I was stockpiling parts from 2021 for my recent build and part of that is an aluminum radiator. I just recently got to the point that I am ready to install it. When I went to connect the transmission cooling lines 1/2-20, I could not get them threaded in. It took me a while to figure out that the new radiator has 12x1.25 threads. WTF! The radiator was listed as a direct fit but turns out it does fit physically but the cooler lines are a no-go. I contacted the seller (Chinese) and of course being an old auction, they were not much help. I have searched high and low but it seems there is now adapters for such an application. Now I may be forced into buying another radiator.
Has anyone else ran into this? Any thoughts or ideas?
Pictured is the radiator and two fittings I found but they are not right either. The female portion is wrong.

 

Can you make a new cooler line with the new thread size? If not, you may be able to get a small machine shop to make you an adapter.

 

are you able to get conversion fittings?

 

Actually you should be able to use two fittings that merge into an AN. Metric to AN on one side, standard to AN on the other. Check out earls adapters.

 

Sometimes the adapter I want is out of stock and I have to combine multiple adapters with a union. The other option is re-flare and convert to -AN.

 

So I bought new lines but they turn 90 degrees right before the radiator so there is not room for flaring tools. I thought about double adapters but in order to fit I would have to add bends to the lines to make room as the adapters would stand off the radiator so far. You can see how close the lines are already to the condenser without the radiator installed. Also I coated the lines to protect and keep them shiny and adding bends would take off the coating which isn't a deal breaker, only a pain in the rear. I'll check out Earl's fittings and see what they offer. So frustrating. You have to be careful when buying off eBay for sure.

 

https://www.earls.com.au/shop/earls-...m-x-1-25-male/

I found this on Earl's website, but now I need to get from -6AN to 1/2-20 flare.

 

Let this be a lesson about buying cheap communist junk off Ebay.

You're paying for the bullets the communist Chinese military are going to use to kill your sons with someday.

 

I can't agree more Airwolfe! The problem is that NOTHING is manufactured here any longer, I'll leave out the political party that is to blame. I was married to one and been to China and I know what is coming. The future is Grim for USA.

 

Alright so I think I have figured it out. It took me a few hours of searching and between Jegs and eBay, I have the solution. I found a metric adapter from the radiator to -6AN male, another from 1/2-20 flare to -6AN, and I have two -6AN female adapters at home and that should make the connection. I will have to add some bends to the trans cooler lines to make room for the adapter spacing but it should work. I looked at other radiators on Amazon and most of the reviews were the same complaints with metric fittings.

 

Chinesium is everywhere.
Even the US military buys stuff from China.

 

I actually bought this same radiator off eBay. I would have gotten a more reputable brand, but my college student budget didn't like that idea. I got an adapter like you: M12*1.25 to 1/4 NPT.
I also ended up using some flexible cooler lines off Amazon that made it a little easier to route:
It comes with 1/4 NPT fittings that go to the transmission and the radiator.
Let me know how you wire it up.

 

Just a quick update. After a long search for a way to adapt my trans cooler lines to the metric radiator fittings, I realize it is impossible. I was left with no choice but to buy a new Champion radiator and it has the correct threads and everything. The quality is a bit better as well. If anyone else has the same issue and reads this, just pay the extra and save the headache and time and go with the Champion brand.

 

Very common problem with those radiators. They all seem to be made in the same china factory most of the reviews complain about the thread issue

 

I have the same issue on a Leland Global I purchased for my daily Sub.
I simply looped them together for the time being and will end up running a separate cooler eventually.

 

I too have stockpiled parts which turned out to not fit when I eventually went to install them. Obviously out of warranty by then, real bummer...