Automatic trans blowing fluid on top of trans???

[I BOW 2]

I have a 97 Metro with the auto trans that is constantly covering the top of the trans housing with transmision fluid. We can not figure out where this fluid is coming from. All hose connections appear to be tight. Is there any mechanical reason for the trans to blow fluid from excess pressure build up? and if so how do you check/fix that? Also is there a way to check the vent is working properly? Thanks Ken

[hot_sd]

Is there any specific circumstances in which it is happening. Hot or cold? When you drive fast or anytime? Where exactly is the leak.

There are 2 possible reasons why this is happening

1. There is a leak from a seal or gasket somewhere. Or possibly a cracked case. That is going to be hard to find. Some UV dye witha black light may help show where it is originating from.

2. The trans is overheating or the line pressure/boost pressure is abnormally high. In these cases there is a vent (which from my recollection of when I took the trans apart) which comes from the valve body via the oil pump to the top of the trans. You will see a small plastic thing near the VSS and the torque converter housing. You may also have a plugged vent - you can try cleaning it out with some wire.

To test for overheating - get some temp strips (available from Life Automotive or Mcmaster-Carr) attach to the oil pan and monitor to see if it is overheating.

Get a line pressure reading at stall when the trans is hot - if it is abnormally high then that's the reason. If that's the case you will probably need a new valve body. There is a way to adjust the line pressure via some adjustment rings on the base of the throttle valve but I think that only adjusts the boost pressure.

[I BOW 2]

Basicly it happens at highway speed 55-65 for about 20 miles at a time. We just had all of the seals replaced along with the pump bushing by the trans expert. Ken

[hot_sd]

Did you have the trans rebuilt. Does it have new clutch discs and band. Why was it taken apart - was there another problem before this. Did they replace the oil pump front seal (which seals the torque converter) or was the metal bushing on the pump stator replaced (where it meets the input shaft at the forward/direct clutch assembly).

If the trans has recently bben worked on I guess there should be a warranty. If so have the trans guy look at it and fix it under warranty. There is a small chance something was not put back correctly.