leaky tranny...help
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Dayton USA
leaky tranny...help
I just put a new engine in my 73 bronco. It is an 87 5.0, carburated for now, but after I finished, it started leaking transmission fluid out of the bellhousing. I never had any problems with the transmission before, and am now left wondering, what is leaking? It only leaks when running, and then it leaks a LOT. Could I have a cracked torque converter? Front pump seal? Any help would be appreciated.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
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From: Southern Oregon USA
If the converter was removed, it is possible that the seal was damaged when it went back together. An older seal that may have not been leaking will start after it has been disturbed. I've always tried to make it a practice to replace the seal whenever I have it apart. This seems like the most likely cause to me.
It is also possible that the converter itself is leaking, the o- ring that seals the front pump to the case or a possible crack in the case or the pump itself.
Jason
It is also possible that the converter itself is leaking, the o- ring that seals the front pump to the case or a possible crack in the case or the pump itself.
Jason
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: NH
try this little trick. slide the converter all the way back in to the tranny. check the gap between the flex plate and the converter it should be about a 1/4 inch. now put a washer on each bolt inbetween the flex plate and the converter. tighten every thing up and try it. if the gap is less than 1/4 inch don't do it. a friend of mine that worked for a tranny shop for about ten years showed me this if it dosen't work then you definately need a new frot seal.good luck
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From: Dayton USA
If I do end up having to replace the front seal, what kind of seal is it? Is it an o ring or a lip seal, or what? Can I do it right from the bellhousiing, or do I have to go in through the valve body? Sorry, I am not really familiar with automatics yet. Again, any help would be appreciated greatly.
Ryan
Ryan
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From: NH
no you don't have to go through the valve body but you will have to seperate the motor and tranny to get the converter out of the way. once you have the converter out you will be able to see the seal in the front of the case. pry it out carefuly or if you have a slide hammer with a screw attachment use a punch to put a small hole in the steal part of the seal and thread the slide hammer in it. then pop out the seal. to install the new one put it in place and VERY GENTLY tap it with a hammer. tap it in one spot then in another moving clock wise or counter clock wise your choise.
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Dayton USA
I replaced the front seal today, and after bolting everything back together, I started it up, and the leak was still there, just as bad as before. Streaming out of the bottom of the bellhousing. So, I pulled the tranny out again, wondering what is going on.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: NH
well you could have two diffrent problems there. 1 the converter isn't in far enough to make a good seal or 2 the front pump cover is leaking. if it's the first one that's an easy fix with the washers trick i explained to you but if it's the front pump cover thats a little more complicated. you have to remove the valve body to get the pump out.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Spokane
The engine is bolted to the tranny and aligned with two steel pins. Are they in? You could have an alignment problem.
Last edited by fordberg; May 12, 2004 at 08:36 AM.
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Dayton USA
I took the trans to another shop today for a free inspection. they looked at it and reccommended, of course, a rebuild due to mileage and worn out clutches and such. I did end up finding out what was leaking, though. the rebuild will cost about $495 with a $160 new converter, approx. 170 dollar kit, and the rest is labor. I am thinking that I may never have another problem with it if I go this route.