When I was removing my tranny (904, 71 duster) I had a hard time getting a wrench on the front line. I spent some time trying to do it before I dropped the trans, then I just gave up. After lowering the trans a few inches I was able to get a wrench on the fitting, one on the line, and able to undo it. Unfortunately the line turned with the nut for a little bit and got kinked. The rear I managed to get out without too much fuss.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do about the kinked line. May try to find a hose barb fitting and run a short segment of transmission rubber line (aka powersteering hose return line?).

Anyone have any tips/tricks for getting the front line undone? I'm deffinately not looking forward to putting it back in, either. At least then I'd only need one wrench, can tighten the adapter fitting before reinstalling the transmission.

You really have to hold the fitting in the trans with another wrench. Otherwise the line's gonna turn, gauranteed...

D/W

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If it ain't broke, fix it!

I twisted a line, too, the first time I took the trans out. I cut out the bad part and made a short section of hard line to replace it, using compression fittings to attach to the old line. Three years, no leaks. At least not from there ...

When I undo a flare fitting, usually I will crack it, and wiggle it to see if the line is frozen to the nut. If it is, i just kiss it with a torch for a second. This usually loosens the rust and then you can get in there with a wire brush and some antiseize without damaging the line.

...the above is an instance of me obviously not reading your post thoroughly enough, Pierre You did hold the fitting while loosening the nut, but the nut was frozen to the line with corrosion and such... Now I get it.

D/W

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If it ain't broke, fix it!

Speaking of not reading, dont follow my advice for the fittings at the radiator with anything other than a propane torch, and be very careful, at that. Otherwise you run the risk of melting the solder joints. MP Penetrating oil is a more cautious option...

I was thinking of putting some loctite between the fitting and transmission so that way when I take it apart again I won't have to hold the fitting with another wrench. Not sure how loctite would work between aluminum/brass and with pipethread.

I don't remember how bad the pipe got kinked, I haven't looked at it since I last was underneath the car, I hope I can straighten it out with a few gentle hammer taps. I'm not sure how wise rubber hose would be, I'm afraid of leaks but I think an efi hose clamp should work fine.