2002 Chevy Cavalier Radiator hoses to transmission

LIVINGQUEST

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
124,000 MILES

I recently installed a new radiator and water pump and it seems like the hoses from the Radiator to the transmission (upper or lower not sure still checking) are leaking transmission fluid. Autozone sold me the radiator with an adapter for the hoses to connect to the radiator-transmission hoses. It begain to leak as I started the car, so I put white tephlon tape to make a snug fitting(I did not have a flare wrench to tighten the fitting, so I used regular wrenches). This worked for a while maybe under pressure it loosened again.

3 Part Question/Advise requested:
1. What can I use to make the hoses fitting secure(o ring, tape, sealer, etc, Note; I ordered the flare wrenches)?
2a. Replacing transmission fluid, my car needs to be lifted(level) to see if it has the right amount of tran fluid, Should I just ask a mechanic to do a transmission service(filter, gasket, seal, fluid)?
2b. Should a mechanic look at theses problem or is/can one or both be a DIY project I can fix(minor mechanics ability, but great at following manual).
3. Advice if checked by a mechanic, should I have them check the timing as it may be off a little bit or would the cost of this be the same as buying a timing gun and doing it myself(note: Head gasket replaced due to overheating about 6 months ago, Radiator/Water pump replaced a few days ago idiles between 500-700). Anything I should ask or be tested?

2 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

HI there,

Thank you for the donation,

I would first check that the flair of the pipe union is nit damaged, as you should not need excessive force to make this leak free, there should be no need for take or additional sealing rings, I think that if you can't see a problem your self get a mechanic to check this and the trans service would be a good idea, Getting the timing checked will take all of a few min, this will be far cheaper than investing in a liming light that you may only use 1 or 2 times a year.

Mark (mhpautos)