Transmission Leak

[Bob G ✝︎]

Its been several months since I drove my 280SL. I had the transmission serviced with a new filter kit at that time and a oil & new filter service. Last week I noticed red fluid by the right front tire. I also noticed the transmission fluid low 1/2 quart. I replunished the fluid and headed back to my mechanic to check the problem.
He could not fine any leaking the day befor I washed the underside  and parked the car in a clean spot . That next morning no leak I drove the carabout 30 miles before parking it again. But I am still questioning the leak. My mechanic said that some times a valve inside the transmission gets swollen or stuck and that could of been the cause.
does anyone have an opinion or theroy as to what could of happened and why?
Thank You
Bob Geco
1968 280SL
1130012001906

[waltklatt]

Bob, the key to the whole leak, at least to me, is the right front tire?
You said that and I immediately pictured the pump and reservior on the left side near the battery, but the only thing near the right front is the transmission cooler line in the radiator bottom.
Check the lines for breakage and replace them-better yet to get the ones with the small metal spring coiled around the fitting ends.

Walter
1967 230SL-diesel
1963 230SL-for sale

[mdsalemi]

Bob,

If it happens again, have your mechanic add flourescent dye to the trans fluid (common item); clean the affected areas until dry, and wait for it to repeat.  He can look at it, or you can, with a blacklite and you can see where (not necessarily why) the problem is occuring.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Ben]

Could it be power sterring fluid ??

Maybve the tranny just happened to be low too !

Check the resevoir for the steering !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[Douglas]

I had a leaking torque convertor on my 1970 280 SL that caused a leak. Ultimately, I had the t.c. rebuilt and have been very pleased with the results.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

I had a leaking torque convertor on my 1970 280 SL that caused a leak. Ultimately, I had the t.c. rebuilt and have been very pleased with the results.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

I only offer this because you rarely miss details.  The MB automatic transmission as fitted to the 113's does not have a torque converter, at least in the classis sense.  It has a fluid coupling, arguably a bit cruder then a torque converter. I can't tell you technically what the differences are but they are there, and different enough that most books on the 113 note the inclusion of a fluid coupling rather then a torque converter.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Douglas]

Okay, okay, okay. Then that big "doughnut thingee" was leaking.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[ja17]

Hello Bob,
Make sure your rubber transmission hoses are good. There are two which go into the bottom of the radiator.

Transmission fluid level must be checked with the car on perfectly level ground. The the car must be warmed-up,  running and in park or nuetral.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Bob G ✝︎]

I am sure it was transmission fluid 1/2 quart. I checked the dip stick for the trnasmission and sure enought that was it. I had to get some dextron because the car seems slughish and not wanting to move. I added fluid slowely and than warmed the engine to operating temp before bring the level to the marked top.
I jacked the side of the car up and copuld not fine any hoses loose I had replaced the two high preasure hosesoff the radiator and oil filter, they are ok. The lines for the transmission are custom braded and seem ok.
I haved noticed any leaking so far I was told it could be a leak from the rubber cup on the modulator valve and was asked  I was getting a white smoke out the exhaust no to that question.I am going to drive the car this week and carry some transmission fluid with me and a funnel and rags for emergy if some thing does let go.
I appreciate your help and replys.
Sincerely
Bob Geco

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by krwaxbz

I am sure it was transmission fluid 1/2 quart.

Isn't the transmission dip stick marked in pints, not quarts?  Perhaps you are over filling?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420