15 years of corrosion has joined all the parts together -

I wouldn't spend any amount of time playing with it -
I would cut the line at the bend - unscrew it from the radiator -

you need to try to save the brass fitting - if you can -
soak it in your favorite penetrating lube - clamp the steel fitting in a vise -
and try to remove the brass fitting - you could apply some heat to it if necessary -

if the brass fitting wont come off - just buy a new one - they are only a few bucks -

 

I'm trying to replace the radiator so I'd like to save those lines if possible. Do I need a special tool or anything?

 

Yes, you need a line wrench on the fittings to prevent it from slipping, BUT if the line is corroded to the smaller fitting, not much is gonna save it. You'll twist that sucker into a pretzel loosening the fitting. Soak it with penetrating oil, tap on it and pray. You might get lucky. Too close to the radiator to apply heat.

 

Make sure you are holding the brass fitting from turning, use the correct tubing wrench on the line nut and work it back and fort a bit. If you are letting the brass fitting turn you will never get it off without ruining the cooler line.
RJ

 

I read it as you were replacing the lines - not the radiator -

spray the fittings - using "line wrenches" as Ranger suggested -
firmly support the brass fitting - and try working the steel fitting -

if the fittings break loose - spray the line some more -
put a vise-grip in the steel line - NOT so tight as to crush it -
and GENTLY work the fitting back and forth while holding the line -
spray it some more -

if nothing works - use some aluminum foil to protect the area -
and apply some heat to the fitting -
immediately try "rocking" the fitting loose from the line -

if you twist or crush the line - it is shot -

in that case - I would remove the oil cooler lines altogether -
and plug the holes at the oil filter adapter -
or replace the oil filter adapter with one that did not have the engine oil cooler -

 

Thanks for all the tips! I've never heard of a line wrench before, good to know.

I finally got it loose by spraying it several times and then trying to tighten it instead of loosen it and it broke free. It's pretty stripped but I think it's okay. Thanks again!

 

-------------------
not to spoil your feeling of success - but -
you DO know there is another Oil Cooler line near the bottom of the radiator -

and there are 2 trans cooler lines on the other side - :gah:

a set of line wrenches are a really good investment -

 

Haha yes, that one came off very easily. I stopped after that though so I haven't seen the trans lines, hopefully those aren't stuck!!

 

Well all done, just need to top off the coolant a few times. That was harder than I thought it would be. Was confused because the brass fitting didn't fit in the new radiator (Rad-Ready). Found out that the oil cooler lines go directly into the radiator.

Well I think I've done the entire cooling system now except for the waterpump. Unfortunately all I'm doing is putting a band-aid on it for now as the head gaskets are almost shot. Hopefully it will last through the summer. I'm restoring a 1982 Yamaha XJ550 for a backup until I can figure out what car I will get next (or fix this one.. but not sure if it's worth dumping 2k into).

Thanks again!