On my 85 380SE, I have had a bit of a tranny "seep." After 8 months of driving I noticed some erratic behavior, so I checked the level and it was low. So I filled it up, about 3/4 quart, and all is well.

With the cold weather, I have been idling the car for about 5 or 10 minutes before getting in (to generate heat). I now notice a very small seep spot on my driveway. Either the seep is getting worse, or sitting in one spot allow the seep to accumulate. Either way, it needs to be fixed. When I have a free moment I'd like to crawl under there to figure out where it's coming from.

Can anyone tell me what the common tranny leak areas are so I know where to look?

TIA

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

Usually the front seal on the pump is the issue. The cooler lines can leak as well as the o-ring on the case from the dipstick.

And letting the vehicle idle for that long doesn't really help, I used to but now I just start it up and let the RPMs calm down a bit... then just drive very slow with minimal throttle out of the neighborhood.

You want all fluids warmed up, not just the coolant.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Thanks for the tips. I will crawl around eventually but hope it's not the front seal on the pump. Tranny has to come out for that, right?

As for the warming up, I was doing it on the days when it was very cold outside and my kids complain that it's freezing. Letting it idle with the heater on low actually does help. When we get in, it's not as chilly.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

i was losing a lot of fluid and it was the cooler lines. i replaced them and it is good to go! the lines are about $20 each new so it isn't too bad. email me if you want and i'll give you the info.
gregg

mightyhogweed@comcast.net

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0o==o0

James 4:8

"...let us put aside the blindness of mind of those who can conceive of nothing higher than what is known through the senses"
-Saint Gregory Palamas, ---Discourse on the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ


Centrally located in North East Central Pa.

If I find out that's my problem, I'll get in touch.

Thanks!

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

I am not sure.... I did not know that tranny leaks were an issue on these cars. I have 268K and no leaks at all (save for the PS seal that blew out ). None from the engine or tranny that is- at least not yet... knock on woodgrain. It probably will though... just give it time. I do however have a harsh engagement when I shift into reverse when the engine is warm/hot. It slams into reverse.

Good luck. Hopefully it is a simple repair.