I have a 67 SS/RS and no matter how many times I remove and tighten the cooler line into the bottom side of the radiator I can't get it to stop leaking. Has anyone had a similar problem? Any ideas on a fix. Thanks in advance.

 

First choice: pull back flare nut and place a drop of oil on back side of flare, then connect.

Second choice: visit a hydraulic & pnuematics shop and ask for a 5/16 inch copper sealing washer. Install washer between line and cooler and tighten, let sit for a few minutes, then tighten again. Don't overtorque, and leak should be gone.

 

Thanks Everett. I'll give that a try.

 

No luck. The line is still leaking. It appears to be coming from the outer edges of the threads not from the cooling line itself. Make sense? Does anyone know if I can put some type of thread sealer on the fitting? If so is there a specific type? It's getting nice out and I've got the bug to start driving.

 

The tapered end of the line where it fits to the tapered part on the radiator fitting is where the seal is made, not the threads. Check your line at the taper to make sure there isn't a split. Could also be you just have a defective flare job on the line or radiator. Was either one recently replaced?

 

As suggested, the flares do the sealing. Check them, bith male & female.
If no cracks, visit a HVAC store and get a tube of 'LeakLoc' and apply to the connection.
Works great, even on stainless steel material.

 

Thanks guys. No lines were replaced at all and the line coming in looks good. I had a completely none leaking car until this sprung up late last year. I'll try the "LeakLoc" before I pull and replace any other components. Report back in a few days unless there are any other ideas?

 

I would try the copper sealing ring again. Never had one fail.
Are you sure the leak is from the flare and not about the fitting sweated onto the cooler?
You can get a 6 inch length of brake line and a compression union.
Cut off the offending hard line, cutoff one end of the new tubing, then join the two with the compression union fitting.

 

I tried the high temp thread sealant yesterday and took the car out for a drive tonight. Very small amount of fluid seen at the fitting. No drips though. I think I will remove the line one more time, use the copper ring and the thread sealant and report back how that goes. Everett, where did you purchase your sealing ring? I got mine at a hardware store. It said SAE so I know it was for automotive. Just wondering where you got yours?