Starting issues/Transmission leak

[The Mighty Range Rover]

I was having starting issues with my petrol V6, it would pause or delay before firing up, usually generating a whole bunch of transmission and suspension faults. Error codes said something about voltage out of range. I just assumed it was the battery so i replaced that, no dice. However when i was running the car right after putting the battery in i noticed a large puddle of auto fluid (300ml maybe) pooling under the car.. obviously dripping from multiple spots because of the bash plates. I traced the leak back to the bellhousing plug.

Called up the mechanic and they seemed to think it was the torque converter seal, so i booked it in to get that replaced because i dont think i can do that solo in my driveway.

Anyway i went to start it today to move it into the garage, click, no dice. Took maybe 10 goes before it finally fired. Sounds like the starter is shot.

I noticed that there doesnt seem to be any fresh fluid on the ground, so i decided to run the car for a little while to see if any would come out, nothing. Took it for a short 5 minute drive after idling for 20 minutes or so, still no leak?

So my question is, should i still spend the money on getting the torque converter seal looked at? Or rather just buy some fluid and keep an eye out for leaks? Not sure why it isnt leaking now. Obviously i will need the starter replaced.

Maybe it was just marking it's territory as the Land Rovers of old did... [bigsmile1]

[101RRS]

Maybe a silly question but is it auto transmission fluid or water from the A/C system? At a passing glance the puddle can look as if it is coming from the gearbox as the drain comes out at the front up near the bell housing.

[The Mighty Range Rover]

Maybe a silly question but is it auto transmission fluid or water from the A/C system? At a passing glance the puddle can look as if it is coming from the gearbox as the drain comes out at the front up near the bell housing.

Definitely trans fluid. At first i thought it was AC run off too, but when i scooped some up on my fingers it was thick, oily and had a red tinge to it.

[101RRS]

Definitely trans fluid. At first i thought it was AC run off too, but when i scooped some up on my fingers it was thick, oily and had a red tinge to it.

Ok - hmmm the auto oil should not have a red tinge to it - unless it has had the incorrect oil in it at some time. LG6 is honey coloured when new and dark tea coloured when used. If it is not leaking now I would be tempted to leave it - but check you fluid level in the gearbox. If it were a diesel I would suggest checking the oil filter for a leak as it does run down the back of the engine but propably not relevant to a petrol V6.

However the gearbox leak and the engine start issues are obviously not related but I am sure one of the mechanics will be along to provide some good advice and information.

Garry

[The Mighty Range Rover]

LG6 is honey coloured when new and dark tea coloured when used.
Garry

I did have it flushed about a year ago.
Here is a photo of the oil on my hands.

20180703 132541 — imgbb.com (https://ibb.co/kmh7mo)

[DieselLSE]

Hard to tell from the pic, but my first thought was power steering fluid.

[DazzaTD5]

*Have you checked the power steering fluid level recently?
*And is the alternator putting out enough charge?

*Not healthy all that oil on your hands

[The Mighty Range Rover]

I have been punished for speaking too soon.

Checked maybe half hour after my drive, no leak. 8 hours later, greeted by a puddle on the floor.

Power steering fluid is fine.

Not sure about the alternator but i put a new battery in and fully charged it for 2 days so it cant be that.

20180715 010536 — imgbb.com (https://ibb.co/f4VPGo)

[Milton477]

I'm have no idea how the 2 problems could be related apart fro the starter solenoid being full of gearbox oil.

Does GAP still give the same faults now that the battery has been replaced?
Is the earth cable from the battery to the body clean & tight?

[The Mighty Range Rover]

Is the earth cable from the battery to the body clean & tight?

Yes. I also cleaned up the points from the body to the frame to the engine, which required the driver side wheel well to come out. Many broken plastic clips and swear words later i got them done. Car didnt turn over first 2 goes, turned over a little the next go and started the next 3 goes. Lets see if it stays that way.

The brief time i had it running it started leaking fluid though.

[The Mighty Range Rover]

2k later, new starter motor and torque converter seal.

[101RRS]

But has it stopped the leak and fixed your starting problems?

[BobD]

This must be the first time on this forum that a TC seal has been replaced or that a leak of the wrong coloured transmission fluid has occurred in the quantity that the OP reported. Very strange!

[The Mighty Range Rover]

This must be the first time on this forum that a TC seal has been replaced or that a leak of the wrong coloured transmission fluid has occurred in the quantity that the OP reported. Very strange!

I will dig out the invoice from when i had the steel pan conversion last year and see what fluid they used. The invoice i just got says lifeguard 6.

Must be a petrol v6 thing. I searched the forum and noticed another fellow with the exact same problem and engine.

Unless there is another fluid i am missing, but its not engine, power steering, coolant or diff oil.


But has it stopped the leak and fixed your starting problems?

Yes it has.