Fluid Leak Diagnosis
FLUID LEAKAGEThe 42LE is a dual sump transaxle. The transaxle uses both Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) for the main sump and hypoid gear lube for the differential sump. When diagnosing a leak, it is important to distinguish which type of fluid is leaking. Factory fill ATF is dyed red, while differential hypoid oil is brown in color and has a distinctive odor.
There are two seals at the boundary of the two sumps. There is a weep hole in the right side of the transaxle case which vents the area between the two seals. If oil is leaking from the weep hole, there is at least one seal leaking. Never plug the weep hole to correct a leaking condition. Plugging the weep hole could result in contaminating one or both transaxle Bumps, low oil level, poor transaxle performance or transaxle failure. In order to correctly repair this type of leak the transaxle must be removed from the vehicle and both transfer shaft seals replaced.
TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING AREA
1. Check for source of leakage. Fluid leakage from the torque converter area may originate from an engine oil leak, a differential oil leak or an ATF oil leak. The area should be examined closely.
2. Prior to removing the transaxle, perform the following checks:
- When leakage is determined to be automatic transmission fluid, check fluid level prior to removal of the transaxle and torque converter.
- High oil level can result in oil leakage out the vent. If the fluid level is high, adjust to proper level.
- After performing this operation, inspect for leakage. If a leak persists, perform the following operation on the vehicle. This will determine if it is the torque converter or transaxle that is leaking.
TORQUE CONVERTER LEAKAGE
Possible sources of torque converter leakage are:
- Torque converter weld leaks at the outside (peripheral) weld.
- Torque converter hub weld.
NOTE: Hub weld is inside and not visible. Do not attempt to repair. Replace torque converter.
DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING AREA
The differential uses 75W-90 petroleum based hypoid gear lube. It can be distinguished from ATF by its brown color (ATF is dyed red). Also gear lube has a distinctive odor (hypoid smell).
1. If it is suspected that the leakage is gear lube, check the differential for proper fluid level. High oil level can result in leakage from the differential vent.
CAUTION: A crushed vent baffle will cause oil to leak from vent hose.
2. If fluid level is correct, add 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of leak detecting florescent dye to the differential.
3. Clean the suspect area of the transaxle with solvent.
4. Road test the vehicle until the leak reoccurs.
5. Using a black light determine the source of the leak and repair as required.
6. Do not add oil dye to both the ATF sump and the differential sump at the same time. This can cause confusion when trying to pinpoint a leak source.