Fluid Leakage In Torque Converter Area

DESCRIPTION

Fluid Leakage In Torque Converter Area:

In diagnosing and correcting fluid leaks in the front pump support and gear and torque converter area, use the following procedures to locate the exact cause of the leakage. Leakage at the front of transmission, as evidenced by fluid around the torque converter housing, may have several sources. By careful observation, it is possible, in many instances, to pinpoint the source of leak before removing the transmission from the vehicle. The paths which the fluid takes to reach the bottom of the torque converter housing are shown in the Fluid Leakage In Torque Converter Area illustration.

PROCEDURE
1. Fluid leaking by the pump lip seal will tend to move along the impeller hub and onto the back of the impeller housing. Except in the case of a total seal failure, fluid leakage by the lip of the pump seal will wet the back of the torque converter and be deposited on the torque converter housing only, near the pump body.
2. Fluid leakage by the outside diameter seal of the pump body will be deposited only on the pump body and torque converter housing. Fluid will not be deposited on the back of the torque converter.
3. Fluid that leaks by the pump gasket and front pump-to-case bolt will be deposited on the inside of the torque converter housing only. Fluid will not be deposited on the back of the torque converter.
4. Fluid leakage from the converter drain plugs or converter-to-flywheel stud weld will appear at the outside diameter of the torque converter on the back face of the flywheel, and in the converter housing only near the flywheel. Fluid leaks from the torque converter will leave a ring of fluid around the inside of the torque converter housing.
5. Engine oil leaks are sometimes improperly diagnosed as transmission pump gasket leaks. The following areas of possible leakage should also be checked to determine if engine oil leakage is causing the concern.

NOTE: A clean lint-free cloth may aid in determining the color (transmission fluid is red) and source of the leaking fluid.

a. Leakage at the valve cover gasket may allow oil to flow over the converter housing or seep down between the converter housing and cylinder block causing oil to be present in or at the bottom of the converter housing.
b. Oil galley plug leaks will allow oil to flow down the rear face of the cylinder block to the bottom of the converter housing.
c. Leakage at the crankshaft rear oil seal will work back to the flywheel, and then into the torque converter housing.