Somewhere in the last ten (or is it 13?) years of restoring my 68 442, I lost my modulator line. Ordered a shiny new one, but it looks like something other than my TH400. My Modulator comes straight out of the side of the case. Before I call the vendor back, I want to make sure of what he sent. AND... are the ends supposed to be flared?
Thanks guys!

Tom
68 442
70 F85

 

That is probably for a T350.

The arrow points to modulator.

 

Thanks for the response Oldcutlass! That is what I suspected. I phoned the vendor and they tell me that is what they show for a TH400 on a 68 442. Even the packing list states "68 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 TH400 - Side Modulator". We know that's not right as the TH350 never? came in a 68 442 so Cutlass shouldn't be listed. If I had an old one and sent it in he will build it for me...wish I had an old one. Gonna post a wanted add now. Could always go to one of the "other" tubing vendors.
Tom

 

Have you tried a different vendor? There must be someone who makes the right line for a TH400.

Regarding the ends:
No, the ends should not be flared. Rubber vacuum hose slips over both ends. I think the factory's original intent was to make a hard connection at the vacuum modulator, because its pipe is threaded. But they must have figured an inch of hose is good enough. Ironically, that's ususally the first thing in the system to spring a leak.

When I say "flare," I'm talking about the type of flare used on brake and fuel llines. Actually, the modulator lline is supposed to have a little bubble near each end to help the hose seal.

 

The 68 also came with a ST300 trans, so it may be for it. I think you can adapt the one you have by shortening it add a bend and connect it with a hose to the modulator.

 

The ST300 has a similar arrangement with the modulator up front like a TH400. If I'm not mistaken you can use the same line with them.

 

Looking up the factory assembly manual on wild about cars shows a pipe like the one you got for the TH400.

The original modulator was bigger and the nipple came out of it sideways. The manual shows it pointing toward the back of the car, hence the hook in the end of the tube.

A tube for a 69 may fit a little more cleanly, as it does not come with hook in the end of it, or you could just put a little bit of hose on the one you've got. You could also try and find a "correct" modulator if you're really concerned about such things.

 

FWIW, these correct modulators are almost impossible to find now.

 

Well I'm not concerned with correctness as my 400 is long gone. Guess I will use this one as a template for the top part as well as my assembly manual and just wing it on the bottom end at the modulator. Hit the parts store for some line and break out the tubing bender.

Thanks for all the responses.
Tom
68 442
70 F85

 

Anyone have access to their 68 442 auto trans modulator line for a OD measurement? The line I bought that is more likely for a Th350, measures .185 or 3/16ths OD. The nipple on my modulator 1/4". OD just want to make sure of the line size before I bend it up..e
Thanks
Tom

 

I believe it's the same with the only difference is length and routing. If you shorten and rebend the one you have it will work.

 

Well I decided to bend up a new Modulator line. I used 1/4" brake line and double flared both ends. All the parts stores around here only carry a fancy PVF coated line so I went to the local Firestone shop and they had a piece of old fashioned steel line they let me have for $5.00! The pretty stainless line gets returned. This one will work

Tom
68 442
70 F85

 

Very nice!!

 

Gotta love those bending tools! So the vendor won't pay for return shipping or even refund original shipping costs. Is that pretty normal? I haven't had to return too many things but it kinda sucks. Guess they can be crossed off my preferred vendor list.
Tom

 

Who was the vender?

 

Starts with a "C" and ends with a lassic Tube.

 

I've never used them, but.... live and learn.