fluid leak..aahhh!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Torquay Devon
fluid leak..aahhh!
Hi I'm from across the pond and was hoping that you knowledgable guys can help me out. I've been detailing the engine bay on my 76 and replacing bits and bobs. Due to work I've been gradually been working on the car for some 3 months and it's getting there. I noticed yesterday that there was a large pool of what looks like tranny fluid on the floor. I'm hoping that it's not too serious. Anybody got any pointers as to what it could be? Also, I have repainted the engine block in situ in the chevy orange. Was looking at the tin rocker covers, in your opinions would it best to paint these or could I put different covers on. The car is factory original so would putting new covers on detract from the cars originality.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
You failed to mention if you have a auto trans or a manual....I assume a auto.
Check where the dipstick tube goes into the trans and for a leak at the vac. modulator. If thats not it you may have gone thru the front pump seal.
Also check the trans lines...you never know!!!
Check where the dipstick tube goes into the trans and for a leak at the vac. modulator. If thats not it you may have gone thru the front pump seal.
Also check the trans lines...you never know!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Lots of possibilities, but here are a couple to consider... If the car has been sitting idle for some time, the output seal can dry off and allow some dripping. To check, clean the seal off completely with mineral spirits, then wipe it dry; take a piece of clean paper and tape it to the lower portion of the seal [outside surface]. Come back later and see if the red-colored tranny oil is soaking into the paper. Likewise, the input seal or the converter seal on the tranny could be dripping a bit...either because they are worn and/or they are dry from non-use and weeping a bit. Remove the lower inspection cover, use mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean off any oil from the inside of the input housing and the back side {bottom} of the torque converter. Get those areas good and dry/clean. Again put some pieces of clean paper on the surfaces where oil will be dripping/running if a leak is at those locations. Wait a day or so and check them again. If you find a leak at any of those locations, it is "your call" as to what to do. You can change the output seal in place by just dropping the driveshaft (no small task, since you have to remove one half-shaft also). The others require transmission removal to fix.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
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From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Check the backside of your wheels/tires for stains....you might have a brake caliper leak. When they go it can happen quickly with a large puddle of brake fluid. This can be confused with trans fluid.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,958
Likes: 3,318
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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If you're not sure were the leak is coming from, take a white paper towel & dip it into the spot. If it's red it's tranny.........
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Gardner Kansas
If your brake fluid is the color of tranny fluid ... change it. I found the same thing the control valve for P/S was leaking... thought it was the tranny also until further inspection.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Torquay Devon
Thanks for all the very useful info.guys. Will be delving into the fluid leak in the New Year and hopefully resolve it without too much pain. My own fault really as I don't drive her as much as I should, just to the odd show in the U.K. I've had her for 27 years now and i.m.o. puts a lot of modern cars to shame. Sevnt6, that engine bay in your car is one of the best, if not the best I've seen, puts mine to shame. Where can I locate the L82 rocker covers from in the the States as they look really nice. Did you have the air filter chromed or can you buy them off the shelf? Happy Xmas to all and a happy New Year.
Mike.. U.K.
Mike.. U.K.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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TheCorvetteBen
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 144
From: Van Alstyne, TX
You failed to mention if you have a auto trans or a manual....I assume a auto.
Check where the dipstick tube goes into the trans and for a leak at the vac. modulator. If thats not it you may have gone thru the front pump seal.
Also check the trans lines...you never know!!!
Check where the dipstick tube goes into the trans and for a leak at the vac. modulator. If thats not it you may have gone thru the front pump seal.
Also check the trans lines...you never know!!!
One of the biggest leaks that i had to fix when i first bought my car was a leaky tranny line
