Possible transmission leak

[Bobbq]

This is the first time I have ever posted on this forum, but I’m somewhat stuck at the moment and any advice would be appreciated.

I own a 3.5L Oldsmobile intrigue (1999); about three months ago I noticed that something was dripping from the engine compartment. From the position of the drip marks I would figure it’s directly below the engine. I know it’s not engine oil, because it’s red/pink in colour and has an oily consistency.

Here’s the catch... I have regularly checked the transmission fluid levels and they still have yet to drop. On top of that there are always two drip marks, one large one to the right of the engine, and a smaller one to the left. Both are definatly the same fluid.

Any thoughts on what this fluid is, or how to resolve this? I honestly don't even know what I should be looking for.

Thanks.

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

Are you sure it is ATF? How about power steering fluid? If the tranny is leaking check the lines that route fluid from the autotransaxle to the radiator. Another possibility is leaking at the axle shaft seals. Also, the tranny side cover seal/gasket in which a GM TSB addresses and may be seen coming out the vent/overflow.

Also, make sure it is not coolant. Dexcool has a reddish look and sort of feels like oil.

[Bobbq]

Thanks that helped a lot. It turns out that it was transmission fluid.

Unfortunately the last place that did a filter/gasket service on my transmission, did not use the right amount of torc on the bolts holding the transmission pan in place.

So the gasket was not effective because the bolts were so loose that they could be moved by a finger turn.

The leak is gone, once again thanks for all the help.

[panzer dragoon]

too much torque (and/or uneven torque) and you smash the rubber/synthetic gasket. The GM gasket is much better than the aftermarket (Fram etc).

I think it was about 90inch pounds on the torque wrench (about 8 ft lbs). Finger tight them all then torque down in a pattern like a lugnut pattern.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...=tranny+gasket
10ft lbs ~120in lbs on those tranny pan bolts