ATF leak on 86 420SEL..and "STOP LEAK ATF" ? Help pls.
My 1986 420SEL recently progressed from having a minor ATF leak (Red clean oil) from having a less than minor leak in the same area. I used to get maybe a drip or two per week onto the garage floor, and now I get maybe half a dozen drips ESPECIALLY, when pulling out my driveway...I would presume even when the car is running too! I added ATF last week and I think I lost quite a few.
The car is running fine but I dont know if I have to have the transmission serviced ASAP or just leave it for now.
ALSO, Does anyone tried those "STOP LEAK ATF" ? Will you suggest using those chemicals on my transmission?
I appreciate your help on this matter. Thanks...
RE: ATF leak on 86 420SEL..and "STOP LEAK ATF" ? Help pls.
Stop leaks didn't work on mine. I changed the pan gasket, and later the pan. REplaced O rings. Still leaks. I park on a piece of cardboard. It leaks more when it is full. It gets low, and slows down.
RE: ATF leak on 86 420SEL..and "STOP LEAK ATF" ? Help pls.
I wouldn't suggest using any sort of "Stop Leak" additive. A few years ago I was rebuilding a transmission that wouldn't shift between second and third. Apparently the tranmission had been leaking, but working fine, and then some sort of "Stop Leak" was added. When I opened up the valve body, there was a green, congealed sludge that was holding a spring-mounted plunger from closing. That particular passage controlled the 2-3 shift and the green stuff was the "stop leak". During the rebuild, I found a worn rear seal was causing the leak ($5 part).
The lesson learned---if the transmission is working okay, but leaking, fix the leak. There really aren't too many ways the fluid can get out. It can come from around the dip-stick tube, the front seal, around the modulator, the pan gasket, or rear seal. Clean the bottom of the car, wipe away any oil, and puff some baby powder on the bottom parts of the tranmission. The source of the leak should show up pretty quick.
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