Operator2

Has anyone tried to un-JB Weld something (or similar product)? I was hoping to use JB Weld or similar product for a temporary repair until I can repair it right. Something came up and I might need to drive my Vette. I want to try and temporarily seal a transmission leak. It's leaking at the transmission cooling line where it goes into or out of the radiator at the bottom. It is leaking from around the threads where the "nipple" threads into the radiator. I hope I'm making sense here, I'm typing this fast since I'm at work.

93 lt1 vette

Maybe something a little less permanent like Teflon tape should be tried first. Or a separate tranny cooler.

Operator2

I really don't have time to be breaking the line apart and removing the nipple. I need to do this before I go to work tomorrow afternoon. this has been something I've been wanting to address properly but haven't had the time. I haven't used JB Weld much and had never had to try and remove it, if it's possible without grinding it out or whatever.

GKK

Black Permatex sealant, works Great to seal the radiator transmission line threads.







.

zr1fred

JB Weld does not work on pressure leaks.

Silver96ce

I would not use JB Weld. If any gets in the lines, it could damage the transmission. Instead, I would use Loctite 545 or Permatex 54540 which made specifically for pressure lines such as transmission lines. Yes, they are expensive but a new transmission is much, much more expensive and a huge pain to deal with.

hooked073

you do not want to use jb or any apoxy. I would let it leak a little then try to rig something that is going to cause me a headach when I go to fix it right. it takes 5 min to break the line loose put thread tape around it and tighten it up. you will spend more time trying to clean it and trying to seal it with something

illenema

How bad is the leak? Let it leak if not too bad.
You will pry going to have to replace the radiator/fitting to seal it up correctly. radiator=100$

Operator2

Thanks for the suggestions folks. We will probably end up renting a car while the van is in the shop. I don't like half assing stuff, I was just hoping for something temporary to get me by until I can fix it properly. I have a very small window once I get up around noon, about 3 hrs. I haven't been a mechanic for about 5 yrs. and I'm rusty, and methodical. Since everything is tight and I really don't have optimal hands with 8" wrists, so tight places are hard for me to work in.

Also, the leak is enough for me to be concerned. I would probably make it to work, and would have to add fluid for the trip home. Don't really want to risk it since someone is waiting for me to show up so they can go home.

zr1fred

Probably have cracked the "trumpet" part of the flair which means it has to be replaced. The usual fix is to cut the line and using a rubber hose put a new end on. You should be able to get the parts at any auto parts store. Probably around $15 for all of the parts and about 1/2 hour's work. This is a permanent fix.

Operator2

Funny thing is that it's not leaking from around the flare. It's leaking around the threads between the nipple and the radiator itself. My first thought was the flare but it wasn't. I will probably just need some sealant on the threads. I just don't want to tear into it unless I have time since I'm not sure what I will run into such as if the nipple was cross threaded, etc.

mcm95403

The JB weld will never stick if the surface it oily, much less dripping.

Operator2

Yeah, I figured that, I would have cleaned it real well. But I probably won't go that route. We will just rent a car if we have to while the minivan is in the shop. i was just trying to get some folks ideas and experiences. Like I had said, I haven't used JB Weld much. I'm going to see I have time Tues. to fix that leak properly.

Aaron71771

I've tried JB on a number of different projects and it never really seems to be any good at fixing anything.

GKK

I had the Same leak when I replaced the radiator.

The replacement radiator transmission line threads, were difficult to thread in and caused the trans fluid to seep just a tiny bit.

After many attempts to refit the trans line to no avail, I finally just applied a tiny bit of black Permatex around the thread joint and problem solved.

Operator2

Update: LOL, all that needed to be done was tighten it up bit, :embarrass: However, I should go back at a later time and put some thread sealant, but it's not leaking right now so I can drive it and wife can drive my truck while the minivan is in the shop.