Transmission fluid leak?

[280sl1968]

Ugh! Just what I didn't want to find under the car this morning - what looks like a transmission fluid leak.

The fluid on the ground is reddish in colour and the pictures definitely show an active leak of red fluid from the transmission.

The car hasn't been moved for two weeks and other than a couple of oil dribbles it's been clean underneath, and then this appears over the course of 48 hours.

I have been messing around inside the car over the past couple of days putting carpets back in etc, so maybe the movement inside the car expedited the leak. Interestingly, I put a sheet of cardboard under the car this morning to see how much was leaking, but by this afternoon there are only a couple of drips - I was expecting a lot more judging by the patch on the concrete.

I'm hoping it's just a gasket issue or maybe some bolts need tightening. I don't relish another big repair job this month - a new fuel pump and lines has already put a big hole in my wallet this month!

Any pointers from you experienced members as to what the problem might be would be appreciated.

Thanks

David

[ja17]

Hello,

Yes often times just snugging up bolts and fittings will slow or stop leaks. The trans pan gasket is thick cork, snug to tight , but dont over tighten it. Misc. fittings and cover bots that you can reach should also be checked.

If the trans is overfilled, the fluid will foam up and blow out the vent on the top after or during a drive.  

Old dry tranmission seals tend to leak at rest and revive a bit after some driving.

Check the fluid level with the car on perfectply level ground and the engine warm and running.  The marks on the dip stick indicate one PINT between them not one quart.

If you find that your fluid level is too high, you can open one of the trans fluid  lines at the bottom of the radiator and bleed off some fluid.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[tel76]

I sincerely hope that your leak is not the same as the one i had before i removed the engine.
It  turned out to be the fluid flywheel rivets.
I suggest you remove the small grille at the flywheel and look inside if the leak is there you will see it