I have a seeping from the lower cooler line. I tightened it a bit, but as it is a plastic tank, am hesitant to really put some grunt into it. Is there a way to stop the leak short of a new radiator? Any sealer that would do the trick? thanks in advance, Greg

Hi,

This past summer I replaced the original radiator in our 92 245 with brand new OEM Valeo radiator and the trans fluid leaked from the lower line. I ended up wrapping the fitting on the radiator with a small amount of teflon tape and it stopped the leak.

Travis

ps-when you do end up buying a radiator get one of the standard Nissens radiator. I have one to put in another 240 this summer and it looks better than the Valeo one.

Unfortunately, Blackstone no longer makes the rads as it was purchased by Valeo.

They were the best! Mine had 300k and was still going...:)
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95 855 GLT Sportwagon 214k, sold - 90 244 DL 300k

Yes and the Valeo doesn't look as durable as the Blackstone ones. The Nissens look better in my opinion.

My original one I changed in the 92 245 had started to show coolant leak deposits at the top right hand side of the radiator, so I changed it at 210,000 miles.

The original Blackstone in my 90 244 is still going at 253,000 miles, which I plan on changing this summer with the Nissens radiator. With the huge risk of catastrophic failure that I have read about recently dealing with that old of a radiator, approximately $100 is cheap insurance.

Travis

Had this issue recently on a 940, they're the same. The lower fitting had been seeping for a couple of years. No real problems. Check this thread

http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=1549485&show_all=1
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89 240 wagon, 94 940, 200K, 94 940, 135K

I would bypass the fluid cooler and add a air to fluid cooler. maybe an oil cooler from a turbo would be enough cooling? Look at auto parts store for ideas on size needed. I understand that you can over cool the fluid in winter if you bypass the radiator? I know the vw aircooled engines had a oil cooler that had a temerature bypass so the oil was not chilled in low temperatures.
the cooler lines are low pressure so rubber hoses should be good enough. Also a good time with the lines disconnected to do a power flush of the transmisson. maybe add a fluid temperature gauge while you are adding to the plumbing
Bill D.

"I know the vw aircooled engines had a oil cooler that had a temerature bypass so the oil was not chilled in low temperatures. "

Pretty much all air/oil cooled bikes are this way as well. GSXR coolers (before they went water cooled are popular for this application (tranny cooler hack) vehicle that tow. Also, heater cores from cars with the return and feed lines in-lin with the core and both on the same side.

That being said, I prefere the factory solution with a new radiator as we are talking under $200 and if fixes many potential age-related problems.

What is leaking? coolant or trans fluid? If you try to tighten the fitting make sure you have a second wrench on the fitting mounted on the radiator.
Dan

If the leak is in threads/connection you can try some plumbers teflon tape. I second the two wrenches on any adjustments.

It is leaking ATF, and as far as I can see it's the original radiator. I had posted the question about the all metal radiator before, and wonder which replacement (aluminum/plastic or all metal) would be best. Nissens aluminum seems to be a good value, and it will probably last as long as I own it. Probably time to do the 93 as well.

I think you are correct 21 + years on a radiator is overdue, it's not worth messing with.
Dan

In theory, the teflon tape should do nothing on a flare fitting. Even if it does, it is usually temporary (but temporary in this context could mean years).

In short, if it is the original radiator PLEASE get a new one. #1, #2, #3, etc killer of AW7X transmissions is a leaking tranny cooler that allows coolant into the ATF.

I am buying time until Spring with my new 940 but if there are any warning signs (usually there are not) I will replace it in a heartbeat.