The 1st to install the OEM Magnefine Filter on the TrailBlazer 4.2L?

 So I got the Magnefine Magnetic Filter installed!! I spent a couple days pushing the 3/8" transmission hose onto the Push-On aka Push-Lok connector. Most people use lube or a tool or heat - but I went for Raw Strength!! I found one vid of a fellow who agreed that using lube or heat would lower the PSI rating - and so he constructed a tool - since the Push-Lok connector assembly tools are super expensive ($300?).

OK first thing I did was remove the metal tube line from the radiator - using the GM Quick Disconnect tool - it fit on the line - and worked!! I was not sure the new connector was in good - so I took out the old retainer e-clip and I inserted a NEW e-clip. I made sure it was in good - and the connector "double flare" was beyond the clip (so the clip was holding in the double flare). I used fuel injector clamps to then connect the hose to the magnetic Magnefine filter....

Anyway when I tried out the Push-Lok connector - it leaked super bad(ly). At first I assumed it was my hose connection since it was not quite pushed on 100% - maybe 95% - but it had an Ear Clamp also - and it should have been good. I ran the car two more times studying the gushing leak and the third time I confirmed the leak was from the connection of the Push Lok itself. I had been suspicious of that connection - where the 3/8" barb entered into the female 5/8" connection.

So then I realized I had to find a new connection - and I cranked down searching. After a couple hours of searching (and eating dinner) - I drove off to buy a connection part - a female 5/8" that turns into a male 1/4". Then I got a 1/4" going to a 3/8" barb. I got home only to realize I needed a Female 1/4" into the 3/8" barb. I could not get that till tomorrow - at least not from the auto parts stores!!

So then I remembered I had looked at connectors at the "Home Improvement" store today - when I bought Ear Clamps and an Ear Clamp crimp tool.... and sure enough - I found a FEMALE 1/4" going to the 3/8" barb (for the hose). So I drove to get that - with the other car.

OK NOW I could reassemble the connection into three parts now. At first I accidentally started to remove the retainer clip!! I was using the GM disconnect tool - that was a super pricey small piece of metal but it is very handy indeed! Luckily I realized I didn't need to disconnect the metal transmission line - only I had definitely tried (and failed) to turn it. Or maybe I turned it but turned it back? 

anyway I removed - I cut off the hose going onto the Push-Lok - then I had to use some Hose Pliers to reach the 5/8" connector - the nuts had to be loosened. Or tightened. Yes to tighten it I used the hose pliers - it was the ONLY tool that could fit into that cramped spot and also be able to turn the nut. hahahahahaha.

OK I also used the teflon tape to help make the connection secure - and then the transmission hose barely fit onto the barb! And I used the Ear Clamp and a fuel injector clamp.... So I still had the OEM ACDelco 5/8" male NPT into a 3/8 quick connect E-clip (holding the metal line going into the transmission). Now I also had a Female 5/8" turning into a male 1/4" inch connecting to a female 1/4" NPT turning into a 3/8" male barb....

OK now it was time to test out to see if I had fixed the leak that had been a gusher before - and sure enough it was completely gone!!!! Wow - so exciting!!!

So I let the car run several minutes looking for any leaks. I turned the car off and I could see some fluid on the bottom going into the radiator - but I couldn't see a leak per se - just some fluid and maybe some "weeping" (a very slow leak). So I then remembered that the hose had been lose with the fuel injector clamp moving with the hose - so I figured I can add an Ear Clamp. I let the fumes clear out of the garage for maybe 15 minutes... And then I removed the hose - with more transmission fluid leaking out - and added an ear clamp onto the hose and slide the hose back onto the tube...

After I clamped down the Ear Clamp then I could tighten the fuel injector clamp much much tighter without it spinning the hose!! So I know now that the clamp connection is very tight. I cleaned up the ATF fluid that had been pushed back on the connector - when the hose was pushed back on - this is called "residual" fluid. I could not clean it ALL off since it was way in the crevice of the connector...

So it was hard to tell if it was "weeping" still or just the residual fluid that had been on the tube when the hose get pushed back on... and I watched and watched and there was no dripping and no noticeable build up of fluid. I cleaned it off more - and it seemed pretty good. If there is some kind of leak it is very very slow. But it very well be just residual fluid from the hose being pushed back on to the leaking tube...

So I'll keep on an eye on that.....but as far as I can tell The Magnefine Magnetic transmission filter set up is good to go. The filter is right under the fan shroud - in fact touching the bottom of the fan shroud - so I wove together some metal twist-ties that have paper around them - and attached that to the other radiator line that is metal. So the filter should remain under the shroud (and not touching the spinning fan on the other side of the shroud) but I'll get a zip tie to make sure.

I'll post photos and a video once I confirm it's not weeping, etc.