560SL Transmission Leak? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kenheld · #1 08-16-2003, 01:47 PM

I took my 1988 560SL out of the garage yesterday for the first time in 2 or 3 weeks. When I returned I found a red puddle on the garage floor (auto transmission fluid?) it was on the passanger side about 4 inches wide and 3 feet long. I guess it leaked as I was backing out of the garage. It was only a few ounces and only took a few paper towels to clean up. I checked the ATF level and it was fine. It has never leaked before and has not leaked since. My theory is that after the car sat for a long time there was excessive pressure when it was started and the excess was vented...... Is there an overflow/vent on the transmission? Any other ideas? I'm planning a long trip in the next few weeks and don't want to worry about this.

Ken

Gilly · #2 08-16-2003, 04:22 PM

Sounds possibly like it's just the transmission oil pan, based on the location.

Gilly

airedale · #3 03-30-2005, 02:53 AM

What was the outcome of this leak? I just started mine after sitting covered all winter, at an angle in my driveway, and I got the same result. The next day only a few drops. Hopefully the seals got dry over the winter and will refresh themselves with the help of Trans-X.

kenheld · #4 03-30-2005, 11:06 AM

I sold the car last year. The new owner hasn't had any problems. I guess it was a one time thing.

airedale · #5 03-30-2005, 09:55 PM

Mine seems to have self healed too. I removed a pint of fluid and put Trans-X in for good measure. Thanks for your reply.

cbdo · #6 03-31-2005, 11:13 PM

I had it happen, too, on the first run after storage; did fine after that, with no particular intervention.

airedale · #7 03-31-2005, 11:41 PM

Thanks. My mechanic said give it a try and if not OK we will replace the 6 O-ring seals for $600. I just have a feel it will be alright.

RHR211 · #8 03-07-2008, 08:26 AM

When I walked past my 88 560SL in the garage this morning, which has been hibernating for 5 months, I noticed a pool of transmission fluid on the floor about 8 inches wide by 2 feet long, from the middle to passenger side of the car. I am a bit afraid to start the car in the event there's no fluid in there (maybe I am just being overly protective). Any one have a thought as to what caused this? Dry seals?

airedale · #9 03-07-2008, 12:02 PM

Hopefully it is a hibernation thing. I had it happen 2 years in a row and have not moved it yet this year so am not sure.

230/8 · #10 03-07-2008, 01:42 PM

When the car sits for an extended time the seals will often let some fluid leak out because they are a bit old and hard. Driving will usually allow the seals to soften as the fluid is circulated and the normal heat of driving lets the seal reform tight around the shaft and seal like it should. You also might carefully tighten the pan bolts, the gaskets can shrink a bit, but use care to not over-tighten so the pan is deformed - this will cause a bigger leak.

230/8

Tims450SL · #11 03-08-2008, 01:07 AM

i hear that you are NOT supposed to put anything foreign in a MB transmission. It will eat the seals for starters. And that you are not supposed to drain a old fluid and replace with new fluid as it doesnt help but hurt. Thats from my trans master.