[68454SS]

Car has sat for 10 weeks or so without being started. I went to start it the other day and noticed a massive puddle of trans. fluid under the car. I figure the pan bolts must be loose, since I just changed fluid and filter, so I snug them up and don't think twice about it. After cleaning things up and checking the level, I drive it for a while and park it. This was about 5 days ago, and today I see another puddle about the same size under it. It seems to be more under the passenger side, but its hard to tell because the puddle is about as wide as the car. Trans. is a 400. What could it be?

 

[JohnsSS]

maybe you cracked the pan ,,overtightening the bolts? ..or maybe a seal

 

[68454SS]

I put new front and rear seals in it - had it out of the car. Also has new dipstick seal. I will check the pan tomorrow - but I was really careful not to overtighten. If anything, maybe I didn't quite get them tight enough?

 

[smitty454]

It also could be your speedo cable, or your dipstick seal, or a leak around the kickdown. Try to tighten the bolts in a criss cross pattern starting from the inside and work your way out. Overtightening can warp the pan. Just snug them down.

 

[Dean]

My convertible with a turbo 350 used to always have a puddle of trans. fluid under it if I hadn't started it in two or three weeks but once I drove it the leak stopped until it set for a long period again.

 

[slingslingbinks]

Did you roll the oring on the dipstick tube? Been there done that. Leak's after it sit's and the oil levil comes up.

 

[LeoP]

When these cars sit, the torque converter drains down. Most likely your culprit. How much fluid do you add to drive the car?

 

[slingslingbinks]

Did you roll the oring on the dipstick tube? Been there done that. Leak's after it sit's and the oil levil comes up.

Thus Torque converter Drain Back. Plus a leak.

 

[68454SS]

Got a chance to look into it today - nothing is wet above the gasket. I don't want to tighten the bolts anymore - they are all snug. I guess I'll just keep an eye on the level and add as necessary. Level reads fine - just looks real bad under the car. When the weather is nicer, maybe I'll drain, drop the pan and make sure everything is straight and put a new gasket in. Must have tightened things too hard last summer after changing fluid and filter. Never left tranny fluid puddles before the summer. Only had to add a slight amount.

 

[LeoP]

did you check the level with the engine running and up to temp?

 

[mr 4 speed]

My convertible with a turbo 350 used to always have a puddle of trans. fluid under it if I hadn't started it in two or three weeks but once I drove it the leak stopped until it set for a long period again.

:yes: The TH400 in my 70 does this as well.

 

[rbwjr325]

Mines the same,Torque con. draindown plus speedo leak.Only when it sits awhile.I have had the speedo out and resealed it umteen times but I WILL get it done this summer.