trans leak

[nico]

There is a slight drip from what looks like the shifter shaft seal, Usually there is a nut on the shaft to remove the linkages. I don't see one, does this mean it has a nut on the inside of the case and you slide the whole shaft out? And if so can this be done with the trans in place?

[Don Henschel]

It doesnt look pretty:( if you even have room to slide the shafts out?
If you get brave (and if there is enough room beside the trans.)watch out for the detent spring and ball(top center of picture). Once you pull the shaft out of the detent lever, the ball and spring will come flying out and may get lost (and then your gonna cry 96 tears:() A peice of carboard under the car might be an easier solution;) Good luck.

[Barry Wolk]

Just keep driving it. If your car hasn't been driven in a while the seals have all shrunk back. Just using the car sealed 95% of all fluid leaks on mine.

[nico]

Hmm, I wonder how long those shafts are, there is not a lot of room although I think there is a possibility of rotating the whole eng / trans in place.

[nico]

I think that's what I'll try first. In the meantime try to find the new seals just to be ready. Barry did you add any conditioners?

[Barry Wolk]

No need, although it couldn't hurt. Heat and fluid flow should take care of the problem. The seals need to swell back up before they can do their job. I'd monitor it before tearing into it.

[Nick DeSpirito]

Nico,

Barry's right. If I don't drive my car and it sits for months, it leaks tranny fluid, but if I drive it like once a week, it does not. I read in the Mark II Encyclopedia that a couple ounces of brake fluid added to the trans will swell up the seals. Is that true Barry?

[Barry Wolk]

Yes, but that can be risky as it can cause bits of rubber to break off if they are loose. However, those should be caught in the filter media. It's worth a try, but driving it would be better.:D

[Chuck Lutz]

Wait?? I thought the brake fluid and the trans fluids were the same. Type A?

[Barry Wolk]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only car I have that uses brake fluid for power steering is my 750iL. It uses brake fluid for the hydraulic suspension, too.

Only use a 1/2 cup of it in your power steering fluid to swell your seals.

[Chuck Lutz]

Oh crap.. you're right, I'm sorry. I got power steering confused with brake fluid. I'll try NOT to do that in the car ;)

[Chuck Lutz]

As for the leaks getting better with use, I second that emotion.
When I first came to this forum after getting my car a few weeks earlier, I think one of my original questions / gripes was the fixing the leaks. I still have the cookie sheet under it when parked but the leaking is much less since I've been driving the car. There are only a few thing that are better off left for tomorrow but this leak issue could be one of them.

[Don Henschel]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only car I have that uses brake fluid for power steering is my 750iL. It uses brake fluid for the hydraulic suspension, too.

Only use a 1/2 cup of it in your power steering fluid to swell your seals.

I think I would use alot less than 1/2 a cup, mabe none at all just to be on the safe side. Like Nick and Barry said try driving it more. If it was a beater I would try, but an orphan like these?? You could hang a small tin cup on the shaft to catch the oil :D:D