600 bucks lighter and tranny still leaks.

[hermitrl]

I just got back from the garage yesterday for the second time trying to get a bad tranny leak fixed. This time they replaced the pan gasket and said it should be fine. If not they think it may be a seal way up on the side of the tranny--and would ned to remove the cat converter to get at this seal? Anyone know which they are talking about? How much should it cost? The pan gasket cost me 160 and the first visit ended up doing the brakes and tighten the pan up.

 

[Opera House]

On the side with the cat are the two servo valves and the vacuum modulator that could leak. It sounds like the place you picked is neither cheap or knowledgeable.

 

[Glacier991]

I'm (seemingly as always) in total agreement with Opera House. Another possible source of that leak is where the linkage to the manual valve inside the transmission passses thru the case. That has been a known leak point, and if it is, you COULD replace that seal on your own. Often though the bore in the case there becomes enlarged. How BAD is this leak?

(ps. a servo cap seal leak is NOT a fun thing.)

Me, I'd spray degreaser on the tranny, pressure wash it clean, and go for a 10 mile drive and crawl under with a flashlight and see what you can see. YOU can probably find this on your own and save $$$.

 

[hermitrl]

Actually--they cleaned it all off the first visit and hoped their diagnosis was right. Unfortunately it wasn't. The leak is quite bad---enough to leave a small puddle after 10 minutes or so. The funny thing is---and why I think it is on the side----is when it gets down a quart or so---the leak slows down--and stops.
I can't do the work myself right now. What should I expect in a price and labour time to get this repaired? Up here labour is 65 an hour. Thanks.

 

[Glacier991]

hmmm desxcribe the onset of this leak and the progression.... and where it is appearing... somethign THAT bad coming on fast might be a front seal incipient failure....the quart low/slow thing is curious.

as for cost we needd to know what needs doing first, but if a $5 pan gasket replacement cost for $160 (did I say GOUGE) I can only imagine what they will soak you for if THEY have to find and fix it. You can buy and add UV dye to ATF, and with a blacklight find things you might not otherwise. DIY.

 

[hermitrl]

Gasket and filter was the main cost I think. The filter was 40 bucks. The leak started in January or so. I posted here about it not going into gear back then. It was -30 most of the month and was dead broke until now. It never dropped below the first dot--so filled it as needed. I am sure it is on the cat side---it just isn't evident loking at it. I may look for the dye mentioned and hopefully they can pinpoint it Tuesday. My wallet just can't handle the fix until it is found crap. Thanks for the help so far.

 

[CDW6212R]

Wow, the filter should be no more than about $15 at any parts store.

When possible, clean the area yourself with engine degreaser, a wash mitt or brush, and a water hose. Wear something that can be cleaned or discarded. Wear some kind of eye protection also.

Wipe the area off using engine degreaser on paper towels, or rags. Finish with a little brake cleaner on towels or rags. Then look carefully at the whole area. Look at anything going into the trans.

The dipstick o-ring is often a cause of a leak. Start it and keep the fluid level above the bottom fill mark. Carefully check the cleaned area for fluid. I bet you will not have to drive it at all to find the source. If it is leaking badly, then you should be able to find it by carefull fishing around with a hand, or dry towel or rag.

Most likely to fix the leak will require draining the pan, cleaning the area where the leak is, and then repairing the leak. Good luck,
Don

 

[hermitrl]

OK---the leak is coming from the round thingy by the cat converter---just above the pan. It needs an O ring replaced. They suggested going to dealer or tranny specialist as it requires a special tool they don't have. How much time should it take to get this thing out and replaced with a new o ring? MY wallet is cringing already.

 

[CDW6212R]

Chris? That's a band servo cover, holding in a piston and spring. I don't know the details, but the tight area there is the big problem. Good luck,
Don

 

[Glacier991]

I am assuming he is describing the servo cover as well Don. The tool is nothing more than a metal piece that bolts on the pan rail and a U shaped hook... it is shown in use the the Diary. But you are night that is a VERY tight and UNFUN area to try and work in. Still a competent shop should be able to do it in under 2 shop hours. The O-ring is probably $6 to $8 from FORD. This is one I'd shop around...and get a fixed quote. It's a KNOWN task. They should be willing to give you a firm quote.

Should come in under your pan gasket cost <g>.

 

[hermitrl]

Thanks---you know---I looked around after hearing about how high the gasket cost was---but they were close to the other quotes. Perhaps the canadian dollar?

 

[Glacier991]

Ah yes, that may help explain it, eh ? ,g>

 

[hermitrl]

Well---took it to a tranny shop and mentioned the tool talked about above. got blank looks and snickers and then spent 2 hours watching him try to remove the ring with snap ring pliers. By then it was 4 and he asked me to return tomorrow as "is loose now". I shudder to think what they are gonna nail me for this one.

 

[hermitrl]

Could you post a picture of the tool here if you know where it is? I looked through the diary but just saw snap ring pliers.

 

[Glacier991]

Here it is in use. That snap ring is a *****, you CANNOT remove it in the usual way, you need to get an end up and peel it out. THAT is why there is a screwdriver flat in the case. All this is covered in the Diary, just needs a patient reading. Your guys sound like Bozos.

Print out that section of the diary and take it to them. Also the rearmost (intermediate servo) has a STRONG SPRING under it. The OD (front most) isn't so bad.

Here is another pic of the tool

Notice the screwdriver flat in the O-ring groove in this pic.

 

[Glacier991]

I will add that this is a tight spot to work and not easy... but. You DID follow my advice and get a quote? Please ? yes ? Or are they screwing around on your dime?

 

[hermitrl]

They are friendly enough---I have been taken by the last 4 garages I have tried--but once taken I never go back. The problem up here is rust. The cats are rusted all to hell--and removing them will require probably replacing them. There is very little room to work.
I realise that there are gonna be problems that take extra time--just don't blatantly rip me off.
These guys quoted me 80 bucks-----until I told them it was a ***** of a spot to work at. He played there for 2 hours no charge and hopefully will charge me around 2 and a half hours labour.
The other tranny place said "
between 1 and 4 hundred bucks--just leave it with me" RIIGGHHHT.
That tool will not fit in there if not mistaken unless the exhaust comes off.

 

[Glacier991]

"That tool will not fit in there if not mistaken unless the exhaust comes off"

You may in fact be corrrect. It IS a ***** of a spot, IS it the front most or rear most he is working on?

ps. even getting something in the screwdriver slot may be nigh on impossible, but that was...for me... the key to easy removal - using that slot to hold any gains.

 

[hermitrl]

It is the overdrive servo. he sprayed it down with rust treatment oil and said it is loose--so hopefully tomorrow he can at least get that snap ring out. What a headache for a little rubber O ring.

 

[Glacier991]

Of the 2 that may be the easiest... sometimes getting the cover out of the bore once the snap ring is out can also be "fun".