4rw70 trans massive fluid leak

ram360

Founding Member

Oct 19, 2002

2,162

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59

Pennsylvania

Aug 2, 2008

#1

• Aug 2, 2008

• #1

So I'm driving and decide to get on it a little from a 30mph roll. Car is 94 gt w/ 4rw70 trans (shift kit, atco clutches, 3200 stall) . car shifted fine, no noises, anything unusual. Trans was totally build less than 12k agao. I look in my rearview and see this huge clowd of white smoke pouring from my car. I imm. pull over and find trans fluid pouring onto my exhaust. Basically emptied the trans in a matter of 1000ft. the fluid stream was def towards the pass side of the car (which is where the lines are) and once it parked I had a huge puddle directly under the bellhousing. I can't really determine what's leaking even after being under the car.
Fluid was nice and red, no burnt smell, etc...

How do I attempt to refill the trans? Torque converter? dunno if it has plug that I'm supposed to fill the TC separate? Not sure if there is a plug in the tc that came loose or it's a line. anyone w/ a similar prob that can give me a place to start. I'm a stick guy so no clue what's going on w/ the auto. thanks

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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Aug 2, 2008

#2

• Aug 2, 2008

• #2

I like the idea to really go over the line connections.

There is a plug in the converter. There's a rubber access plug in the bottom of the bell that allows you to access it. Pull that plug and shine a light up there and see if it looks like a crapload of fluid was flung around (indicating that's the source).

Mercon V is the correct fluid.

Some info.

Check the 'flushing tranny fluid' article in the above-link for a way to fill the trans back up.

Good luck bud.

 

ram360

Founding Member

Oct 19, 2002

2,162

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59

Pennsylvania

Aug 2, 2008

#3

• Aug 2, 2008

• #3

I refilled the trans and started the car...The atf poured from the bellhousing it's coming from the rubber access plug. I guess it's a seal of some sort that blew out on the input shaft of the trans? Looks like I need to pull the trans That a common problem? thanks for the reply hissin

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

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Aug 2, 2008

#4

• Aug 2, 2008

• #4

If you haven't, put a thread up on Clickclickracing.com. I'd also do one on TCCoA - those guys have great trans threads (or search in there - there are myriad threads on all sorts of trans issues).

I havent heard of a converter plug coming out (it has a tapered thread IIRC) but that would be awesomely simple if that was your issue.

Stanger007, Paul (who eats AODE's) or one of the other AODE masters might have some further advice about having a pump seal let go or something like that. I only post what I know or have dealt with.

One more note: if the trans had a warranty, I would not touch it if the shop is willing to check it over and possibly do a warranty fix on it.

Bumpity for ya.

 

Stanger007

Founding Member

Sep 26, 2001

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Baton Rouge, LA

Aug 2, 2008

#5

• Aug 2, 2008

• #5

I haven't seen a 4R70W take a dump like that and I stay in contact with some fast guys that flog them much more than I do.

Also make sure nothing with the dipstick came out, as it will also be around that same area - make sure it isn't overfull as fluid will puke out the dipstick. (Ask me how I know)

Wes

 

ram360

Founding Member

Oct 19, 2002

2,162

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59

Pennsylvania

Aug 3, 2008

#6

• Aug 3, 2008

• #6

I'm not sure how it could happen but it's def inside the bellhousing. I did check the dipstick and lines. I ran the car for literally 15 seconds and it dumped out over a qt and a half all within the bellhousing. Will see if I can get in contact w/ the trans shop that did the work. If not I have a local guy that will get the nod. I don't like taking things to shops but not sure if it's something I should atempt to fix myself . Wonder how much $ this is gonna cost? thanks guys

 

Stanger007

Founding Member

Sep 26, 2001

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46

Baton Rouge, LA

Aug 3, 2008

#7

• Aug 3, 2008

• #7

If it's within the bellhousing then the front pump seal is the culprit or the drainplug on the converter came off?

You can pull the service cover and have a little look see.

Wes

 

9

95trippleblack

Member

May 15, 2006

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0

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Chicago

Aug 3, 2008

#8

• Aug 3, 2008

• #8

Stanger007 said:

If it's within the bellhousing then the front pump seal is the culprit or the drainplug on the converter came off?

You can pull the service cover and have a little look see.

Wes

Click to expand...

+1 take that cover off

Here is the pump seal. See the black gasket around the outside. Their is also one that seals against the TQ ( looks like a timing cover seal) Look for any cracks in the converter

 

ram360

Founding Member

Oct 19, 2002

2,162

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Pennsylvania

Aug 6, 2008

#9

• Aug 6, 2008

• #9

good deal thanks for the pics....Well, going to pull the trans (hopefully before the wknd) My trans guy said if it's the seal and or tc bushing he'll do it for between $10-$50 and do it right then and there. So that's good news. This guy races every weekend and specifically does race transmissions so I should have it in good hands and he can surely pick up on anything my untrained eye can easily overlook. Still can't believe this happened but hopefully I'll get it done and driving again soon!

 

ram360

Founding Member

Oct 19, 2002

2,162

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59

Pennsylvania

Aug 29, 2008

#10

• Aug 29, 2008

• #10

Seals were all ok....turns out my converter is cracked....little more than a year old Precision industries 3200 stall...Clearly a failure in the case. Thing looks brand new w/ the exception of the crack. Spoke w/ jack from PI and he said send it back and he'll have a look at it. Will try to snap a pic of the area...Maybe a weak spot in the material of the front cover? Hopefully they are able to help me out....not like this is by any means a cheap part to replace.