Leaks

[S1nemesis1s]

Hey guys,

I am trying to figure out what I need. I have 2004 Tahoe Z71 - I have two lines that run underneath my truck to what looks like the radiator. They are both leaking...and its getting worse. I contacted 1aauto and they said they do not carry these lines. Does anyone have part numbers for these two lines or a good source?

 

[S1nemesis1s]

Man, these things are tough to find. Coming up short everywhere

 

[iamdub]

If they run from just above the oil filter, then they're oil cooler lines and they are a very common leak point. The only other oil lines routed in a similar fashion, but on the opposite side as the engine oil cooler lines would be transmission fluid cooler lines. You can easily identify which is leaking by the color of the leaking oil and/or where the lines run.

Some people opt to remove the lines and bolt on a cooler block-off plate so that it'll never be a problem again. This was a standard feature from the factory as the cooler was optional. If you don't beat on your Tahoe, live where it's not very hot very often, do lots of towing or off-roading, you'll probably be fine without the cooler.

 

[S1nemesis1s]

If they run from just above the oil filter, then they're oil cooler lines and they are a very common leak point. The only other oil lines routed in a similar fashion, but on the opposite side as the engine oil cooler lines would be transmission fluid cooler lines. You can easily identify which is leaking by the color of the leaking oil and/or where the lines run.

Some people opt to remove the lines and bolt on a cooler block-off plate so that it'll never be a problem again. This was a standard feature from the factory as the cooler was optional. If you don't beat on your Tahoe, live where it's not very hot very often, do lots of towing or off-roading, you'll probably be fine without the cooler.

This is excellent advice @iamdub . I had no idea you could block them off! It turns out my truck does not have the oil cooler per vin. I do have the transmission cooler though, and honestly, if I can block that off I may consider. It seems that these are just a possible point of failure. I had to call 4 dealerships to get the part numbers for lines, aparently my truck has some towing package that requires a special line. 2 dealerships did not want to give out part numbers - I will never shop them again - that is just stupid. I ordered two Delco lines from Amazon since mine are leaking so bad and I cannot send the wife out in it like that. I guess I will take them over to my local mechanic to have them installed, I hurt my neck not too long ago and I cannot lay on the ground like that. Thanks so much!

 

[08HoeCD]

RockAuto.com is a great place to identify/source replacement parts, both ACDelco and aftermarket.

 

[iamdub]

You definitely do not want to delete the trans cooler! It seems that those lines aren't as short-lived as the oil cooler lines since you hear of the leaking oil cooler lines more often. Maybe it's a temperature thing and the trans oil doesn't get as hot? Did you confirm that the oil you have leaking is trans fluid? It's not highly likely, but even though your VIN says you don't have the engine oil cooler, it could've been added by a previous owner.

 

[S1nemesis1s]

You definitely do not want to delete the trans cooler! It seems that those lines aren't as short-lived as the oil cooler lines since you hear of the leaking oil cooler lines more often. Maybe it's a temperature thing and the trans oil doesn't get as hot? Did you confirm that the oil you have leaking is trans fluid? It's not highly likely, but even though your VIN says you don't have the engine oil cooler, it could've been added by a previous owner.

I looked into it. In front of the condensor behind my grill I have the transcooler, did see anything else. The fluid coming out of the lines looks like tranny fluid. I hope so at least. I ordered the lines and they are on the way. I really appreciate your help so much!

 

[iamdub]

I looked into it. In front of the condensor behind my grill I have the transcooler, did see anything else. The fluid coming out of the lines looks like tranny fluid. I hope so at least. I ordered the lines and they are on the way. I really appreciate your help so much!

Glad to help and best of luck to you.

 

[Rocket Man]

I replaced one of the trans cooler lines on mine. Just be aware that when you go to install them, install the clips in the fittings first and then you just push the line in until it clicks. Don't try pushing the line in and then putting the clips in like I did at first, that's the hard way. As far as removal, you'll need a small hook tool to pull the clips and you'll probably lose at least one of the hard to get to ones. There are replacement Dorman ones at any auto parts, in an assortment pack.

 

[iamdub]

I replaced one of the trans cooler lines on mine. Just be aware that when you go to install them, install the clips in the fittings first and then you just push the line in until it clicks. Don't try pushing the line in and then putting the clips in like I did at first, that's the hard way. As far as removal, you'll need a small hook tool to pull the clips and you'll probably lose at least one of the hard to get to ones. There are replacement Dorman ones at any auto parts, in an assortment pack.

Hook it with the tool and wrap a shop rag around it before pulling it out. It may not keep you from dropping it, but at least it won't go flying off into the unknown.