Help! 1982 Leaking Fluid - What Is It !

[WorkingC5SickC3]

Went under my '82 while I had it on my four post lift and found a mess a fluids all over the cross member at the point where the transmission joins the drive shaft. Talked to my Vette shp and while they have only seen the pictures they are puzzled. However they recently replaced the transmission oil pan gasket as well as shifter shaft seals. Any help would be great. Please see pictures below

 

[TimAT]

THe green tint would lead me to think it's coolant. There are casting plugs, (commonly called freeze plugs), on the back of the block under the flexplate. I'd start with checking the coolant level and then a pressure test of the cooling system. THe back of the block can be viewed with a good light and removal of the dust cover over the flexplate. Usually, a leak at the back of the block will drip out of the dust cover. I'd also look around the back of the engine- intake and heads. Again, a pressure test will probably reveal the source.

 

[WorkingC5SickC3]

Thanks, not 100% sure where to look for the freeze plugs or the flexplate, something new to look for. I did check the coolant level (the car has been sitting for hours) and my overflow tank shows it actually above the cold level a bit below the hot so I'm thinking I've got plenty of coolant. Would a leak from where you suggested flow back the the cross member rear of the trans?

 

[bill81vette]

I would get it back up in the air,and try to find where the source of the leak is coming from.
It is coming from somewhere..pull the bell housing cover to the converter,and check the othe sides of the block and heads.
it is going to leave a trail from where it came from.

 

[Peer81]

I had the same problem on mine. But on my vette the fluid was more red/brown.
But if you look at the first picture. Look between the crossmember and the exhaust, you see a little drop hanging below the 700R4. On mine the speedo connection was leaking so the crossmember and everything behind it was wet with oil.
But as Bill says, on the two pictures you can't see if the fluid is from the front or from the automatic. It's easy to spot when you're under the car.

Greetings Peter

 

[Hib Halverson]

Check to make sure your battery is not leaking.

 

[WorkingC5SickC3]

Thanks all and keep it coming....battery seems good, no leaks from the battery box.....Peter - think along your lines. Was your's on the cross member just below the drift shaft to trans connection area? Not sure all it is coolant, still showing full....key will be my next drive (need a longer) on and likely trip to CORVETTEMIKEMIDWEST - Plug here for those guys.

 

[WHEELS 81]

Leaking fluid

went under my '82 while i had it on my four post lift and found a mess a fluids all over the cross member at the point where the transmission joins the drive shaft. Talked to my vette shp and while they have only seen the pictures they are puzzled. However they recently replaced the transmission oil pan gasket as well as shifter shaft seals. Any help would be great. Please see pictures below

View attachment 11187View attachment 11188

what color is the fluid? Pink transmission /clear engine oil. These puppies are notorious for valve cover gaskets leaking. Check power steering and brake fluid reservoirs for fullness.

 

[WorkingC5SickC3]

Once again thanks, challenge was by the time I cleaned it all up between the "rust" that was mixed in there plus dirt that came off everywhere the paper towel was just black. Hence, the need to "get it to leak again".

 

[WorkingC5SickC3]

Ok, a question to the helpful experts (or at least smarter than me) folks here.

I've seen a few threads on various boards about the transmission blowing out fluids from the top somewhere if overfilled. Now I can't say it was overfilled, but given they trans pan was dropped for a new gasket and the shifter seal replaced by the local shop I'm sure and can tell from the receipt that new fluid was added. Could the fluid boil over to and come out. References on these sites made it sound like there was a vent somewhere on the top of the TH400.

ll

 

[6880 Mike]

Your 82 does not have a TH400; it has a 700R unless someone swapped transmissions.

 

[WorkingC5SickC3]

Your 82 does not have a TH400; it has a 700R unless someone swapped transmissions.

As my kids like to say.....my bad.....is a replacement but I think it is a 700R.

 

[TimAT]

On the right rear corner of the trans is a data plate. You can get that and decode it to find out what year the trans is. GM did an update to the 700-R4 to help prevent trans fluid from coming out the vent. It was mostly a change to the design of the pump to case gasket, but there were a couple of other things they did too.
The trans vent is at the top front, just to the right of center about 8 inches back from the front of the trans. With the car on a lift, you might be able to see it, the trans dipstick tube will be in the way. But the top of the trans will be wet and oily too.