I have a leak from what seems to be the top of my trans. and cant figure it out. I'm just starting out with my first vette and I'm still in the babying stage. I was moving down the freeway at around 100 and suddenly I saw billowing smoke from behind the vehicle. I pulled over thinking it was the oil pan but to my surprise the oil pressure was steady. I checked under the car and saw fluid pouring out between the tranny pan and oil pan. Has this happend to anyone before? I'm afraid to be robbed at a shop. I spent $140 bucks on a thermostat housing since they were discontinued. I searched everywhere and only found 1 and the guy knew they were a hot commodity so I was robbed on the cost. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, CHRIS

 

I need help with any ideas on a leak i sprung recently.

 

Based on your description, I am assuming that you saw red trans fluid spraying out from the area in and around the metal, roundish cover that is in between the oil pan and the trans oil pan?
If so, Pull the 4 -10 MM bolts that hold that dust shield on and look inside. If the fluid appears to be coming from between the torque converter and the trans, you are screwed.
You likely lost the front pump seal and bushing in the trans. To replace them, the trans must be pulled and placed on the bench. The pan must come off, along with the crossover tube, filter, and lock up solenoid. Then, the pump can be removed. Pump must be split, and a new bushing pressed in, using red locktite sparingly.

Then, a new seal is installed, pump is reassembled and reinstalled with a fresh gasket, O-ring, and all new pump bolt o-rings. New filter, gasket, o-ring on lock up solenoid, and input shaft round out the parts list.
Be sure to check the converter. If the bushing damaged the snout, you will need a new one.

The above is what likely hapened, but there is a rare chance that all you need is a front pump seal. The good news is they are $10 or less, but the trans must still be completely removed to do it.
My guess is your problem will cost anywhere from $250-$1000, depending on how much the shops labor is,
or you can repair this yourself for the price of parts and fluid. I estimate this to be $80.
Converters (stock) cost from $100-$250

In the future, run a wanted ad in the c4 parts for sale section. A good used thermostat housing is readily available, and run $25 or less shipped.

 

If the inside of the dust shield is dry it's likely a Transmission line rubbing on something and got a hole.

I have cut out the hole and used Fuel line and double clamps for a temp repair till the tranny has to come out.
Got to use fuel line cause water hose material will turn to mush !
Hope it's something cheap ! Good Luck !

 

Is this a auto or 4+3?

Mike