Tranny leak (and/or slip) Trans-X stop leak?
 

Ok,
so the critical bits are done on the Merc:
Exhaust hanger (first bolt in driveway, other bolt held on by gunk only)
Autolite GP swapped (for another autolite :rolleyes:)

So the good:
After three months sitting, only two half dollar size spots of oil on the ground.
Float charge overnight and it fired up better than expected.

The bad:
swimming pool of transmission fluid on the floor. (about 3/16-1/4 inch below low on the dipstick after a short drive to get to temp and get fuel).

The Ugly:
My truck has *no* reverse or fourth while first and third appear to be optional (second, however is solid as a rock :D).


So to summarize: While picking up some essentials for the repairs the counter guy suggested Trans-X for the truck (supposedly fixes slipping, leaks, etc.) Any thoughts? I don't really care too much about the truck, so in it will go and I'll see what happens... but for the car (since I love it, and as of yet don't have a 4 speed to swap in) how hazardous is this stuff to the transmission? Is it a case of may not help, but likely won't hurt, or is it a BadIdea(tm)?

Cheers,
-nB

Trans-X has been used in the MB transmissions with sometimes good results, sometimes no difference. Depends whats wrong in there. If its worn out (worn clutches etc...) it won't make much difference, but if its dirty/gummed up, it will help clean out the valve body and get it shifting better again. However, when using it, suck/drain out 1qt of the tranny fluid, then add the Trans-X....run it for a while (not real long...maybe 1k miles or so) and then do a full fluid/filter replacement on the tranny with nice fresh fluid...and no Trans-X) Its meant to be used for a little while before you do a filter/fluid change only.

The Merc tranny is behaving fine, just leaking. This stuff claims to fix leaks, but I don't know if it's worth it. I'll power wash the undercarriage in a day or two and then keep an eye on where the fluid is coming from.
-nB

Oil additives should never be used!

A leak that bad isn't going to be cured by some magic seal swelling fluid.

i agree .. find where the leak is coming from and do some repair

I tried it on my '96 and it didn't help at all. I think it could help with a very small leak (by swelling the seals). However, the guy who overhauled my tranny said that it can also hurt, because the same stuff that makes the seals swell also attacks the glue that holds the friction material in the clutch packs to the metal parts. Given the size of the leak you are describing, you will not get any help out of any of the additives.

Hmm...ok then. Don't use Trans-X....I didn't when mine was leaking, I had all the seals replaced by the dealer. Which was Expen$ive! :eek:

Right then.
Into the truck it goes *only*.
If it even gets only 2000 more miles that's fine.