Transmission cooler line routing

I wanted to run hard line all the way but there would have been quite a few bends around the starter. Also with my headers it makes line routing kind of interesting as you will see in the pictures.

I am open to any ideas and suggestions. I only have $30 invested in my current setup so I could change it a bit.



Lines coming off radiator and heading back towards the transmission. The hard line stops right before the starter.



Rubber lines running up, and then over the starter. If I had realized that other hose was to the left of the starter wire (so it is between the starter wire and header) Id have run it back and through again. Ill just unhook the starter wire and move the hose to the other side and reattach the starter wire.





Looking towards the front of the truck. The rubber lines are about 2" away from the header. I have then zip tied to the dipstick tube.



End of the hard lines right before the starter. The rubber line is shoved on about 2" and then double clamped.



At the transmission I have a few inches of hard line at each port, and then the hose is again shoved on about 2" and double clamped.

I ran braided line the whole way. how close to the headers are they? could you run them down the inside of the frame to the front?

my bad...2"

originally they run down beside the trans, and go under the starter...at least on all 15 of the 73-79 f series trucks we tore apart.

I'm not sure how much different your truck is than mine, but mine run right next to the oil pan, and under/around the inside of the starter, and along the side of the trans pan, then up to the fittings. At least they did when I ran the C6. The lines are the same for the Glide, except I shortened them a bit 'cause the fitting are just behind the bellhousing.







Doug...

ruptured rubber hose near the headers = big fire.............I'd want hard lines in that area for sure.

I had no idea that ATF is flammable.

Could I use copper for my lines? I have a bunch of it and it would be easier to work with and flare.

I had tried to put the first part of a double flare on the hose end of the steel lines to keep the tube from cutting through eventually...but the rented flaring tool just would not do it. Even tightened it up with pliers...still a no go.

The flairing tool I had rented was just like this one.

http://www.toolsusa.com/asp/item_detail.asp?T1=PBE%209MS%20AP7826&trackcode=GoogleBase

Yaa few good hard launches and those hoses will slip right off those lines.

I think I will take it all out and get some 5/16 copper tube.

The tube slipping in the die is a common problem, I use a layer of masking tape around the tube then put it in the clamp and for double flares I clamp the tubing die in a vise and tighten the piss out of it.

Make sure you clean the burr from the tube and I use a stone to soften the edge then I take the double flair die and postion it on the tube and hit it with a 2 1/2 pound hammer, pull the die out and finish the flare.

Works every time.

Tim run as less of the rubber line as posible trans fluid will make for a big fire on the header don't ask how I know put it this way I like to lost my 69f100 because a rubber line bowing off.It got all the wires on that side of the engine i mean all alt,starter,battery ,heater hoses ,carb,and hood before I could get it out and my engine was not oily tthe only thing I had to put it out was 2 hot bud lights in the tool box .If you have a oil fire and a beer or 2 shake it up good and open it on the fire the foam will put it out trust me I know.

Jim

Tim get a oil cap on the valve cover before something get in there might make a mess when you fire it up.

I bought some lines from NPD for $55. I haven't put them on yet but they are all steel lines. Might want to look into that.

Is it ironic that yesterday the rubber hose part of my transmission cooler line blew off and we leaked a bunch of red pop? I was worried about a fire!

Dont forget - DO NOT USE FUEL LINE FOR X-MISSION HOSES - it'll work for a time. Then it swells, and fails. Dont ask how I know.