Thread: Auto-transmission Oil Leak, D2 V8

Seeking advice regarding escape of transmission oil. Started suddenly while returning from Wangaratta recently. Stopped as soon as the Trans Temp warning light came on. Waited until light went out & traveled home in stages.

Washed all traces of oil away & topped up transmission, about 300 ml. After warm up, performed Stall Test, OK. 2300RPM.

In following days found pools of transmission fluid beneath car. Suspected failing Output Shaft Seal. Purchased seal.

Took vehicle to a mechanically competent family friend for assistance, with the oil leak problem & other mechanical engine modifications, new towing cam, variable lifters, seals etc. During trip to his home I had to stop on occasions due to trans over temp.

I thought that the leak was most likely to be the Transmission Output shaft, but have just been advised that their is no sign of oil on the Torque Converter or interior of the housing, seeming to rule out a failing seal.

No obvious evidence of oil leaks at transmission cooling lines at g'box or trans cooler, nor around g'box pan. He was unable to drive it into the shed as there was no drive. All oil had drained from cooler & lines when removed.

Any thoughts regarding possible leakage points?

A week or so prior to the leak starting I had spoken with the person performing the repairs & said that I would not hesitate to drive to Darwin & back. That is the level of confidence I had with the vehicle.

Soon after, returning from Wangaratta, the leak manifested. Coming to my attention because of the over temp light. Apart from the over temp situation with the gearbox, it was performing normally, with lockup occurring. Obviously, being aware of a loss of transmission fluid I was driving judiciously, but performance of the auto trans did not appear to be impaired. As noted earlier, a Stall Test, indicated all OK, apart from leak.

Presently, the vehicle cannot be started/driven. Work has begun on preparation for removal of the engine for fitting a new camshaft, followers, mild head work, etc. This work was the prime reason I made arrangements to take the vehicle to the repairer, the transmission leak is an additional repair. Unfortunately my age/health are an impediment to doing this myself. A few years back it would not have been.

The person doing the work passed a comment yesterday evening, lamenting the fact that he did not top up the transmission & drive the vehicle to possibly locate the source of the leak.

Thanks to all for your comments, much appreciated, particularly when I thought I had it solved before dropping it off. Any further comments, suggestions etc will be read.