Vannin' Home
Posted By: Puzzele New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 21st 2017 11:59 pm
Help! I've got a new game. I call it, "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?"

I'm attaching some photos. I THINK it is transmission fluid. However, this is the part that CONFUSES me. I have JUST checked the transmission fluid for the first time in about 2 years... The transmission fluid is 100% FULL. In fact, now that I FINALLY replaced the dipstick, it appears there is even a bit more transmission fluid than necessary. The van sits about 98% of the time... so these leaks occur over the past 2 years while sitting and NOT running.. BUT again... the transmission fluid is 100% FULL even with these leaks since I JUST checked.

Personally.. I do NOT really care about the leaks.. I just don't want to drive the van with no fluid and cause damage.. but even with ALL these friggin' leaks, it seems all the fluids are full... even after about 2 years.

Any suggestions? Should I really care at this point?


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: JAGI410 Re: New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 22nd 2017 2:05 am
What color is the fluid? Are you checking the trans fluid while it’s warm, in neutral, and on level ground?
Posted By: Puzzele Re: New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 22nd 2017 2:44 am
I checked the transmission fluid while warmed up and still running on level ground and in park.

As for the color... the floor is so dirty that I just put a white floor tile underneath. I will wait until it drips to see the color... but I checked ALL the fluids including brake fluid, and everything is totally full.
Posted By: frscke1 Re: New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 22nd 2017 3:36 am
rear main seal is going out
Posted By: CatFish Re: New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 22nd 2017 4:06 am
I think you're right, it's most likely trans fluid. But that's not as much fluid as you may think.
It really only appears to be about three or four ounces at the very most. That stuff will spread out and look like more.

Is it showing up at three different spots under the van?
Posted By: Reed Re: New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 22nd 2017 2:55 pm
Did you check te trans fluid with the engine and transmision warm and idling in park? Transmision fluid must be checked with the engine running so the fluid pumpin the trans is pumping and drawing the fluid level in the sump down.
Posted By: Puzzele Re: New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 22nd 2017 3:12 pm

Originally Posted by Reed
Did you check te trans fluid with the engine and transmision warm and idling in park? Transmision fluid must be checked with the engine running so the fluid pumpin the trans is pumping and drawing the fluid level in the sump down.


Yes. I checked the transmission fluid with the van warmed up, running and in park. Long story short, I finally was able to find an exact transmission dipstick so I made a point of FINALLY checking the transmission fluid. I had expected to see that the transmission fluid was a bit low (via the leaking) and it sitting for almost 2 years (other than a very rare drive)... but I discovered that the transmission fluid was 100% full. In fact, it looked like it was a bit over full but I didn't bother trying to drain any since its been running great for 2 years and I suspect there is a slooooooooooow leak.

Personally... I'm not terribly worried about the minor leaks as ALL the fluids that I can think of are completely full.. I'm just worried that some important fluid is missing which I need to fix/refill.

PS: I made this mistake with a 86 Vette and ended up blowing out the head gaskets via no coolant. Trust me, I'm a schmuck and know ZERO about auto mechanics... so don't wanna make the same mistake again.. particularly when I see that it is leaking from about 3 different places under the van as seen in the photos.
Posted By: Reed Re: New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 22nd 2017 5:07 pm
The only mistake was buying a Corvette. Your old Ford is totally durable. The 351 in my 89 E-150 has been overheated at least three times and (due to various oil leaks) been run on the highway for long periods with only 1-2 quarts of oil in the motor and it is still going strong. If your transmission is over full then the leaks could very well be excess fluid leaking past a seal point. Could be the output shaft seal, the disptick tube seal, the gear sleector shaft seal, a loose cooler line fitting, or, worst case, a worn front main seal. Front seal is the worst because you have to pull the trans to replace a $2 part.
Posted By: Puzzele Re: New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 22nd 2017 5:54 pm
As for there being too much transmission fluid, that is possible... I only just discovered it now that I finally found a replacement dipstick and know how much fluid is in it, BUT.... even IF there is too much fluid, I don't think it would cause it to leak just SITTING in my garage.. It is NOT running.. Right?

(Remember... I'm a schmuck when it comes to auto mechanics so I'm genuinely asking because I don't know).

Thanks in advance for your input. smile

Posted By: billybob Re: New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 22nd 2017 8:03 pm
Hi Chris it look the rear main seal fluid for trans is red give a call billybob
Posted By: Puzzele Re: New game: "WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING?" - September 22nd 2017 10:29 pm
Bill!!! How are you buddy? I just happened to hear your voicemail message.. I'll definitely give you a call to say howdy.

Actually, ironically, tomorrow, 9/23/17, I'm taking Cloud Dancer to Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ, for a car show. I almost NEVER attend shows.. but this happens to be the show where I originally discovered Cloud Dancer back in high school so its kind of nostalgic to bring her back.

If you don't get a chance to schlep tomorrow, here is my crappy website that I sometimes update about the van. Feel free to check it out and definitely give a call anytime.

http://www.puzzele.com/clouddancer/clouddancer.htm
© Vannin' Community and Forums