[RustedSS396]

Can you use braided stainless line for transmission lines? I have some -6 line and fittings that I was wondering if I could use....or do I have to use -4? What is the pipe thread size on the transmission (turbo 400) as well as the radiator? thanks

 

[Ray Gasser]

Stainless braid is the exterior of the hose, you need to be concerned with the interior and its respective ratings/usage for oil, fuel, temp etc.

 

[RustedSS396]

Im well aware of what material it is constructed from, I just wondered if you could use it for that purpose.

 

[slingslingbinks]

Hey rustedss396. The tran's (if there pipe thread) should b 1/4 pipe taperd thread. It's been so long sence i saw a 400 case to remember. Some tran's used a fitting with a washer on it and they were not pipe. This is gonna make be dig a core out and check the fitting's. On the hose, it should work and i'd use #6. the cooler pressure shouldn't be over 50psi and if the hose will take the heat Go for it.

 

[zeke67]

Stainless braid is the exterior of the hose, you need to be concerned with the interior and its respective ratings/usage for oil, fuel, temp etc.

Im well aware of what material it is constructed from, I just wondered if you could use it for that purpose.

If you are well aware of what the material of the inner is, then post it here and the guys will comment if it's suitable for ATF. Whether is -4 or -6 shouldn't matter if you have the correct ends for termination for the trans case and the cooler.

 

[JAYARTER]

I'd think it would work, but I think steel brake lines bent properly will look better and give you longer life. I custom bend all our lines on our projects, see photobucket for pictures. On KIM'S NOVA it took me about 6 hours and MIKE'S NOVA it took about 8 hours. our object is to hid them as much as possible I do Transmission, fuel, vacumn, plug wires, and even electrical wires inside metal tubes. Jay

 

[Elcoman]

Hey rustedss396. The tran's (if there pipe thread) should b 1/4 pipe taperd thread. It's been so long sence i saw a 400 case to remember. Some tran's used a fitting with a washer on it and they were not pipe. This is gonna make be dig a core out and check the fitting's. On the hose, it should work and i'd use #6. the cooler pressure shouldn't be over 50psi and if the hose will take the heat Go for it.

They are not pipe thread, they are flare threads.:yes:

 

[Schurkey]

Can you use braided stainless line for transmission lines?

1. Depends on the liner. If the liner will take the heat and has chemical resistance to ATF, sure, you "can" use it. I tend to prefer steel-braid-over-Teflon (Aeroquip 2807) rather than steel-braid-over-rubber.

2. You've hit one of my pet peeves. The stuff is not "line". A "line" is an imaginary object. What you're talking about is HOSE.

I have some -6 line and fittings that I was wondering if I could use....or do I have to use -4?

-4 is TOO SMALL. Most vehicles come with 5/16 trans cooler tubing; so -5 would be OK--but not a popular hose size. -6 is adequate.






The question you're asking is the wrong one. It's not a matter of whether you "can" use hose, you need to be asking if you SHOULD use hose.

The answer to that is "NO". Hose is heavier, less durable, more expensive, less durable, butt-ugly, and less durable than OEM-style double-wall seamless steel tubing. ATF is SURPRISINGLY flammable, if the hose leaks and sprays the exhaust...better have a bigass fire extinguisher handy.

By the way, the steel braid will act like a dull hack-saw on anything the hose vibrates against. It'll wear both the hose and the object it's rubbing against. If you use it, make ABSOLUTELY sure it's secured properly.

 

[trroscoe]

I used -6 AN PTFE braided stainless steel teflon for my trans cooler lines. I replaced the original fittings in the trans with a set from Russell that were for -6 an lines.

 

[forcd ind]

i use #6 teflon braided line, not the reg stainless stuff-trans pressure can reach over 200 psi, and over 200 degs
400's use adapters from the factory, for 5/16 flare lines-most of the factory adapters were 1/4 18 straight threaded, with a sealing washer-ATI and others have the correct #6 fittings
or you can use #6 to flare fittings and leave the factory adapters in
some 400's had tapered adapters, you can tell by looking at them, but i think the vast maj. had straight threads-guys will use tapered adapters in straight threaded cases, but people can do what they want with their own stuff, lol

 

[slingslingbinks]

They are not pipe thread, they are flare threads.:yes:

He's referring to the the cooler ports on the trans, The style of the connection has not been mentioned yet

 

[Elcoman]

1. Depends on the liner. If the liner will take the heat and has chemical resistance to ATF, sure, you "can" use it. I tend to prefer steel-braid-over-Teflon (Aeroquip 2807) rather than steel-braid-over-rubber.

2. You've hit one of my pet peeves. The stuff is not "line". A "line" is an imaginary object. What you're talking about is HOSE.



-4 is TOO SMALL. Most vehicles come with 5/16 trans cooler tubing; so -5 would be OK--but not a popular hose size. -6 is adequate.






The question you're asking is the wrong one. It's not a matter of whether you "can" use hose, you need to be asking if you SHOULD use hose.

The answer to that is "NO". Hose is heavier, less durable, more expensive, less durable, butt-ugly, and less durable than OEM-style double-wall seamless steel tubing. ATF is SURPRISINGLY flammable, if the hose leaks and sprays the exhaust...better have a bigass fire extinguisher handy.

By the way, the steel braid will act like a dull hack-saw on anything the hose vibrates against. It'll wear both the hose and the object it's rubbing against. If you use it, make ABSOLUTELY sure it's secured properly.

I watched my buddies Rustang burn, his trans puked up some fluid on the exhaust. we didnt exactly watch it burn, we ran into a restaurant and asked for a fire extinguisher. We got the fire out before any major damage was done. Just rubber parts under the hood melted and one fender was damaged.

 

[jks67SS396]

To bring this back up.... Im making cooler lines for a 4L60 and im routing the hardline along the frame, fixed to the frame to get around the exhaust. I would imagine that id want some sort of flex between the trans and the frame for vibration etc.

I was thinking of using a short 12" piece on both the feed and return lines to the trans and then go to hardline the rest of the way.

From the sound of it, i want to avoid the hose, but im not sure i like a completely rigid line either.

Thoughts?

thanks guys!

 

[Hi-po SS 454]

These kits are sold with stainless braided lines. Not sure if there is a difference in the internal tubing for oil or fuel but may be something to check out before you use what you have already. Summit and Jegs also sell them.

Braided Stainless Transmission Cooler Hose Line Kit Chevy Gm Chevrolet : Amazon.com : Automotive

Now I see this is an old thread and probably means nothing now..

 

[Motorvation]

The factory lines are rigid all the way. But usually the factory lines are supported with a bracket to the motor. They must not be worried by engine movement. There is rubber "hose" available from parts stores rated for ATF. Short hose is much easier to hook up at the trans....

Steve O.

 

[Atlast]

Here is some from bowtie overdrive:
http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/catalog_inc/viewitem.php?ITEMID=284