Hi, I have an 89 series three double six and noticed that the gearbox would drop oil periodically on a cold start. The longer left between starting the car, the more oil it dumped. I locked her up for the winter before crimbo and started her up for the first time a couple of days ago About a half pint of fluid was dumped on the garage floor 🤔 The most yet. Does anyone know what the cause of this is please?

Regards Sam

 

Just to make sure I understand.....

This fluid loss doesn't occur while the car is unused and in storage but, instead, occurs *only when the engine is started* after being unused?

And, since the power steering system also used automatic transmission oil, are you sure it isn't coming from the power steering system?

Cheers
DD

 

I will need to get the car on ramps to double check but but I'm 90% sure it's a loss from the box somewhere. It's been dropping down the dipstick for a while. A mechanic I used topped up the system and overfilled significantly. I only noticed once the service was carried out. He'd screwed up the dizzy to boot. No clue what he was doing. The transmission oil only began leaking following the overfill and I believed the system had 'righted itself' by expelling the extra fluid via the fill hole. I was never quite sure though but there was no disputing it this time. Filler tube bone dry and a half a pint all over the concrete...

Regards Sam
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Yes, that's correct. Only happens on a cold start, more so the length between startups.

 

My long distance guesses.


1. As Doug opined, the source is elsewhere, PS a logical place to check.


2. The over fill not entirely corrected. TH 400 on the V12. Review fluid check instructions and execute.


3. Think. during periods of normal operation, some of the fluid remains top side. During periods of dormancy, the fluid drops to the pan. On fire up, any excess finds a way out,


4. Ways to escape.


A. Pan to case.
B. Front seal
C. Rear sea
D. Fill tube base.
E. Governor seat.
F. In some Speedo transducer.


Carl. '

 

It's possible that the overfill condition caused pressure to build up in the transmission and you blew out the front main seal. It was probably weak to begin with from age , but the excess pressure from the overfill probably finished it off. If Transmission is operating okay when full... its probably not a big deal... just need to bring it to a transmission shop. They'll drop the transmission remove the torque converter and reseal the transmission.

 

Had a local mechanic look for me on propper ramps and it's the Cork seal on the sump im told. So I'll be replacing that this morning and that should be that hopefully. Thanks all for your help

 

The easiest of the possibles. I hope this "mechanic": is more competent.


1. Cork is OK, but, there are better ones available, I think
The bolt holes in the tin pan might be disturbed by over torqueing the bolts.Distorted hoes will not allow a proper seating of the pan. A competent mechanic will inspect and correct.


The "mechanic" that over filled it will nt have the slightest clue. He will do tighter is better.....


Carl