'86 transmission leak help
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 48
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From: Detroit Michigan
'86 transmission leak help
I'm getting a nice little puddle of tranny fluid every morning and I am planning on installing a new filter and gasket. I noticed the cross braces will have to be removed. Has anyone done this? I am also concerned about how to raise my front end up without the braces. I have ramps for the rear end. Thanks guys. Tom
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
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From: Anaheim CA
It is very common for these transmissions to leak in the pump area. The one I took out and the '89 I replaced it with both leak from there (the '89 was just rebuilt too -- very irritating).
DO NOT use a cork gasket on the pan. The cork gets saturated with oil and it oozes out. The trans is designed to have the oil level even with the gasket so it's always exposed to the oil. Another aspect to this is that the oil cooler in the radiator is higher than the trans and the oil will drain out of the cooler and raise the level in the trans when the engine is off.
I don't understand your question about cross braces. I assume you have to get the car in the air to remove them, so how would jacking be a problem?
DO NOT use a cork gasket on the pan. The cork gets saturated with oil and it oozes out. The trans is designed to have the oil level even with the gasket so it's always exposed to the oil. Another aspect to this is that the oil cooler in the radiator is higher than the trans and the oil will drain out of the cooler and raise the level in the trans when the engine is off.
I don't understand your question about cross braces. I assume you have to get the car in the air to remove them, so how would jacking be a problem?
