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'00 Tj Storage-only Tranny Leak

Discussion in 'Quitters' Club' started by Boyink, Oct 16, 2022.

  1. Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Odd issue...Dad'sTJ leaks tranny fluid but only after sitting for a couple weeks.

    Brought it in and local guy punted - thought the issue was a shifter seal but didn't have the tool needed to R&R. He cleaned it up and it didn't drip during a couple of days. I took it back and drove it for a week and it didn't drip.

    Now after being gone 2 weeks came home to another puddle.

    I'm trying to get my head around a leak that only shows up under non-use. Is the TC somehow draining and then overcoming a seal?
     
    Boyink, Oct 16, 2022
    #1
  2. Jw60

    Jw60 That guy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    How much fluid is leaking? Can you tell if it is front, rear, high, low? How much has the weather changed and are you on a slope?
     
    Jw60, Oct 16, 2022
    #2
  3. Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Automatic or manual?
     
    Fireball, Oct 16, 2022
    #3
  4. Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Enough to puddle/run with the (slight) slope in the garage. I added about a pint after the last time. Comes from the skid plate. Not sure what the weather did...we were out of state. I don't think you had unusual heat in MO?

    Auto.
     
    Boyink, Oct 17, 2022
    #4
  5. Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    That's pretty typical for automatics that sit. The torque converter will drain slowly past the seals over the course of a week and raise the fluid level in the transmission itself. It's one of the reasons you need to check fluid level while the engine is running. It's the only way to ensure all the fluid is where it's supposed to be so you can get a good reading.

    On many transmissions the shifter seal is below the final sitting fluid level. When the shifter seal goes bad these are the symptoms you get.

    Seems like it's time for a 6-spd manual swap.:D
     
    Fireball, Oct 17, 2022
    #5
    ITLKSEZ, Boyink, 47v6 and 1 other person like this.
  6. danielbuck

    danielbuck Uncle Buck

    6 speed and the 4.0 motor are a nice combo :D
     
    danielbuck, Oct 17, 2022
    #6
  7. Jw60

    Jw60 That guy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Temp has been quite timid before this last cold snap. Mostly 70's where everything should be happy and plyable.
     
    Jw60, Oct 17, 2022
    #7
  8. Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Feels like the dog that got mad for not being let out so pi**ed on the rug...;)

    Thanks all. Next challenge is figuring out where to take this thing for repair. Probably have to head out of town.

    No swaps for me - I actually like the auto. And at only 53K miles it's going to get fixed, spend a few months sitting here in MO, then it'll head north to MI to its new home with my son. It'll be his summer beach and dune runner - and the auto is awesome in sand.
     
    Boyink, Oct 17, 2022
    #8
    Danefraz, Jw60 and Fireball like this.
  9. termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Torque converter makes sense.
    What transmission is it it? I used a leak trace powder but foot powder in a spray can works great for finding transmission leaks. Clean everything up really good and spray a coating of the powder on the area. Makes it really easy to see the red fluid
     
    termin8ed, Nov 15, 2022
    #9
  10. Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    No clue off-hand. Whatever 3-speed auto they used in '00. ;)

    It's now leaking from the steering box, the transmission, and the rear right brake.

    I'm ignoring it until after the holidays.
     
    Boyink, Nov 15, 2022
    #10
    jzeber and dnb71R2 like this.