Car Static
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 26
From: Lexington Park Maryland
Car Static
So I was contacted by an owner wanting to sell a 25th anniversary 1978. From her description, the car was restored by someone in GA (it looks it). Her husband was not able to drive it after it was completed due to illness.
It started after several pump of the gas, but did not want to go into gear (auto). I checked the trans fluid, it was low. It took 3 quarts before I was able to put it in reverse and move it.
My question: what part of the trans that was affected from being static for so long that it would leak out 3-4 quarts of trans fluid?
It started after several pump of the gas, but did not want to go into gear (auto). I checked the trans fluid, it was low. It took 3 quarts before I was able to put it in reverse and move it.
My question: what part of the trans that was affected from being static for so long that it would leak out 3-4 quarts of trans fluid?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Probably nothing. The oil likely leaked out just a little at a time. As long as the trans was sealed and had most of the oil still in it, there shouldn't be any problem with it (once it got the oil replaced).
It would be a good idea to change the oil and filter. Then, you can look for any water in the oil (bottom of the sump pan) and/or any shiny metallic particles in the oil indicating some type of internal damage. There will always be that black, fine particulate 'sludge' on the bottom of the pan; that's just worn-off clutch plate material that occurs normally with use.
It would be a good idea to change the oil and filter. Then, you can look for any water in the oil (bottom of the sump pan) and/or any shiny metallic particles in the oil indicating some type of internal damage. There will always be that black, fine particulate 'sludge' on the bottom of the pan; that's just worn-off clutch plate material that occurs normally with use.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
So I was contacted by an owner wanting to sell a 25th anniversary 1978. From her description, the car was restored by someone in GA (it looks it). Her husband was not able to drive it after it was completed due to illness.
It started after several pump of the gas, but did not want to go into gear (auto). I checked the trans fluid, it was low. It took 3 quarts before I was able to put it in reverse and move it.
My question: what part of the trans that was affected from being static for so long that it would leak out 3-4 quarts of trans fluid?
It started after several pump of the gas, but did not want to go into gear (auto). I checked the trans fluid, it was low. It took 3 quarts before I was able to put it in reverse and move it.
My question: what part of the trans that was affected from being static for so long that it would leak out 3-4 quarts of trans fluid?
When a car is parked and the engine not running the torque converter will drain 1/2 of it's fluid back into the pan which raises the level about 3" above the pan gasket. So if the gasket is not sealing real well or the dip stick tube bushing is leaking or the shift shaft seal is leaking over time it can lose maybe 3 whole quarts. I suggest snugging up all of the pan bolts first and then keep an eye on it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 26
From: Lexington Park Maryland
Apperantly it started to leak, so cardboard were put under the car. When I finally got it in reverse to take out of the garage for a short ride around the property. It revealed the saturated broken down boxes with trans fluid.
If I buy it, my plan is have it transport to my house. Then change out the filter and re-fill trans, clean the immediate area eliminating any dirty so I can see where exactly it is leaking from.
I think the power steering actuator contributed to the additionaly fluid.
If I buy it, my plan is have it transport to my house. Then change out the filter and re-fill trans, clean the immediate area eliminating any dirty so I can see where exactly it is leaking from.
I think the power steering actuator contributed to the additionaly fluid.
