I just got a different(not new) radiator put in my car. I had trouble hooking up the trans cooler lines to it so I had to cut them and use High Pressure Hose and some screw-on clamps. I've been driving it for a week or two now. Anyways, what happens is the top line seems to be leaking pretty bad, though I never see it when I look under the hood while in park. The fluid is sprayed everywhere under the hood, but it seems calm when I check (it just drips). I checked the fluid and theres still plenty, but it kinda looks rust colored. Is this normal? Could it be possible that the radiators tubes are clogged and the trans fluid never makes it through the hose? The trans doesn't seem to shift quite right....it revs a lot and doesn't deliver the power. When it does shift, it shifts hard.Couldn't I just have the out-flow line turned around right back into the return line (just forget about the cooler)?

 

Ditch the flex lines and clamps, go to sears get a flaring tool, then go to a hardware store or home depot and get 2 flare couplings that are the size you need. HD should have the flaring tool too, to save you a trip. using the flare connection should eliminate your leaks. We use them in refrigeration lines and can hold air tight, with no leaks. Get some scrap tubing and practice making flares, and make sure when you do it to put the flare nut on b4 you make the flare.