Automatic Tranny Leak From Torque Converter Access Plug

[Jason90448]

Here's some background first that may be helpful. So, my 1995 Gts just got back on the road after over a year in the garage. Before it went in the garage, I did a tranny fluid change, filter, and gasket. Due to my lack of experience at the time, I overfilled the transmission with fluid. I was told by a mechanic that it should be fine, and just come out of the vent as necessary.

Fast forward to yesterday, everything has been running smoothly, until I pull up to a house with a decent incline up to the garage. Before shutting off the car, I notice there is smoke coming out from underneath the car. I rolled it back down to level ground, and took a look. The source of the leak appeared to be the torque converter access plug (which I verified later while up on jacks), although when it is on level ground, the leaking dwindles down to nothing. I checked, and have continued to check the tranny fluid level. Just after noticing the leak, I checked the fluid level while hot, and it was all of the way to the top of the reader, at least. My most recent check after some easy driving showed it to be reduced almost down to the top of the "hot" measure area on the dipstick.

So, do I have a bad front seal, and it's just leaking down to the access seal? Or, could this be because there was too much fluid?

Also, when I pulled in last night and shut off the car, I heard a crackle/pop sound coming from underneath the car! Naturally I immediately inspected it with a flashlight, and did not see anything dripping at all, not even from the access seal. (dripping onto the exhaust?)

So, I guess I'm just looking for some advice from some of you pro's out there. Anything you have is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[HISSIN50]

It probably dumped out the vent. Hot fluid hitting the exhaust will sizzle.

You do NOT want to run overfilled.

If your converter plug was leaking (to see the plug, you need to remove the inspection plug and spin the converter around till you see the plug), it would leak any time the plug was not at the top of its rotation.

You will want to confirm the fluid level. I would do it on level ground with a hot motor, after it's been shifted through all the gears and while it idles in park.