarket cooler ha. Just didn't know it it was a simple fix, such as a seal and a new clip or what not.

Author:	papaindigo [ Sun Jun 16, 2013 12:59 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: What is leaking? Trans cooler or connections?
I seem to recall, could be wrong, some posts to the effect that the fittings can be removed/cleaned and reinstalled with some success. I did poke around at one point for repair kits but not enough to be sure I found something although a good parts store like NAPA or a good local tranny shop might be helpful. If it's the lines/fittings from what I've seen the dealers want to replace the whole line. See viewtopic.php?f=5&t=75368&p=792909&hilit=cooler#p792909 for aftermarket cooler install links.

Author:	thermorex [ Sun Jun 16, 2013 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: What is leaking? Trans cooler or connections?
Papaindigo nailed it again, best is to clean and then look. If its a small leak, it may take you several miles to notice it. It could also be from the steering fluid, that could leak from somewhere, its a pain to track it with all the stuff cramped over there, so cleaning everything in the area is the best thing you can do so far. [Edit: doesn't look like being power steering fluid, just looked at the pic from the computer, when I replied I had the smartphone.] You could also have a hole in the intercooler (doubtful looking at your pic) and some oil blowing through that hole in your cooler. I just finished installing the mother of all transmission coolers, lol, i'll post the reviews after some miles, the new cooler deletes the stock one and is rated 40k gvw and 45k btu. The only thing I dont like is that I had to take out the electric pusher and replace it with 2 7in fans (that ill start through a switch), and I think the btu rating of those 2 is less than the factory one, but I'll take notes and post them. Thats a pic before finishing:

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Author:	DOC4444 [ Sun Jun 16, 2013 4:47 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: What is leaking? Trans cooler or connections?
These lines typically leak by the 100K mark. You can replace with OEM as we did under warranty at a dealer not long ago, or engineer a longer lasting aftermarket solution with aeroquip lines. DOC

Author:	painemann [ Sun Jun 16, 2013 10:18 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: What is leaking? Trans cooler or connections?
Thanks for all the ideas! I think i found my heavy leak that was soaking the underside of the jeep, and unless something was re-installed wrong by someone else in the past this is another thing that should be fixed with preventive maintenance in mind! it looks like it was factory wrapped with some type of protective material to prevent this but it wore right though. The pass side cooler line on the inside of the core support rub on the support and I had a pin hole that was spraying fluid with a steady stream at idle, I would hate to see it while moving ! She has to drive it to work tomorrow so I rigged it up with a piece of heater hose and a little silicone with some hose clamps nice an tight. Not sure if the patch will hold, I hope it does. On the plus side if this leak is the cause of the darn drain-back and trans acting like a manual on a cold start that would be a plus! Now I just have to decide if i want to try and replace the line with OEM or cut them and go aftermarket. how much pressure are we talking about in the lines, can I get away with cutting and hose clamping on a flexible line to an aftermarket cooler? I don't tow a lot so I don't need anything like thermorex that's for sure!!! Both sides were rubbing I suggest everyone check out their line and maybe prevent this with a piece of heater hose or maybe even a few zip-ties! thermorex wrote: I just finished installing the mother of all transmission coolers, lol, i'll post the reviews after some miles, the new cooler deletes the stock one and is rated 40k gvw and 45k btu. The only thing I dont like is that I had to take out the electric pusher and replace it with 2 7in fans (that ill start through a switch), and I think the btu rating of those 2 is less than the factory one, but I'll take notes and post them. Thats a pic before finishing: That is a hell of a cooler!!! I need that on my powerstoke!

