Recommend a hose clam for transmission cooler.

Done Working · Jan 31, 2006, 10:38 PM

Hi Gang,
I have an aftermarket transmission cooler on my Safari and my hose clamp that attaches the hose onto the cooler let go and... well you know the rest of the story.

Can anyone recommend a type or brand of hose clamp that won't do this to me. I hate dropping transmission fluid all over our highways.

Thank you.

wavery · Jan 31, 2006, 10:45 PM

Quote from: Gone CampingHi Gang,
I have an aftermarket transmission cooler on my Safari and my hose clamp that attaches the hose onto the cooler let go and... well you know the rest of the story.

Can anyone recommend a type or brand of hose clamp that won't do this to me. I hate dropping transmission fluid all over our highways.

Thank you.

West Marine has all stainless steel screw hose clamps. They don't corrode. Don't use the spring type.

I've never heard of a screw clamp letting go unless it's really old and corroded. If you are concerned about it double clamp all of your hoses. That's what we do on boats.

How much trans fluid did you lose?

Done Working · Feb 01, 2006, 06:13 AM

Quote from: waveryWest Marine has all stainless steel screw hose clamps. They don't corrode. Don't use the spring type.

I've never heard of a screw clamp letting go unless it's really old and corroded. If you are concerned about it double clamp all of your hoses. That's what we do on boats.

How much trans fluid did you lose?

I lost enough fluid to stop any forward movement.

I guess doubling up will be the answer.

brainpause · Feb 01, 2006, 06:57 AM

Quote from: Gone CampingI lost enough fluid to stop any forward movement.

I guess doubling up will be the answer.

Did you lose the transmission too? :yikes:

Larry

Done Working · Feb 01, 2006, 08:00 AM

Quote from: brainpauseDid you lose the transmission too? :yikes:

Larry

Fortunately I was on the freeway when this all happened. It really didn't give it enough time to get hot. There was some fluid left to keep the transmission lubricated. ( I hope).
What really burns me up is that this clamp cost me $269.00. The tow charge was a ridicules $85.00 plus $3.00 bucks a kilometre total $125.00 Plus the mechanic who did the work charged $85.00 for an hours labour and the cost of fluid plus taxes $144.00. Crazy I say.
I would normally do this sort of stuff myself. However my 7 and 4 year olds didn

brainpause · Feb 01, 2006, 08:35 AM

Quote from: Gone CampingOne good thing, we all arrived home safe and sound.

Despite all the money forced out of your wallet, that's the important part.

Larry

SkipP · Feb 01, 2006, 08:12 PM

Is there any way to replace the nipple that the hose slides onto with a "barbed" nipple? A lot more holding force that way.

Yikes! That WAS a costly clamp.

Done Working · Feb 01, 2006, 08:36 PM

Quote from: SkipPIs there any way to replace the nipple that the hose slides onto with a "barbed" nipple? A lot more holding force that way.

Yikes! That WAS a costly clamp.

This sounds like an interesting idea. I will need to think about this.

What I don't get is the fact that this was a quality clamp that shouldn't of let go. It was only about six months old. I'm guessing that it wasn't properly tightened to start with.

Costly. you could say that again.
There is a bright side to this story. When all this happened we were on our way too our friends for an evening of fun, food and drink. For once I was able to have a few drinks at a party. I wasn't driving home that night.

wavery · Feb 01, 2006, 11:29 PM

Quote from: Gone CampingWhat I don't get is the fact that this was a quality clamp that shouldn't of let go. It was only about six months old. I'm guessing that it wasn't properly tightened to start with.

That would be my guess as well. I think that I would go have a chat with the service manager or owner at the place that installed it.

You may not be out of the woods yet, you know. Transmissions don't like to run without oil any more than engines do.

Done Working · Feb 02, 2006, 06:17 AM

Quote from: waveryYou may not be out of the woods yet, you know. Transmissions don't like to run without oil any more than engines do.

I'm pretty sure that there was enough transmission fluid in the transmission to keep it lubricated.

I did take it to the fine manager who installed the cooler for me. He checked it out did a diagnostic, he seems to be pretty sure that things will be ok. So far it has been running fine but I'll really know after towing my trailer in the heat of the summer.

wavery · Feb 02, 2006, 09:49 AM

Quote from: Gone CampingI'm pretty sure that there was enough transmission fluid in the transmission to keep it lubricated.

I did take it to the fine manager who installed the cooler for me. He checked it out did a diagnostic, he seems to be pretty sure that things will be ok. So far it has been running fine but I'll really know after towing my trailer in the heat of the summer.

Did he offer to help you with your bill? There is really no way to "check it out" other than to test drive it and see if it stays in gear.

Losing all the oil is real hard on the pump, torque converter and clutch packs. Kinda like putting 50K miles on your trans, all at once. I think that I would ask him to, at least, give you a free trans service (filter & oil change). You should service your trans every 25K (max) anyway. You might want to look into replacing all of your trans fluid with synthetic trans fluid. It has better cooling, lubricating and adhesion (for the clutches) qualities. Now may be the time to make the switch. How many miles do you have on that vehicle? Are you close to replacing it?

Even if you never have trouble with the trans, it will be on your mind every time that you tow. If it does go on you, it will probably be in the heat on a mountain grade, in the middle of no where.

It would probably give you some warning signs like, hesitating before going into gear, when cold. It may also slip when shifting. Reverse is usually the first sign of trouble. If you put it in reverse and have to step on the throttle to get it in gear, it's time to go.

Hopefully, all will be fine. Good luck with it.

Done Working · Feb 02, 2006, 10:19 PM

Thank you for your input "Wavery".

I did as you suggested and everything feels good. zero slippage felt at all. But like I said earlier only time will tell. I'm pretty sure some of the transmission fluid remained in the transmission to keep things cool and lubricated.

Jeremy · Feb 03, 2006, 07:43 AM

Another suggestion that I've always done on the half dozen transcoolers I've installed in my time.. double up your clamps on each connection. Don't use the spring type, use the screw type and put two on each connection. Facing opposite directions.

Steve-o-bud · Feb 11, 2006, 09:50 AM

One thing to look at: when they installed the trans cooler, did they simply cut the cooler lines going to the radiator, and clamp the hoses to a straight (unflared) section of tubing? I've seen that done before. I had a K5 Blazer that the previous owner liffted, and extended the lines by the hack saw/add some hose method. With all the pressure, I had a couple of occasions where the line came loose....

The connection should have been flared. They do make flaring kits for this purpose, I believe.

Done Working · Feb 11, 2006, 08:54 PM

Hi Steve.
The cooling effect of the radiator is still maintained in my set up. They split the lines and ran separate lines to the transmission cooler. Thus I have the cooling effect of the radiator and the transmission cooler.

The hose actually slipped of of the transmission cooler not the lines.
The idea of checking if they actually flared the lines is still a good one. I better check and verify. This could avoid trouble in the future.

Thank you.

News:

Recommend a hose clam for transmission cooler.

SkipP

Steve-o-bud