Synthetic ATF, new filter & gasket -> ATF on the ground? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Holson Adi · #1 10-26-2002, 08:56 PM

What a terrible weekend.

I had my transmission flushed and refilled with synthetic ATF. My mechanic flushed it first with regular ATF and then proceeded to install the new filter and gasket and put in the synthetic ATF (Mobil 1).

The car never leaked anything out of the transmission. When the car was on the lift there was only a bit of ATF seeping out of the drain plug. I figured maybe that's because the Trans was a little overfilled. I have brought the level down but I still see drips on the ground.

Now I also have a leaking diesel line above the rear subframe (driver's side).......... This is great..

Any ideas why? Did I do something really dumb by using Synthetic ATF?...

The transmission now shifts perfectly though...

Thanks
-Holson-

Holson Adi · #2 10-26-2002, 09:32 PM

I forgot something. The ATF on the ground could be the leak before I corrected the fluid level. because it's unlikely that I parked my car at the same spot or if it wasn't. I also remember now that I dripped a lot of ATF on the passenger side of the transmission while correcting the ATF level...

We'll see tomorrow..

Holson Adi · #3 10-26-2002, 10:54 PM

I found a nice new puddle of ATF. Enough to make me worried...

I don't think it's coming from the transmission pan because the pan is nice and dry.

Could it be the torque converter?

I hope it's not because of Synthetic ATF...

#4 10-27-2002, 01:24 AM

These transmission pans are very sensitive to over tigtening. If you do, the pan will warp and or cut the gasket and leak. I did and I had a real nightmare, I had to buy a new pan.

Go under the car, wipe down everything around the trans, put a piece of cardboard underneath the car overnight and see where it's dripping from. Maybe the tech was a little sloppy filling it and the drips you are seeing are just running down the fill tube.

Holson Adi · #5 10-27-2002, 11:22 AM

It's been two days since Friday when the transmission was flushed and now it seems to be leaking even more. There was a lot of ATF on the ground when I checked it this morning.

I'm starting to think that it is the oil pan...
Maybe I should've used regular ATF...

Could it be the drain plug as it seemed to have some ATF dripping from it...
Thanks

#6 10-27-2002, 03:31 PM

BTW, Transmission flushes at these jiffy lube type places are known to kill transmissions, not just MB's. You should really have it drained properly or do it yourself.

Holson Adi · #7 10-27-2002, 03:42 PM

I had it done by my mechanic who has worked on MB's, BMW's, Porsches, etc...

If he did do something wrong I am sure it wasn't intentional. I'll take it back to him on Monday to fix that diesel fuel leak as well.

He apparently used the AT Filter Kit..

anhydrous7 · #8 10-28-2002, 07:21 AM

I serviced the transmission on my '82 300SD right after I purchased it and had this same thing happen. As it turned out, I overtightened the transmission pan and cut the gasket towards the middle on both sides. I too, used Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. I purchased a new gasket from the dealer (around $10) and reinstalled. It has not leaked a drop since.

I don't think you are suffering ill effects by using synthetic transmission fluid. I would take a close look at the gasket when you take it back in. You can not see the cuts in the gasket until you remove the pan and inspect the gasket off of the car.

I agree with turbodiesel, you can do this job very easily. MB has been kind enough to supply a drain for the pan and the torque converter. The hardest part (and it is not hard at all) is rotating the torque converter so the drain plug is on the bottom. Don't forget to replace the tranmission filter when you change fluid.

Rob

mplafleur · #9 10-28-2002, 08:47 AM

Make sure it is not overfilled. This happened to me and caused leaks.

Holson Adi · #10 10-28-2002, 02:56 PM

One that I overlooked....
The drain plug. My mechanic crawled under the car and found fresh red ATF dripping from the drain plug.

He took it out and found the washer to be all messed up. A new drain plug, a new alu. washer, and 6 hours later the car has not leaked even a bit of ATF just like before.

Now onto the fuel line (no big deal I guess..)

I guess now that BMW can wait :p

#11 10-28-2002, 03:54 PM

Holson,

the leaking fuel line should be easy. much better to have it on a lift and much better to do it with no fuel in the tank. Just a short piece of flexible line between two hard lines. I tried this on mine and got drenched! My shop only charged me $10 to fix.

There are two of the rubber lines back there, one is the return line (I think).

Nic
'85 300CD

#12 10-28-2002, 03:56 PM

Also....

I replaced my trans fluid with synthetic at 135k miles and no problem with leaks at all. Appears it is very easy to have a leak due to gasket mess up or plug or overfilling or.....

Nic

lrg · #13 10-28-2002, 07:26 PM

I also switched to Syn ATF about a year ago. No leaks. I was very careful to torque the pan bolts to spec. It was really tempting to tighten them more because it sure felt loose. I think it is VERY easy to overtighten and cut the pan gasket.

Mercedes Man · #14 10-28-2002, 09:32 PM

What is the torque pattern and tightness of the transmission pan bolts?

MVK · #15 10-28-2002, 09:52 PM

Hi Holson:

I am glad you found tranny leak problem. i had a friend who had similar problem and his was from a loose drain plug on the torque converter.

About the diesel line-- I had a corroded line at the bend right under the rear seat behind the driver. I was misinformed the its a high pressure line and so it has to be metal. So I went to benz dealer and asked him to replace it. When I got back my car, all they had done was cut the bad portion of the metal line and patched up a good quality benz rubber fuel line. cost me about 200 bucks. I was fooled by them when they said they would replace the whole line. I called their HQ etc. but after several BS customer service calls no result.

My suggestion is forget replacing the while line just use a good quality rubber fuel line and cover it with some kind of protective sleeve or a spring sleeve so that it wont get damaged if it gets banged up on a country road.

Good luck

MVK