Author:	thermorex [ Sun Jun 16, 2013 11:43 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: What is leaking? Trans cooler or connections?
painemann wrote: Now I just have to decide if i want to try and replace the line with OEM or cut them and go aftermarket. how much pressure are we talking about in the lines, can I get away with cutting and hose clamping on a flexible line to an aftermarket cooler? I don't tow a lot so I don't need anything like thermorex that's for sure!!! Both sides were rubbing I suggest everyone check out their line and maybe prevent this with a piece of heater hose or maybe even a few zip-ties! That is a hell of a cooler!!! I need that on my powerstoke! This cooler is in fact better for a pickup than for liberty, it is definitely overkill for a small suv that tows 5k max, I planned putting the next down version, but it is too wide (not that tall and thinner though...), so I didn't have a choice, I went to the bigger but less wide one. The pressure in the line is not too big, can't tell you how many psi, but it doesn't seem too big. You can also use transmission hose, I cut my transmission metallic line and mounted a transmission hose with 2 clamps on that side, just to be sure. Never had an issue in over 2+ years - on the cherokee, just finished the liberty, still need to add the trans temp gauge. But I highly recommend using Tru-Cool products, those are very high quality

Author:	painemann [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 9:54 am ]
Post subject:	Re: What is leaking? Trans cooler or connections?
thermorex wrote: This cooler is in fact better for a pickup than for liberty, it is definitely overkill for a small suv that tows 5k max, I planned putting the next down version, but it is too wide (not that tall and thinner though...), so I didn't have a choice, I went to the bigger but less wide one. The pressure in the line is not too big, can't tell you how many psi, but it doesn't seem too big. You can also use transmission hose, I cut my transmission metallic line and mounted a transmission hose with 2 clamps on that side, just to be sure. Never had an issue in over 2+ years - on the cherokee, just finished the liberty, still need to add the trans temp gauge. But I highly recommend using Tru-Cool products, those are very high quality I am thinking of picking up a nice large cooler for my superduty http://www.dieselsite.com/specialordertru-cool4739transmissioncooler.aspx and maybe rigging up my stock f250's cooler on the jeep.

Author:	thermorex [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 11:13 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: What is leaking? Trans cooler? CHECK YOUR LINES!
painemann wrote: thermorex wrote: This cooler is in fact better for a pickup than for liberty, it is definitely overkill for a small suv that tows 5k max, I planned putting the next down version, but it is too wide (not that tall and thinner though...), so I didn't have a choice, I went to the bigger but less wide one. The pressure in the line is not too big, can't tell you how many psi, but it doesn't seem too big. You can also use transmission hose, I cut my transmission metallic line and mounted a transmission hose with 2 clamps on that side, just to be sure. Never had an issue in over 2+ years - on the cherokee, just finished the liberty, still need to add the trans temp gauge. But I highly recommend using Tru-Cool products, those are very high quality I am thinking of picking up a nice large cooler for my superduty http://www.dieselsite.com/specialordertru-cool4739transmissioncooler.aspx and maybe rigging up my stock f250's cooler on the jeep. Lol, thats the one I installed on crd. Try ebay, may get a better deal, there are free shipping ones also, look for seller oregonperformancetransmission, they sell with and without thermal bypass (think its about 140 w/o bypass w free shipping), I got 3 coolers from them, very nice packed, they usually ship ups if I remember correctly, I really recommend this seller. Just fyi, I got the next version down on my cherokee, I have NEVER saw the temp above 170 (this with alabama 100+ degrees outside), no matter what I did, don't tow with that jeep but do some offroad (cherokee's aw4 transmission is known to run hot). Lpd4739 -the one you linked - seems about double in fluid capacity. If you decide to get a thermal bypass, I'd recommend thinking to mount it in an accessible place (so in case you dont like it to be able to take it out and replace it with 2 straight lines for the summer-I used 3/8 fuel line), when it gets hot outside, the trans temp gets towards 200, I think the bypass adds some restrictions and they say it fully opens at 175 (I think). In cleveland winter w/o bypass trans temp takes more time to get over 100, but haven't had any issue with not being able to lock the torque converter. I guess it depends from trans to trans, can't really help you with superduty... good luck, thats a nice big effing cooler, lol. Whats nice about tru cool is that the first cooling lines are straight, to allow maximum flow when fluid is cold, and next lines start to be in zigzag pattern, so only warmer fluid is able to flow through unrestricted.

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