Leak Check Test

LEAK CHECK TEST
The following procedures should be used to determine the cause of the leakage before service is made.
1. Remove the fluid level indicator and note the color of the fluid. Original factory fill fluid is dyed red to aid in determining if leakage is from the engine or transaxle. Unless a considerable amount of makeup fluid has been added or the fluid has been changed, the red color should assist in pinpointing the leak.
2. Remove the converter housing. Clean off any fluid from the top and bottom of the converter housing, front of the case and rear face of the engine and oil pan. Clean the torque converter area by washing with a suitable nonflammable solvent and blow dry with compressed air.
3. Wash out converter housing and the front of the flywheel. The converter housing may be washed out using cleaning solvent and a squirt-type oil can. Blow all washed areas dry with compressed air.
4. Start and run the engine until the transaxle reaches its normal operating temperature. Observe the back of the block and top of the converter housing for evidence of fluid leakage. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Run the engine at fast idle, then at engine idle, occasionally shifting to the DRIVE and REVERSE ranges to increase pressure within the transaxle.

Observe the front of the flywheel, back of the block (in as far as possible) and inside the converter housing and front of the case. Run the engine until fluid leakage is evident and the source of leakage can be determined.

LEAK CHECK TEST WITH BLACK LIGHT
Oil-soluble aniline or fluorescent dyes pre-mixed at the rate of 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of dye powder to 0.23 liter (1/2 pint) of transmission fluid have proven helpful in locating the source of fluid leakage. Such dyes may be used to determine whether an engine oil or transmission fluid leak is present, or if the fluid in the transmission fluid cooler leaks into the engine coolant system. A black light must be used with the fluorescent dye solution.