Please help,

Last nite I did a A/T fluid power flush by attaching the IPD flush hose to upper A/T fluid return line from radiator. I turned the screw wrong way at the beginning and saw some coolant leaked out from the radiator side. After gone thru 10 qts of fluid and it was still murky red (look like strawberry milk shake color ). I noticed the coolant tank was empty and filled it with water. Reddish/pink oil flowed to the top. I assumed that I probably broke the A/T fluid line inside the radiator. My questions are:

1) What option do I have, besides replacing the radiator?

2) How hard is to replace the radiator myself? (Never done one before)

3) I will not be able to do anything on the car until mid January, even the car is sitting in my garage. (Have a full work schedule until then). Will the A/T fluid harm the engine components? e.g engine gaskets, thermostat, water pump gasket/components?? Or should I empty out the coolant now to minimize damage??

4) The radiator is a Volvo OME. The volvo label still visible on top. Both of the retainer nut on the radiator side are ~24mm instead of the 14mm stated on Bentley. Any thoughts?

5) Any aftermarket replacement recommandation?? (If I have no other option)

She is a 1991 244 DL with 194K miles on it. I just replaced the shocks and springs, ball joints, motor mounts on it.

Thanks for all the helps in advance.

 

While there may be a fix for your radiator, it really isn't cost effective. A radiator shop won't touch a plastic tank radiator and to repair an all metal rad would cost more than a replacement. Chinese radiators are all over the internet and the quality and fitment have vastly improved in the last 5 years. $100 should pretty much get one delivered to your door. Nissens and Blackstone were the two o.e. manufacturers but when replacing, I prefer the all metal units. Don't gamble...automatic transmissions don't like anti-freeze!

 

You can install a transmission oil cooler in front of the condenser, that way separating the transmission oil from the radiator fluid. Readily available from $30-40 in any auto parts store.

 

Thanks for the advices. I will look into both options.

If I am going to replace the radiator, anythings I should look out for? beside don't turn the nut at wrong direction!

If I am to put in a transmission cooler, where will the cooler be located at? In front of the radiator? Or do I have to drill some holes next to the radiator/somewhere near front in the engine bay and secure it? Since my mechanical skill is very basic, how challenging will it be?

Once again, thanks for both of your help.