2001 Lincoln LS V-8. The plug at the bottom of the bell housing leaks transmission fluid possibly about a tablespoon a day that I noticed. I just noticed this lately. I did have the transmission serviced about a month ago when they dropped the pan and changed the trans filter. The pan and gasket don't show any leakage. Any suggestions of what could cause this type of leak? Thanks.
Bell housing leak
- Thread starter phantom3
- Start date
97stscaddy
Dedicated LVC Member
How many miles on the car?
No they should not be responsible, since a filter change has nothing to do with the input shaft seal on the transmission.
No they should not be responsible, since a filter change has nothing to do with the input shaft seal on the transmission.
mharrison
Dedicated LVC Member
Yeah, the old trans fluid was thicker and gunkier (due to age) which kept it from coming through that worn seal. The newer, more slippery, thinner, fluid was able to seep through the worn seal.
It's not uncommon after a fluid change for a "new" leak to pop up.
It's not uncommon after a fluid change for a "new" leak to pop up.
Overfilled Tranny
Could overfilling have caused the leak. Yesterday I decided to check the trans fluid level. I drove it about an hour, had the car fairly level, shifted each gear for a few seconds and checked it with the car running in park. When I removed the small center plug I got a steady stream of fluid coming out. After about 3 quarts came out I decided to replace the plug even though fluid was still coming out. Since yesterday I have test driving it and the transmission still shifts good so I am assuming it was overfilled and was wondering if overfilling can cause problems, thanks.
Could overfilling have caused the leak. Yesterday I decided to check the trans fluid level. I drove it about an hour, had the car fairly level, shifted each gear for a few seconds and checked it with the car running in park. When I removed the small center plug I got a steady stream of fluid coming out. After about 3 quarts came out I decided to replace the plug even though fluid was still coming out. Since yesterday I have test driving it and the transmission still shifts good so I am assuming it was overfilled and was wondering if overfilling can cause problems, thanks.
rickztahone
Dedicated LVC Member
how did you check the trans fluid level? i though only the dealership was able to check the level from under the car
97stscaddy
Dedicated LVC Member
The drain plug has a tube on it that sticks up a few inches inside the transmission. It's capped off with a small threaded plug. The top of the tube is where the proper fluid level should be in the transmission.
You got 3 QUARTS out of that thing and it hadn't stopped?!? The car was fairly level when you did this right? Did you jack up all 4 wheels off the ground or just the front 2?
If so, that is WAY overfilled.
You got 3 QUARTS out of that thing and it hadn't stopped?!? The car was fairly level when you did this right? Did you jack up all 4 wheels off the ground or just the front 2?
If so, that is WAY overfilled.
owlman
Dedicated LVC Member
The service manual says when it starts coming out as a small stream or drip then it's at the right level.