I finally changed the radiator and transmission cooler lines on my 1996 Cherokee 6 cylinder, AW4.

I got a Spectra Premium radiator and Dorman cooling lines from Rockauto.

Anyway, it was late, I was close to done when I realized the lower line did not come with the holding clip that connects to the lower radiator tube with the rib. I pulled the old clip from the old line but it did not work (nice fluid spill on the driveway too). So I cut the quick connect end and just shoved the rubber line in and clamped it with a hose clamp.

Will it hold?

PS I highly recommend getting the line connector that comes out of the transmission end - it made it a lot easier to just cut the old lines, unscrew the old connectors (which were rusted to hell) and put in the new ones. Also, pull the drain plug and drain the transmission fluid.

 

As long as the clamp is tight no reason why it won't hold.

 

It should hold. But you should have flared the metal tube so it won't slip off.

 

If you can double clamp at least.

 

Best bet....

 

Your fine, it has a flare end anyways, as long as you clap on the other side of the flare you'll be golden. I just replaced my line about a month ago and the hose is cheaper to replace then those fittings or the whole line.

 

mine has been like that for the last 5 years or so. you'll be fine.

 

Thanks everyone.

The clamp now sits on or on the other side of the tube rib. The radiator maker made that tube come out so much that it almost bumps up against the wall. They should have put the bend sooner and made the tube a little longer. Even if the quick connect works, there is no room to work in the disconnect tool to separate.

I will fight with it and try to push it in some more and put another clamp on it.

I would have flared the end if I had known the quick connect was going to fail (those things are stupid) but I did not want to take out the radiator after fighting to get it in.

By the way, I didn't know how hot the transmission fluid got until I felt one of the lines.

Thanks again.