Question about transmission fluid level

[italianbigsky]

Hi everybody,
another question from the Explorer guy from Italy.

After replacing the flexplate, I still have a leak from the transmission. Mechanic said it's not a major leak, and anyway I don't want and don't have money to pull the trans once again and fix it.
It's a leak under the torque converter, i guess between the torque converter and the flexplate.

Anyway, if I leave the car parked, in the first minutes the drops leave a circle of about 3 inches diameter on the floor, then it seems to stop leaking. It's not so much, but it happens everytime.
So i guess the fluid level is becoming low, but I really don't know how low it is.

I mean, if I measure it (it's still between the min and max level), should it drop below the low level, how much fluid should I add?
Maybe it's a stupid question, but I don't know. Measuring itwhen the engine is cold won't help I guess.

I don't want to overfill it, that's it.
Thanks for your help,
regards from italy

 

[BurnTheLight88]

You don't want to fill it too much, because too much fluid is a bad thing.

I believe most dipsticks are configured that when it is at the min level 1 quart will put it back to the correct level.

 

[italianbigsky]

Thanks for your quick reply!

when it is at the min level 1 quart will put it back to the correct level.

two other stupid question:

min level = measuring it when hot, right?

1 quart = 1 quart of US gallon? (you know, I will have to convert it in liters...)

Also, could you quickly explain which kind of problems occurr when a transmission is overfilled and when there's a low fluid level? Which are the different symptoms?
Thanks again, I'm learning a lot everyday!

 

[drbenz]

The fluid should be checked while hot idling in park on level ground.

One quart = one quarter of a US gallon. (I would try a smaller quantity and check the level so as not to overfill).

If the level is too low the trans could wind up sucking only air out of the pan (not a good hydraulic fluid) this would damage clutches that need constant pressure and lubrication.
If the level is too high the fluid will get whipped into a foam (air still isn't a good hydraulic fluid) and get pushed out of the vent at the top of the trans and make a mess.

 

[SoNic67]

Let it drain till stops (level drops below the leaking point). Start the engine, let it warm, move the selector thru all the speeds and back to "P".
Now check the level. If it is still above the lower mark, don't add anything. Just drive it like that and check again latter to see if you are not loosing more.

PS: A quart is 0.946 liters.

 

[italianbigsky]

thank you for this advice, i'll try this too.

Just curious, do you mean it could be already overfilled? Could this be the reason of ghe leaking after the flexplate substitution?

 

[yavapaires]

thank you for this advice, i'll try this too.

Just curious, do you mean it could be already overfilled? Could this be the reason of ghe leaking after the flexplate substitution?

It is possible, but my guess is the front seal in the transmission. Secondly, are you sure it is transmission fluid? The rear main seal in the engine could be leaking. Keep checking the engine oil too. There is no way that the transmission fluid can leak from the front of the torgue convertor (engine side).

 

[italianbigsky]

it's tranny fluid no doubt, it leaks behind tne torque converter.
This afternoon 1/2 gallon was added, and it shifted smoothly and without slipping.

The very bad news is that right few minutes ago i had to go on a hill and after 10 minutes driving (with o/d off), a bad smell of burnt oil or plastic came from the rear right side of tne car. Leak was increased, i'll check ghe whole thing better tomorrow morning with more light.

I'm afraid i have to give up and throw this beautiful car away. Since i bought it less than 1 year ago, i spent about 3000 dollars in various repairs and still have major problems.