Transmission BIG leak - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TAP · #1 10-01-2009, 04:45 PM

Had the tranny in my 87 560 replaced about 3 months ago - a NAPA unit installed by a good local indy garage. New unit functioned well for about a month and then while uncovering the car saw an oil slick half the size of the car on my garage floor; at least 4 to 5 quarts of transmission fluid. They picked it up and told me a line came lose. I didn't necessairly buy it but everything appeared o.k., until last sunday same thing.

Both times the car had been sitting for a couple of weeks, and I've never had any leaks or even drops of fluid after driving the car. The shop has it back but admits to being stumped.

Any thoughts?

Genbiltstein · #2 10-03-2009, 08:24 PM

I am going to agree with the mechanics on this one. I hope you don't have to pay for the inconvenience of a non tightened transmission line.
As a matter of fact I am glad you didn't damage the transmission from slipping too much.

I am a stickler for doing things right, even to the tune of pulling a fellow mech off from the side to look it over.

TAP · #3 10-03-2009, 08:34 PM

Thanks for the reply. The reason I have a hard time with the loose line story is I drove the car HARD after I got back the first time and not a drop of tranny fluid on the floor. It was driven several times after that - no leaks. Everything was fine for about a month and then a major bleed out while the car was sitting. Any of you major gearheads out there got a suggestion?

Genbiltstein · #4 10-05-2009, 05:53 PM

The Mercedes Benz is in a complete different league in its own when it comes to the automotive industry. I am finding this out. In a typical GM transmission and describing the same problem you are having the transmission pump bushing could be going out. The transmission input seal could be going out. However never take this advice to a mercedes benz.
If you over filled the transmission then the transmission will let you have it on the floor and sometimes foamy.

Wodnek · #5 10-05-2009, 06:05 PM

The other thing that can happen with a Mercedes transmission is that if it sits for a long time, the torque converter can drain into the main body, overfilling it, then leak on to the floor.

RadioTek · #6 10-05-2009, 11:10 PM

I've noticed that mine will barf copious quantities of ATF if not fired up regularly. After about 2 weeks of sitting, the torque converter will leak down and I get tranny fluid puddles. (no Ann Coulter jokes, please)

Could a seal on the converter been either not replaced or damaged in the repair process???

Just a SWAG

Scott

IdahoMauleMan · #7 10-04-2013, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RadioTek

I've noticed that mine will barf copious quantities of ATF if not fired up regularly. After about 2 weeks of sitting, the torque converter will leak down and I get tranny fluid puddles. (no Ann Coulter jokes, please)

Could a seal on the converter been either not replaced or damaged in the repair process???

Just a SWAG

Scott

I'd like to hear more about this. When I drive my 560SL in summer, regularly, there isn't a drop of fluid on the floor.

I just parked it in a cold shed for about 4 weeks. Night-time temps are starting to dip below freezing.

I went out there for the first time since I parked it, and there was a puddle the size of a hula hoop under the car.

At first I thought it was a rubber seal that contracted or stiffened because of the cold....but could it be as simple as the torque converter draining?

retired1 · #8 01-02-2014, 09:50 AM

There is an 0- ring that seals the kick down cable where it goes into the trans housing. Under normal use it will not leak if it is compromised but when left parked for a period of time it will seap if it is bad. Part is about $2.00 but changing it is a pain. Hope this helps.

97 SL320 · #9 01-02-2014, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retired1

There is an 0- ring that seals the kick down cable where it goes into the trans housing. Under normal use it will not leak if it is compromised but when left parked for a period of time it will seap if it is bad. Part is about $2.00 but changing it is a pain. Hope this helps.

Ding !!!

The torque converter draining out is normal ( and why trans fluid level needs to be checked engine running ) however when this occurs there are areas than normally don't see high static fluid levels. Properly sealed, a trans won't leak after sitting.

A shift shaft seal failure can cause this as well. A input or output shaft seal failure would be a constant leak so that is unlikely in your case.