Am I an idiot?

[fmfdoc68]

Alright, not sure if I'm an idiot or I need to change some things up. I replaced the radiator in my 68 F250 with a 360. Now my transmission cooler lines leak all of the time. I crawled under the truck and made sure they were well tightened, but they still leak. The question is, was I supposed to use some of that plumbers tape around the threads before I put them back together?

[BobbyFord]

Flared connector fittings require no sealant or Teflon tape.

[chad67]

When you reattach the lines, make sure the connections are absolutely clean. Any dirt will cause the flares not to seat and a leak will result.

[sargentrs]

Did you use the connectors from the old radiator or replace with new? Differences in flare angles possibly if new? Also, these old lines may crack at the flare when you R&R. I've seen it happen with brake lines. Everything's fine then replace the wheel cylinder, they never seal again and you wind up replacing or reflaring the line.

[fmfdoc68]

I used the connectors that came with the new radiator. They seemed to synch up just fine. I didn't need to force them on and the certainly didn't feel loose. Guess I'l, pull 'em apart again and see if there's any cracking or excess dirt in them.

[elgemcdlf]

To the original question (Am I an idiot?). Leaking trans lines has no relation to that at all. Sorry just couldn't resist that 1. Take it in the spirit intended & laugh a bit. I am assuming they are leaking at the radiator. Everything said should resolve the issue. It very well could be a difference in flare angle or type on the new fittings.

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

A lot of times the cheap fittings in the radiator are just junk. You need to verify the fittings have the correct seat in them though and check the flares on the lines for damage

[fmfdoc68]

To the original question (Am I an idiot?). Leaking trans lines has no relation to that at all. Sorry just couldn't resist that 1. Take it in the spirit intended & laugh a bit. I am assuming they are leaking at the radiator. Everything said should resolve the issue. It very well could be a difference in flare angle or type no the new fittings.

Just a heads up, I did get a bit of a chuckle out of this. If it ever stops raining here I could get underneath the truck and pull some stuff out of it......

[elgemcdlf]

I just noticed your login. Would you happen to be a Navy Corpsman attached to a Marine Infantry unit? Or possibly you were in '68

[fmfdoc68]

I just noticed your login. Would you happen to be a Navy Corpsman attached to a Marine Infantry unit? Or possibly you were in '68

I retired in July of '08, but yeah, I spent the majority of my career with the FMF. I'm assuming you're an HM as well?

[elgemcdlf]

No I was on the other side of the fence. USMC '79-'85. Well that answers your original question. You are definitely an idiot. Joined the Navy to be a Marine! I felt so sorry for all you guys. You are Marines, walked every mile, lived every lovely moment that we did. That's ok I was just as dumb. My father was a lifer in the Army. Special Forces, etc. I knew I wasn't going to make a career out of the military so I opted for no Army. Everyone would expect me to do life as he did. No Air Force as I can not fly due to wearing glasses. Was not going to the Navy, I had no desire to be eaten by a shark. Process of elimination left the Marine Corps. Should have done my homework. I found out at boot camp that the Marine Corps is a dept of the Navy! Great I am going to get eaten by a shark after all!