I've had a slow leak on my transmission cooler line at the radiator since I got my 80 AT 2.5 years ago. A couple weeks ago, I developed a severe leak on the return line near the torque. So, it was time to replace the lines. I found 3 of the 4 lines were custom made lines (3/8" hoses made in the USA). I ordered Greg Brown's kit to replace the hoses. Well, I know why the front line was leaking (see below). I did not cut through the hose. I suspect this will just continue to leak with a new hose. I'm at a loss at what to do here. Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions? Quality workmanship!

 

Ping Mark or Tom at 928 International and see if they can get you a good used piece for that. Relatively inexpensive, and for sure a better chance of sealing than the damage barb connectors.

For some hard-to-access locations, I sometimes substitute bulk-purchase power steering hose for common trans cooler hose. It's double-braid reinforced, for much higher pressures than the trans cooler circuit normally sees.

For those sections by the torque tube over the cats and exhaust shields, you may want to add some more heat shielding on the hose itself to keep the thermal devils clear of the rubber a bit. Might be Firesleeve or similar.

Greg Brown supplied some fuel hose section for a current clinic car that came with some nice additional thermal shielding. It might be worth a call to him to see if he has a recommendation for some of the sensitive sections. His pieces are works of art.

 

Greg uses Goodyears version of fire sleeve. Pretty robust stuff

 

Thanks. I've got an email to Mark. I'll check with Greg about the heat shied.

 

I would just replace the hose using Greg's kit. When you crimp the clamp in place use two clamps - one close to the fitting and one close to the center of the barbed section. We can always get you another clamp. That should seal it as it is fairly low pressure. The cut in the barb nearest to the fitting is the only one to be concerned about as the second will be sealed by the hose.