transmission pan leak?

[accuab]

So I was looking under my car today and I notice there is quite a bit of fluid on the passenger side of the output of the transmission but not at the point where the axle connects to it. However, the edge of the trans pan is fairly wet all the way around it so I know that gasket is gone. Would that gasket be bad enough that transmission fluid could spray from under it to the output of the transmission when it's under pressure? I'm not having any shifting issues of any kind out of it. I got this car used like two months ago so I'm not sure if the fluid had been there a while or not but it's still fairly thin fluid so I'm sure it hasn't. The car is a 2001 Regal GS with 120,000 miles on it.

[inafogg]

no spray just leaks, no pressure on pan gasket.
it could be wind driven as you drive at higher speeds

[accuab]

any other possible leaking points it could be coming from besides the pan?

[danielsatur]

120K miles, you should consider a new filter, ATF, and gasket.

[accuab]

I attached a picture to better explain what I was talking about. But after more inspection it looks like oil coming from above but I'm not sure. What do think?

On a side note - it doesn't leak enough to leave any spots on a driveway. I was just concerned because it looks like it is a lot of fluid. Also, the oil pan gasket is leaking but I don't think the fluid could come off it onto the trans this bad. The front valve cover was replaced I know but I'm not sure if the rear was or not. What else could be leaking on the back side of the engine? I know the valve cover and the intake manifold could but anything else?

[inafogg]

sounds like you need to figure out what kind of oil your leaking.
start at the highest leak after you no what oil is leaking
then clean engine/trans & keep a eye on it until you see/find the leak
dont no whats common on this engine i guess its a 3.8L
good luck

[Ruley73]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

120K miles, you should consider a new filter & ATF.

fixed

Reuse the original/OEM pan gasket whenever possible. It is meant to be reused and is much better than the flimsy rubber or cork ones that come with your new filter. Furthermore they don't require the use of any kind of adhesive, gasket sealant, RTV, etc....

I also agree that you still need to determine the source of the leak before doing anything.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by accuab

any other possible leaking points it could be coming from besides the pan?

Two other common sources of oil leaks on the L67 or L36 SII 3800 engines are the front and rear crank seals. The front crank seal would show oil on the passenger side and probably run to the differential area of the autotransaxle. It is part of the timing cover assembly. The other being a rear main seal. Oil would show around the area of the starter and flywheel.

In any case it needs to get resolved since it will get worse.