Leakage In Converter Area

LEAKAGE IN CONVERTER AREA

Fluid Leakage In Converter Area:

NOTE: It is important to identify the source of the leakage before removing the transmission from the vehicle. There are several paths which the fluid takes to reach the bottom of he converter housing. Use the following procedures to identify and correct fluid leaks in the front pump and converter area.

1. Fluid leaking by the front pump seal lip will tend to move along the impeller hub and onto the back of the impeller housing.
2. Fluid leakage by the outside diameter of the seal and front pump body will follow the same path as the leaks from the front pump seal.
3. Fluid that leaks from a front pump-to-case bolt will be deposited on the inside of the converter housing only. Fluid will not be deposited on the back of the converter.
4. Leakage by the front pump-to-case gasket may cause fluid to seep down between the front of the case and converter housing.
5. Fluid leakage from the converter-to-flywheel stud weld will appear at the outside diameter of the converter on the back face of the flywheel, and in the converter housing only near the flywheel.
6. The following areas of possible leakage should be checked to determine if engine oil is leaking.
a. Leakage at the rocker arm cover may allow oil to flow over the converter housing and cylinder block, causing oil to be present in or at the bottom of the converter housing and cylinder block, causing oil to appear at the bottom of the converter housing.
b. Oil galley plug leaks will allow oil to flow down the rear face of the block to the bottom of the converter housing.
c. Leakage by the crankshaft seal will work back to the flywheel, then into the converter housing.
7. Fluid leakage from other areas, such as the power steering system forward of the transmission, may cause fluid to appear around the converter housing due to blow-back or road draft. The following procedures should be used to determine the cause of leakage before any repairs are made.
a. Check transmission dipstick for color of fluid. Original factory-fill fluid is dyed red. Unless the fluid has been changed, the color should assist in pinpointing the leak. Leakage due to road draft should be eliminated before checking the transmission for fluid leaks.
b. Remove converter housing cover and clean off any fluid from the top and bottom of the converter housing, front of transmission case, and rear face of engine and oil pan.
c. Start and run engine until transmission reaches normal operating temperature. Observe the back of the block and top of the converter housing for evidence of fluid leakage. Raise vehicle on a hoist and run engine at fast idle, then at engine idle, occasionally shifting to the drive and reverse ranges to increase pressure within the transmission. Observe the inside of the converter housing and front of the transmission case. Run the engine until fluid leakage is evident and the probable source of leakage can be determined.