ATF leak on 86 420SEL..and "STOP LEAK ATF" ? Help pls.

[AAA of NY]

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?

Will something happen with my transmission if I just keep adding ATF every once in a while?

I appreciate your help on this matter. Thank you.

[tex]

Probably just a loose and/or hardened nonsealing pan gasket.

When was the last time you had the tranny serviced? If it's been a while I'd either do myself, easily done, or get a shop to do it. New filter, pan gasket and fluid is what parts are required. I would start there and then see if that fixes it, if it continues to leak, getting it clean under there would also help in chasing down just where exactly it is originating from.

[JEFFMG1]

I'll say if you are lucky it's the pan gasket. If you can wipe off the fluid than recheck the next day and it is wet above the pan gasket your not lucky. If any fluid is dripping from bellhousing definatel o-rings Also if you have filter and gasket replaced, and the pan gasket is hard, and when you bend it, it breaks. bad!

My trans was leaking out of every o-ring it had. The only way to get at them was to pull the trans out. I just missed one o-ring so it still drips, I'm living with it. As they age the o-rings tend to get hard and flat.

If you keep trans full I don't think any damage will happen. The dripping and smell of burning oil is a pain.

[DREIZACK]

I think refilling your ATF every once in a while should be OK. Make sure you properly check the ATF level because overfilling could give you problems too. Chances are that it will get worse over time, and I suggest saving up for a major repair or possibly a rebuilt within a year or so.

[AAA of NY]

Thanks a lot guys...I'll try your suggestions...and maybe I will not try those stop leak ATF that I saw.
Thanks again...