Mach1BBFun

So my top cooler line running to my radiator was dripping so I decided I would fix that today with some thread tape, so I took it off, taped it, now it leaks like crazy!!!!!

Im guessing my fitting went bad? Its on my 86 5.0 with a AOD. If anyone knows the problem or also knows how to replace the fitting it would help to know. I just cant get the damn thing to seal now.

slipperman

Yeah, the way that's supposed to seal is with a flare interface. The inner shape of the tube terminates in an angled surface which mates with a small protrusion on the inside of the fitting on the cooler.
Teflon tape on the threads does no good.
Take a look at the interface surfaces I described and see if you can detect any deformation. The soft(er) material of the cooler line is supposed to deform enough to make up for small imperfections but only so much.
Also, look for cracks.

Mach1BBFun

How do I go about replacing the fitting? Do I need to cut the steel line to get the old one off? Im afraid this would make the line too short.

slipperman

If it comes to that, you'll probably need to replace the line.