Transmission Leak

[kok328]

After interrogating each member in my household as to who has been parking in my spot in the garage, evidenced by an oil leak on my garage floor, I discovered that this leak is from my 92 LeSabre.

I've also, found that this is not oil but, transmission fluid. I had a transmission fluid/filter change done a few years ago and they managed to put the pan and gasket back on without any leaks. Now all of the sudden, it is dripping fluid off the bottom trans pan. Only the back half of the transmission pan is wet and I can't see anything above the pan due to a large crossmember in my line of sight. I found the modulator and it is not leaking.

What component would be suspect to leakage if it is not the pan gasket itself? I can't imagine the pan gasket just starting to leak like this as there was no prior evidence of leakage.

It could be the filler tube gromet but, I can't verify this as it is hidden by the crossmember. Again, I just can't understand how this leak just came out of nowhere at such a high rate of leakage. I would have expect a drip now and then leading up to a much larger leak such as I have now.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated. I'm leaning towards another fluid/filter change and kill 2 birds with 1 stone, to see if the gasket went bad as it will be corrected with this service.

f.y.i. - I do all my own oil changes for the simple reason that I perform an under-carriage inspection each time (there was no sign of a tranny leak last month); in addition, I tend to be particular about the type of oil and filter used and don't mind saving a buck or two now and then.

[HotZ28]

If you used the cork gasket the last time you serviced the transmission, I would say it is leaking. Try to get the rubber impregnated gasket the next time. Expansion and contraction will cause the gasket to leak over time. You might just try to tighten the bolts on the pan to see if it stops leaking, prior to gasket replacement.

[kok328]

I'll be crawling under the car today to see what I can.
I don't know for sure what type of gasket the oil change place used last time but if the rubber impregnated type cost more, I pretty much be guaranteed that the cork type was used. As I recall, they didn't have my filter or gasket in stock and they walked next door to get the parts from Autozone and then marked them up $.

I'll post my findings after inspection. I only hope it is nothing more than a gasket. I'd rather replace the gasket and filter rather than just tighten it up due to not wanting to deal with this problem in the midst of winter.

[kok328]

Well, I couldn't find any signs of fluid from the pan gasket up and the filler tube grommet is dry. I snugged all the bolts on the pan twice around and only found 1 or two that took a 1/2 - 3/4 a turn. Drove the car a short distance (5 miles) and it's still leaking. I'm a little under the weather today, so I guess I either take it to a quick lube place or knock it out next weekend.

I hope a new filter and gasket will remedy the situation and I don't loose too much fluid by the time I feel like dealing with it.

P.S. - It's a 4 T60-E trans. Are there any known problems that may be causing the leak?

It's had torque converter chatter for the last 4-5 years but never leaked.

[HotZ28]

It could also be the pump seal or side driveshaft seals. If it was the pump seal, it would be dripping from the cover over the torque converter. The side seals are where the drive shafts go into the transmission.

[kok328]

"pump seal"?

If it is that round cap looking thing with 3 bolts in it, it is dry.

[imidazol97]

Does it leak while idling? If so get it up on stands and crawl under with a light and watch for the source of the leak.

[kok328]

Changed the filter and gasket, problem solved.

Thanks HotZ28, it was a cork gasket (or at least what was left of it).

Gotta love those rubber gaskets, I was able to insert all the bolts thru the pan an the gasket was just small enough to grip the bolts and hold them from falling out. Mad reinstallation a breeze. Lost 1 qt. before I could get to it with no apparent damage.

P.S. - I noticed 2 large metal tubing lines in the trans and one smaller one that was spliced and clamped with rubber hose. One of the ends of this tube was rigid as if it were press fitted in the the trans (like the larger 2) and the other end was loose. Is this a problem? I have a nasty cast of torque convertor chatter between gears that I can't seem to get rid of.