New Radiator for ‘66 170 Transmission Line Thread Size

[Tonyduc]

Just received a new radiator from WH for my 170 six. Nice unit but there’s 2 holes for automatic transmission lines on the bottom that I need to plug (not included). WH couldn’t tell me the bolt and thread size, is it 1/8 NPT ?
Thanks
Tony

 

[Broncobowsher]

FYI, they don't need to be plugged. They are for automatic transmissions. Easier to just make all of them with it and only need one part number.

As for plugging them. 1/8 NPT is very common. If it fits, you found your plug. But there is no garantee that is the size. Aftermarket can be anything it wants to be. Pipe thread is one of the most common ones found. Inverted flare fitting is somewhat common, although there is usually an adaptor to go from the NPT to IFF, but not always.

 

[Tonyduc]

FYI, they don't need to be plugged. They are for automatic transmissions. Easier to just make all of them with it and only need one part number.

As for plugging them. 1/8 NPT is very common. If it fits, you found your plug. But there is no garantee that is the size. Aftermarket can be anything it wants to be. Pipe thread is one of the most common ones found. Inverted flare fitting is somewhat common, although there is usually an adaptor to go from the NPT to IFF, but not always.

Thanks, WH rep said that they need to be plugged if you have a manual- don’t know why they don’t provide them since 6 cylinder Bronco’s with an automatic are rare if any.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The radiators are semi-mass produced. As stated it is easier to inventory one part number that works on 2 applications. While the Bronco never had an automatic with the 6-cylinder, the radiator tank probably is used in another application that did have an automatic option. So that tank with the cooler fits the Bronco and probably some cars, even if the radiator itself only fits a Bronco.

It is nice to keep the inside of the cooler clean. Just in case someday you want to use it for something. But it doesn't go anywhere, so it doesn't have to be sealed. Just a passage so the oil from the transmission can give up some heat into the coolant. The fluids never touch, just heat transfer through a common fluid wall inside the transmission.

 

[Tonyduc]

Thanks for the explanation, much appreciated!
Tony