Hi everyone,

I recently replaced the stock 305 in my 84 Trans Am with a 350. Ever since that time, the transmission has been leaking tranny fluid. It has been leaking out of the plastic shield that covers the flywheel. Last Thursday, my buddy and I replaced the front pump seal thinking that was the culprit. While it now leaks a bit less, it is still leaving a decent puddle (maybe a 1/2 pint) underneath the car and it still appears to be dripping out of the flywheel cover. The tranny was just rebuilt when it was out of the car for the swap and I installed a new (I should say reconditioned) torque converter. Does anyone have any idea as to what the problem could be?

Thanks,
Joe

 

Might try removing the torque converter cover and clean the soiled area real well. Maybe you'll discover something real simple like a leaking pan gasket. If not real evident, let it sit overnight. If it leaks sitting, you should be able to find where the fluid is leaking from.

Good luck

 

When replacing the seal ( pump seal ) you are supposed to replace the pump and seal together, Not sure why the problem started when you replaced the torque converter unless you clipped the seal both times. how is the shaft of the torque converter, is it cut or possibly have a burr on it causing the seal to be cut when using/ installing it?

Dave

 

The torque converter shaft appears to be okay and we were very careful installing it this second time. It's definately not a leaking pan gasket. I'll try cleaning everything off and letting it sit to see if it still leaks just while sitting.

Thanks,
Joe

 

The early pumps sometimes popped out the front bushing. I just fixed one last week that had this happen. New bushing and seal and all was fine.

 

Try removing the front pump bolts and checking the o rings on them, if they are broken or to soft, replace. you can get them (o-rings) at any plumbing store, just make sure to bring an old one so you get the right size, an then when you install them put some silicone on the bolt head so that when you tighten them a small amount squirts out. also there is an big o ring around the pump itself, if that fails it will leak. A quick fix is to put silicone around the small gap between the pump and tranny.

 

Floor Guy is prolly right.

Front seals usually fail when they arent used for long periods of time or are deformed from hammerheads beating stuff together.

They do fail on occasion, but rarely are they the true cause.

The usual culprit is the bushing behind the seal. Its more then likely worn out or has moved.

Most "rebuilds" unless done by someone who does true quality work doesnt involve replacing all bushings in the trans, only the ones that are obviously bad. A true "quality rebuild" should use all new bushings and stake them into place as well.

later
Jeremy