Hello All! I hope you are enjoying your hondas. I recently had my 1994 Accord LX 4DR automatic transmission (Ca type tranny) car stolen and then recovered the next day by the police. Clearly they took it for a joy ride and not long after the radiator failed. During the replacement we noted that the transmission oil cooler line (short one) was damaged, so we need to replace it, at least so it seems. The honda parts guys insisted it has to be replaced but they of course don't make them anymore. He suggested it's 'probably on eBay' but I didn't see it. He didn't offer help beyond that.

Where do people get such things? I searched and can't seem to find this part. Is this a junkyard type situation? Is there an aftermarket part? Can it be fabricated oneself inexpensively? I am an engineer and could design such a thing, but I learned long ago not to reinvent the wheel so if anybody knows a good parts source I'd really appreciate it.

In addition, what is the consensus of 'if there is a slight compression of the tube, replace it?' This is a high pressure line and it cools the transmission so I understand the logic, but does the cross sectional area not stay the same? I guess it could be something more complicated like flow through the tube etc. This is an experience type thing so I'm sure people here could weigh in.

 

Is it the hard line (seamless metal tubing) or hose that is damaged/needs replacement?

for the hard line; if you're not in the rust belt then your nearest self-serve wrecking yard would be a good place to start. hard line could be bent up from some seamless tubing of the correct diameter, but it's more trouble than it's worth usually and you'll need a few special tools for OE quality results. replacing the whole circuit with hose would work just fine. secure it away from hot and moving parts with P-clamps and/or zip ties.

for the hose; i'm pretty sure it's 3/8" hose. there is stuff specific to the task like this one from Summit Racing. you may be able to find alternatives suitable for oils and petrochemicals and heat up to 275°F. the pressures involved are relatively low.

of course I like to take these opportunities to upgrade... you can move to an aftermarket cooler with improved cooling abilities for little more than the cost of the factory parts (if they were still available)

check these out

 

Hi hondamark35, thanks for the reply, that's useful information. So it sounds like the original part might be challenging to get in good condition unless I'm lucky at a junkyard. There are a few local ones, though I haven't used them much. I've been lucky with most parts being available so far. I also have a CRX that I'm bringing back to life gradually. Such a fun car. I'm in San Diego, so not the rust belt though everything rusts here (salt air) - it should be called the 'also rusts here belt'

Hmm. I'll have to think about this one then, and look around. If one goes with the hose, how do you handle the banjo bolt end points - is that available as a fitting?

 

you could have your pick of spare parts in your area or not too far away.

banjo to hose barb fittings are available, many "flavors" to chose from (lengths and bends and so on) from many places online. M12 to 10mm is probably best fit. but I always just leave what's there (i consider the banjo fitting and short length of metal tubing associated with it part of the transmission) and connect the 3/8" hose to it. if you go for the cooler upgrade, just run the hose from the existing fittings on the transmission through the most convenient opening in the radiator bulkhead and to your cooler mounted in front of the radiator.

 

 

most of them come with mounting instructions and hardware. the short answer- it straps to the front of the radiator/condenser with supplied ties. there's more room there than it seems.