Causes of Auto fluid leak from bell housing

[steroidcontaskie]

Hi all.

So I have a bad auto fluid leak coming from the bell housing.

Back story is that I have just put a rebuilt trans in, along with the old torque converter. The old trans and torque converter didn't leak when they were in the car. I filled the sump with fluid, started the car up and checked and kept topping up the fluid as the pump primed the system. After a couple of mins there was a puddle about 10cm across under the car.

I haven't put the car into gear and seen if it drives yet.

I have a couple of questions.

If I can get the fluid levels up, is it safe to drive the car off the hoist when it has such a leak?

Is it possible that the torque converter has failed due to not being used in the month it took for me to do a gearbox change? Or what else is a likely cause for a leak there?

And once I get the trans out, what is the best way to check where the leak is coming from?

Cheers Edward

[Lloyd]

Torque converter seal would be the best guess. Failing that, the pump. Drop the trans and have a look

[holden_fan2005]

It isn't coming out of the dipstick tube/seal or anything silly? Seeing as you've just been filling it up.

[steroidcontaskie]

Definitely not from the filling, had 2 other people check that to make sure.

Looks like it is trans dropping time number 6.

[JZCrazy]

Ed. Check the trans. pressure relief valve at the top of the trans. (may have over filled?)

I am thinking it is probably what Brad said. Dip stick oil O ring?.

I know pain re Soarer gear boxes. (A340E). Have a collection of GB's myself.

[steroidcontaskie]

I am thinking it is the torque converter seal too.

It isn't over filled, I primed the lines with a hand pump, put a bit in the torque converter and filled the trans via the dip stick. Then ran the car for a bit, let it sit for a few mins, rechecked levels and topped up the trans via the dipstick. Did this a couple of times before I noticed the puddle under the car. Didn't hear any funny noises suggesting levels were too low.

The pump wasn't taken apart during the rebuild, so I am guessing the torque converter seal wasn't replaced. Although the trans wasn't leaking when it was taken out, the seal might have been on its last legs and could have dried out when it was out of the car for a year.


Another lesson learned.
Cheers Edward

[JZCrazy]

[quote="steroidcontaskie"]I am thinking it is the torque converter seal too.


Would you see trans. fluid on the flex plate if the rubber bung is removed?

[steroidcontaskie]

When I took the inspection plate off I counldnt see any fluid on that side of the torque converter, so angain I am guessing it is leaking from the trans side. Hopefully the trands will come out this weekend and then I can see where the problem is.

Cheers
Edward