Transmission Leaks Everywhere!!

[Mark_vaughn]

I have a few leaks that I would like to track down. Unfortunately the underside from the engine bay to the back of the transmission is covered in a layer of oil.

Has anyone had trouble with seals? Especially around the transmission. It is a thick oil, so it must be from the trans.

Also, the front of the bellhousing where it mates to the engine, there is an opening on one side that is not sealed shut. There is a piece of sheet metal that probably should keep it closed, but it is bent back about an inch. Is this normal? Am I missing a part here? I know it is open where the clutch goes in the side, so I don’t think this is a big deal, just need a little more brainpower on the topic.

The previous owner changed the clutch kit recently, and he wasn’t too big on doing everything correct it seems.

Any help is appreciated!!!

[Jim DeShon]

The way to tell is smell the oil. Transmission oil has it's own pecuilar smell. I would suspect it to be a little of both. Do you have to add much oil to the engine ? If so, this may be where it is going [rear main seal]. Could be the front seal on the transmission input shaft [trans oil]. Either way the oil is going to be thick as it mixes with dirt on the bottom of the car. I'd consider taking the trans out and having a look around in there. ...J.D.

[So Cal Mark]

the tin cover isn't designed to seal fluids in, in fact there shouldn't be any fluid in the bell housing. You're probably going to have to steam clean the bottom side to determine where the leaks are. But if the bottom of the engine is wet, it almost has to be engine oil up front.

[Mark_vaughn]

Has anyone rebuilt their own transmission? Actually I think all I need is the seals. Shifts well, no gear problems, just loosing alot of oil. Can I change the seals without taking it all apart?

Does anyone have any suggestions that would take care of the leaking without having to pull the transmission?

Is this something I should tackle or leave to the pros? That is if I can find a pro that will mess with it around here.

[spider2081]

Might be good to see if transmission is over filled. There have been a few posts here about mistakingly filling the 5 speed from the top plug instead of the lower. If it was overfilled it might damage the seals. Some of the other posts stated it will leak if too over filled.

[jdennie]

I've just replaced the clutch in my 124. While there I noticed leaching from the rear main engine seal. Since this seal sits right in front of the clutch, it's easy to mistake it for a leak in the transmission. Costs about $20 from Vick Autosports. It is indeed possible that this is where your oil leak is. If you don't have an obviously leak in the tranmission pan or plug I would replace that seal. Unfortunately, this is not an easy task. You have to pull the transmission, remove the clutch and the fly wheel. However, it will give you the opportunity to replace your clutch if it has a lot of wear on it.

[Mark_vaughn]

Any words of wisdom before I yank my transmission out and change the seals? Other than not pull the car off the stands on top of me...

[So Cal Mark]

if you don't already own them, get a long extension and 13mm & 19mm swivel sockets.