transmission leak

[daniel.burns13]

my 280sl auto seems to have a slight leak from grille under torque converter although looking inside it appears to be running down bell housing wall--any ideas- also do i let it develop or not?

[al_lieffring]

It is most likely the torque converter (fluid coupling) leaking where the pump drive flange is riveted to the converter body. Taking the transmission out to just replace the pump seals is a waste of time, you will need to have the fluid coupling rebuilt to eliminate this leak.

Al Lieffring
66 230Sl
Jones'n for a new gas tank

[daniel.burns13]

thanks for that, does this mean the extent of stripdown does not go beyond bell housing area and is it a specialist only job or could a local transmission place tackle it?