Bought an 89 Formula and was told the trans was replaced. Found it was leaking trans fluid really bad and put the car up and founds the cooler lines are soaked. Assuming there not tight eough I tried to tightness them but can't get a grip on them and there's very little room.
is the trick till tightening these ?
useing 1/2" wrench

 

They make flex head ratcheting line wrenches. Makes it MUCH easier.

 

U may have to remove the trans dipstick/filler tube & plug that oriface then use the tubing wrenches to tighten the lines.

 

I have also cut the lines with a tubing cutter in an easy to access spot to R&R a trans, then reattach using a compression union. That way you can get at those fittings BEFORE you stick it back up in the car.

 

Line wrench crows foot.

 

I have a leak of tranny fluid. Started a couple months ago. When I get my T/A back today, I will attempt to diagnose source. I am guessing that it is the o-ring on the tranny fluid filler tube at the base. Had that problem with the TH350 in my 1972 Buick GS (sold) many years ago.

 

Common drip areas are filler tube, shift shaft seal, speedo cable seal, and pan gasket.....ESPECIALLY if it's an old cork gasket, they rot. Then after that is rear output seal, front seal, and pump gasket/o'ring.