Vannin' Home Forums Dodge Mini's Leaky Trans, 2000 Caravan

So I found out why my transmission has been leaking. I thought the gasket was FUBAR, but it turns out the end plate is FUBAR. This is on the driverside end of trans. Behind it are 2 large gears. This pan was rusted through in places. Only pinholes, but they leak just the same. I grinded her down some, and then using newly aquired F/G techiniques, applied a fairly thick skin to the outer side. The glass layed down nicely, and looks pretty good right now. Just waiting for it to finish setting up, so I can go bolt it back on, with a fresh RTV style gasket.

One thing I found very odd, was this end cover was laminated using 2 layers of metal. Why would they do that?? Just seems like you are asking for trouble.

Well, its bolted back on, sorry no pics. but I still have to wait for the RTV to sewtup fully. It does look purty with a fresh coat of black paint on it though. I will know, jst before work, if all is well.

Two layers does seem odd, unless it is a zinc or other coating coating that seperated from the base metal or something along those lines.............same type of thinking caused a lot of peeling paint in the mid to late 80's on various models

Could have been done for heat purposes. Two layers with a small air gap in between will form an insulative barrier.

I wouldn't say there was a small air gap inbetween. These 2 layers were way too close for that. Hopefully this warm morning will help to setup the RTV quicker. I'll be about 3 hours shy of the 24hr. full cure time.

Well, leak solved. Looks like my fiberglass job has held up on this one. Now I don't even know if I am going to sell this van, with gas the way it is getting and all. We'll see. I'm having a hard time, not tearing into it though. Looks like the side doors could be gullwinges fairly easily.

Step away from the Sawzall....