trans cooler leak?

[stickybones]

Can someone tell me how I can have a trans fluid "leak" at the radiator that puddles in the radiator support below the radiator drain petcock but my trans coolant lines going to and from the radiator are dry? Is the entire coolant circuit within the radiator submerged in coolant? Can it leak internally and not contaminate the coolant and then just leak out the radiator end tank? My antifreeze/coolant looks perfect lime green color with no signs of trans fluid contamination. My lower radiator hose also has trans fluid on it.

This is driving me crazy. The leak is so bad that it's dripping off the petcock and leaving a spot on the ground but my coolant lines appear bone dry. The trans coolant lines also enter the radiator on the front side, but the signs of the leak are on the back side of the radiator.

Why can't I ever figure out what's wrong with this car. I can now see why many people just give up and sell them.

 

[Slow91z]

On my car the tranny line went to the engine side of the rad, and the engine oil cooler went to the front...Are you sure it's not coming from the fitting on the rad?? Mine did that and leaked tranny fluid st8 down the rad.

 

[stickybones]

Well when it comes to diagnosing problems with my GN, I'm never sure. But my trans cooler lines definitely enter on the front side and the leak is showing up on the back side. Maybe the trans fluid is running around to the back and down to the radiator support when the car is in motion.

BTW, I forgot to add that this isn't MY stock radiator. I got it from a local vendor. It may be a stocker recored though since it has the 2 internal coolers just like the stocker.

 

[GN ERGY]

One of your fittings is loose or one of the tubes has a crack in it. Mine had a leak right after I put the B cool radiator in and had to take it out to tighten the bottom fitting. Couldn't get at it otherwise.
Have fun.
Tarey D.

 

[stickybones]

Well I went thru the trouble of pulling the radiator yesterday to get a closer look at the trans lines fittings. Sure enough, the upper one was "loose" and the fitting was damp. Amazing how such a small leak could make such a big mess. Regardless, cleaned it up good, applies some thread sealant to the upper fitting and reinstalled. Let it sit 24 hrs. Now I'll drive the car for a few days to see if that cured this week's problem.

 

[stickybones]

Well, as luck would have it, it still leaks. At least I know where it's coming from. Pulled the radiator AGAIN and tried to do a better job sealing up the upper fitting. I looked as close as I could and the line and fitting don't appear cracked. It's just that right angle fitting going into the radiator has to be pointing toward the outside passenger side edge of the radiator in order to attach the line. I tightened it down a whole 'nother turn to get it real tight. Better not leak this time.

Why is it that I always make a mess doing these jobs? Coolant, oil, and trans fluid everywhere all over my garage floor doing this.