Having Problems Installing Tranny Cooler

nut2424 · November 10, 2008

I just recently bought a Tru-cool transmission cooler to put on my 05 GMC Sierra. When I attempted to put it on the first time a found out real quick that the barb size was not the right size for my truck. So i ordered the set of barbs that were supposed to be for "most GM trucks 96 and later models". I tried a second time and again they did not fit. So i called the local tranny shop and they basically said that you have to make it work?????? Any suggestions about this?

remington351 · November 11, 2008

"make it work" is not the right answer. I just put a cooler on my 2005 Silverado last year and had the same confusion. Assuming your transmission lines and radiator are OEM you will have what is called a "quick disconnect fitting" at the radiator. Not a traditional NPT barb fitting.

The "quick disconnect" is very similar to the fuel line/fuel filter fittings if you've ever worked with those. You need a special tool that slips between the existing transmission line and the spring clip that holds it in. Slip the tool over the line, press it forward, then you just apply slight pressure pushing the line in and then pull the line and tool out of the radiator simultaneously. I think the radiator side tanks are plastic so anything more then "slight" pressure when pulling back on the line means you have not released the spring clip.

C & A s Dad · November 11, 2008

Sean,

Once you release the quick connect, your hose should slide right over the end of the line, I am assuming your problem is with connecting the hose to the outlet on the radiator???

If so, I would say you have a couple of options.

Go to a salvage yard, cut off about 4" of one of the lines at the radiator and make this your "barb" for the radiator connection.

An easlier route would be to cut the existing line that leaves your radiator going back to your trans. It likely has a rubber section at the bottom of the radiator where it goes back. If so, just buy 2 brass barbs, cut the line, connect the line coming from your rad to the inlet hose to the cooler. Connect the outlet hose to the line running back to the trans.

If you do not have a rubber section, cut the metal beging careful to clean up any small pieces of metal, slighlty flare the ends and connect your hoses.

I guess I just said "make it work" like the shop did but at least you have some detail.

nut2424 · November 12, 2008

Thanks guys for the feedback...Thanks for clearing up the process...I saw those clips on the same website that i bought the cooler so ill order those and i do have a rubber section on the lower hose so that wont be hard to cut it and place two barbs in each end. Ill let you know how it goes!

C & A s Dad · November 12, 2008

Sean, one more tip.

Most people tend to overtighten worm clamps when they are used on cooler lines because they are concerned about leaks. Tighten the clamps just until you see rubber protruding through the slots in the clamps and then just another round or so. This will be all you need to prevent your connections from leaking. If your barbs are long enough, use 2 clamps on each end just for extra insurance.