Hi everyone, I've been searching the vast knowledge here but can't seem to lock down my issue. I have a 1982 Pontiac Firebird S/E with a V8 305 and 200C transmission. I have had it is storage for a few years and have recently brought it out and I have a decent transmission fluid leak. My first thought was the pan because of fluid on all the bolt heads and underneath the pan. After doing some cleanup under there I found a component that is loose with transmission fluid around it which may be the culprit, however I don't know what it is. I plan on dropping he pan anyway and putting in a new filter since all the fluid has pretty much drained out. When I did run it to put on a car trainer there was a steady drip of trans fluid all down the driveway. I'll attach a picture but I am looking to see what this part is and if it is supposed to have some wiggle and how to fix it. Thanks for any help!

 

You have pictures of both the speedometer cable and the shifter cable. I'm assuming the one that's leaking is the speedo. I believe there is a shaft seal. I am not sure on replacement but it can't be any more difficult than pulling off the extension housing if you can't get to it from the outside. Unscrew the cable, remove that hold down bracket, and inslvestigate the origin of the fluid.

GD

 

To make sure of what is leaking, degrease the trans., then dust it with corn starch and make sure where it's leaking.

That way, if the selector shaft seal needs service when you have the pan down.

If the speedo gear is all that's leaking, the outside o-ring is easy to replace. The pinion gear seal is a little tougher to find, but helps sometimes, as long as the speedo driven gear isn't grooved.

 

Thanks for the info, I'll add a picture to this to make sure we're talking about the same thing but from what you describe it's the speedometer cable. I'll go from there and hopefully I can get it off easily and determine what is wrong. I may just replace it to know for sure it's good. Is there supposed to be any play in it when attached properly? I would assume not but just for my own sanity when I put in the new one. Thanks again!

 

Ok I'll have to try that as well, I want to know where it's coming from before I start tearing stuff apart. I'll get it all degreased and try the corn starch. Hoping it's as simple as an o ring, would make things much easier. Further beyond that might be a little out of my skill level.

 

Another way is to clean it up as stated. Then come back in a couple of hours and use a white paper towel and dab everywhere till you find the leak.

 

Never heard the Cornstarch trick. I guess it'd be like making Redeye gravy!