Expert: Skip Bollinger - 10/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi,  I have a 1991 plymouth laser.  I just noticed it is leaking transmission fluid from under the car.  The car lost power and I stopped and looked under it and the fluid is running pretty good.  Any suggestions? I am no mechanic at all
The car sat for 3 years,  it was fine when I parked it
thanks so much
Dan

ANSWER: Dan,
  I'm no mechanic either. I'm a Parts Professional but when I earned my Automotive Degree (Truman was President), I did learn the old adage is true, "if you don't use it, you loose it."
  You state that you are "no mechanic" so any questions I ask are not meant to insult or demean you. Is the fluid red or brownish / black? If it is red, it is, indeed, transmission fluid. If it is darker as stated above, it could be engine oil OR old power steering fluid.
  Regardless of the color, the reason for the leak is lack of usage for the vehicle. When it is parked for extended periods and not started, the gaskets tend to dry out and crack, and when put back in service, leak.
  If it is the transaxle, I don't think it should be that costly to have the pan gasket replaced. I just hope it isn't an output shaft seal. That can get a bit expensive.
  Again, depending on the color of the fluid, it could also be the oil pan or rear main seal. That could get pricey also. I doubt if it is Power Steering or Brake fluid. Those gaskets are "hard" sealed and don't crack.
  I hope this helps a bit. As I said, I'm no Tech, I just locate auto parts that are hard to find. Good luck and thank you for your question..
Skip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much,  it is transmission fluid for sure,  I replaced it to get home.  could it be some kind of line? Really blowing it out,  emptied the trans fluid buy the time I drove 2 miles. It is a steady stream as opposed to a drip type.  Can't really see where it comes from.  I will just have to take it to the shop I guess

ANSWER: Dan,
  The only thing I can think of for you to do is a bit dangerous unless you have the proper equipment. With that being said, here would be my suggestion... Have 3 people around the car. Jack up the front of the car just enough to get the tires off the ground. Put jack stands under the frame to keep it from falling and power wash the undercarage. This way it will be clean. Take baby powder and throw it all over the transaxle while it is still wet with water.
  Get drop lights, covered Neon if possible and 2-3 if you have them available. If you don't, regular drop lights would be fine but have a fire extinguisher in close proximity. Make sure the transaxle is full of fluid. It is flammable.
  Have someone start the car and put into drive. Let the car run for about 10 seconds and shut if off. Look for a red stain in the baby powder. You will have found your leak.
  In this mail, you state it is a stream. You didn't mention this in the first mail so it could be just a deteriorated transaxle hose, if it has one. Usually they are all steel. You can find the lines at the transaxle OR radiator and follow them to see if you have any rubber hose in the system.
  Just be careful, this stuff is flammable and if it hits a regular drop light, can ignite. No big deal if it is one drop but if you have a puddle on the ground, you might as well go get the hot dogs and call your insurance agent. Hot dogs will taste funny, however. Good luck and BE CAREFUL!!
Skip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Skip you are awesome thank you.  Just popping the hood I can see the steel line looks really corroded at the start.  Tomorrow I will do what you said but my guess right now is that line has rusted pretty good.  The Buffalo area winters are really tough I hope that is it and not the tranny itself but looking at the line it does look pretty rough to me

Answer
Dan,
  I'm happy to have given you some positive direction. I looked in a Dorman Catalog but they don't show transmission lines for your car. You may have to go back to the dealer to get the lines. If you have a tubing bender, you could probably go to your local parts store, buy straight line and bend it yourself. IF you plan on keeping the car, you might want to cover the lines with something to keep the elements from getting to them. Just be sure to wipe them down with laquer thinner before you "paint" them.  I can't think of anything but clear epoxy. Just don't "paint" the nuts to the line.
  Buffalo??? Send me some wings!!! Good luck..
Skip