Hi guys!
I have a GT with the automatic transmission with the lines going to the front and connected to the radiator. I am installing a new radiator, but am wondering if there is anything I need to worry with when disconnecting the lines from the old transmission and reconnecting to the new one... Obviously the new one will not have any fluid in it and I am sure air will get in through the line connections.. Is there anything I need to do once the connections are made there?// Purge lines somehow? I am hoping you guys will be able to give me some feedback here. I am changing my single core radiator for the three core radiator to help with the cooling needs, so it is not leaking or anything like that. It has air-conditioning, but that is a completely different condenser coil in front of the radiator. I know that I will need to do some burping of the cooling system as well, so any advice on this would be appreciated as well.


Here is new 3 core aluminum radiator to install


new radiator with frame on top as a test fit


Old single core stock radiator


Top view of old radiator


I am checking on the lineup of the transmission lines and that they are in the right places, but look OK so far. I have new radiator hoses to install because I do not know how old these are in the pictures.
I am a little worried about getting air in the lines and is why I am asking if any of you guys have swapped an automatic transmission radiator before for advice and if there is any secret things I need to watch for here.

thanks in advance!
mrstan

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Stan

1988 Fiero GT.. All stock.. sorry.

It wasn't a Fiero but I recently replaced a Sport Track radiator. Swapped it, connected all the lines and started it. All the air will be quickly vented at the trans vent.

Put it in gear, set the parking brake and after the engine reaches operating temp, check the fluid level. Top off, drive to bring the trans to operating temp and check and top off if needed.

Thanks Fierofool!

Make sure to check the A/T fluid level when it's reached operating temperature... with the engine running.

quote Originally posted by fierofool: It wasn't a Fiero but I recently replaced a Sport Track radiator. Swapped it, connected all the lines and started it. All the air will be quickly vented at the trans vent. Put it in gear, set the parking brake and after the engine reaches operating temp, check the fluid level. Top off, drive to bring the trans to operating temp and check and top off if needed.

That's the way I've always done it, on all sorts of cars. No problems.

The air in the lines won't be a concern. That will be flushed out when the engine starts.

My advice to you would be to put some penetrating oil on those fittings that attach the transmission lines to the radiator. Let it soak in for awhile... especially if the pipes are rusty. I say that because I've seen those fittings get "rust locked" to the lines, and end up twisting the line until it breaks.

You might also want to keep a drip pan handy, because when you detach the lines some tranny oil will leak out.

When you go to install your new radiator, watch out to the two bolts that hold the AC condenser to the bottom of the radiator core support. On mine, those bolts stuck out, and kept the radiator from sitting all the way down. I just cut them off with a cutoff wheel. You'll know if they are giving you a problem if you are having difficulty getting the bolts for the top brace back in.