Comming home from work the other day in my 81 and the trans started acting up. I started to get a viberation at around 45-55 mph. I kicked it out of gear and the vib. went bye bye, so It's not the engine. I pulled over and smoke was comming from out under the car and I could tell it was trans fluid. I put in a qt. and limped home. After looking around I could tell that the leak was comming from up front of the engine. I'm guessing a leak in my trans cooler lines. I could tell that the leak was dripping down and being blown back and onto my headders, starter,floor pans, ect. I can see that at one time the trans lines have been cut (probably when the shift kit and trans rebuild were done) I took out some gunk and blasted the whole can on everything that had fluid on it and rinsed it off. I plan on starting it up sat. and checking just where the leak is comming from. I guess I'd like to know if this is a suspect area to look for. I'm 99.99% sure the leak is way up line of the trans. If this turns out to be the problem will some new hose and clamps do the job or are the cooler lines high pressure, if so what would you do to fix. Thanks guys. zgator2008-09-25 15:08:11

The lines are not high pressure and hose and clamps will work but make sure the hose is compatible with trans fluid.  Best fix is new lines.  They can be purchased pre-bent to fit your car from one of our sponsoring members.  Larry, do you have these?

Yes, we carry them.  I am answering from home, so I can't give you a price.

Thanks
Larry

Thanks Guys. I do plan on getting new lines so if you want to give me a price that would be great. If you want or maybe might have to you can e mail me at zgator@comcast.net. For right now I need a quick fix because I need the car for work. My 82 CE is still in paint and my F150 is in the shop having an electrical problem run down. The closest place I have with-in Sting Ray bike range is ACE hardware. I know they have hoses, if they are right for tans fulid I don't know. Can you give me some info on what to look for. That might be why mine are leaking now. I work in Aviation manufacturing and I have all kinds of AN fittings, O-rings, SS lines, ect.that are as close as the stockroom away. I don't really want to go that way. My expertise is not in hyd. and water lines. I do have the knowledge as I have friends who do that. However it does sound like fun!!!

You'll need some 5/16" fuel hose...anything else won't survive very long. The fuel hose won't last forever either, but it'll last a few years. I doubt the Helpful Hardware Place is gonna have fuel hose, but ya never know. If they have a lawn/garden section, you might find something there.

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Joel Adams
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I use tons of neoprene hose at my shop. A lot of new cars come with rubber lines. I use it when installing external oil coolers, or when I have to cut a line that won't wrench out. Normally I will double clamp it just to be sure. Like Joel says, it does wear out in time. But don't we all?

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Click on images for Before and After pics!

Thanks guys. The ACE by my house does have a garden section. I wish I had a flair tool. I thought that maybe the hose would have a code or something in the part # that would tell you if it's fuel or not.

After re-thinking this a bit. I'm not sure why I said that the trans is a TH400. Is it more than likely a TH350?? The car is a 81. Were the TH400 or TH350 still used in 81?? I went into the research data base on this site and went to the 81 model year and it didn't give any info. on the trans. used. It's just general factszgator2008-09-27 10:31:43

Corvette switched to the TH350 in 1976, on the standard engines. They continued using the TH400 on only the optional engines (higher HP). So you more than likely have a TH350. You can actually tell by the shape of the trans pan. Click onto this link to see the different shapes:    http://www.off-road.com/trucks4x4/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=200796

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