I bought a radiator on the web and waiting for it to come in. The good news is since I have a few days to wait I can take my time and do the replacement "right". Quick question for those with experience - what do you use to plug the transmission cooler lines (when you disconnect them from the radiator) to keep from losing all of your transmission fluid?

Thanks!

 

If you don't have a rubber cap of some sorts, you could use a couple of 2" pieces of hose the same size as on the car. Then just stick a bolt in each end to plug them up.

 

Or some golf tees!

 

Either find anything of appropriate size (bolt, golf tee as has been said, etc), or just zip tie them facing upwards as high up as you can get them.

 

Even if you dont plug the hole, you will still loose a very minimal amount of fluid, but b/c the engine isn't running, fluid wont flow. It has to be pumped through the radiator.

 

OLD SPARK PLUGS !!

 

This was a good idea. The golf tee is works but you have to tape it to keep it plug. One less thing to worry about now. All I have to do is order a new radiator cap, hoses and thermostat w/ gasket. [shrugh]

 

You guys are awesome. The golf tee worked great. Of course I got to the other line and the tee slipped out (yeah, I used tape) and was followed by only a few remaining drips of trans fluid. So everyone here was right.

Thanks a ton!

 

Dont block the flow of the ATF!!!! recipe for posible transmission damage. Use a piece of hose and a couple clamps to close the loop of the flow between the existing cooling lines .

 

I changed the radiator on my 97 Maxima. It was a 5spd. And i didn't need to plug the lines. I don't know if the year 2000 is different though.

 

Seriously you should be careful with golf tees. I know it will definitely work, but that wood is pretty soft and if you break one off in there you'll have a heck of a time getting it out.

I usually just tie them upward and have a piece of carboard underneath for any minimal amount that leaks.

But the hose idea with bolts is a good idea also.

 

There is no fluid flow while the engine is off. Did you read the original post? It's not like he's going to be driving around without a radiator...

The 5MT doesn't have trans cooler lines, only the auto.

 

Well 120 mile round trip today and no leaks, no smells, no problems. Thanks for your assistance guys.

I have been thinking about selling the "I" to get another 5 speed, but the funny thing is....after getting so "intimate" with this one....now we have a connection. I think she would get her feelings hurt if I posted her for sale? Anyone ever experience this ridiculous feeling before?

 

I have a 6mt 03 max and I love it. Even drove from Montreal to NYC and drove it though Manhattan, which was a dream come true for me. But the weirdest case was with an 01 durango i bought in dexember last year. Drove that old badass **** all winter on a locked diff and no front driveshaft, I loved the sound of it, the oversized tires and rugged body. But I found an 02 with an absolutely clean body, clean engine, and when I sold the older one I felt bad for abandonning it hahaha! But the guy who bought it really loved it, even with its little rust spots and mechanical woes and fixed it, so i felt better after that LOL

 

I just replaced my radiator and didn't have to plug the lines on my 2002 maxima.

 

Plug lines with no pressure? Clamp some vice grips on loosely or just stuff them ends up, so nothing drips out.