Auto Leak - Looks bad :-(

[flatstone]

Hello

I've just discovered that my auto box is leaking, a lot! I'm not very techy so sorry if I don't describe this very well. The oil (red) is coming from the bell housing, through the larger slots just before it joins the engine. (sorry if that makes no sense).

I guessing it could be one of a million things that could be wrong, but just in case it's a common problem I thought I'd do a posting.

Just in case it's not a (slap on the forehead) easy fix, could anyone suggest someone in the sheffield area to look at it. I've spoken to a couple of garages about it this afternoon, and all refuse to look at it. The response is they don't touch gearboxes as they slam down the phone.

Any help would be good.

Cheers

Chris

[R0B]

sounds like a.t.fluid.chances are its a seal thats gone.but where to get it sorted up your way,i cant help you with sorry...

The oil (red)

[R0B]

on second thoughts autohausdolby off here is a vw specialist and hes in sheffield...

http://www.autohausdolby.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Volkswagen Specialist, Sheffield 07969796505

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
Why not try a VW dealer? I have on the odd occasion and they have always come up trumps.Depends on the staff. Some dealers are more helpful than others.
Don

[toomanytoys]

Unless you are really lucky... none of the lads in the workshop would have been born when your van was.......

What colour is the oil?? blck or red? if its black its prob from the engine seal... if its red, transmission... (hope you are topping it up??) if its a brown smelly stuff.. it could be final drive oil...
The ATF fluid should be nice a clean and red, if it isnt the box is tired, oil hasnt been changec and its "burnt" the oil... (do they have a dipstick for the ATF?)

[R0B]

yes they do.its located rear left as you look at the engine.and has a yellow knob on it.

do they have a dipstick for the ATF?

[Dubstar]

It sounds like the torque convertor oil seal to me. Unfortunately you have to drop the box to change it. Once out, slide the convetor off the shaft and it should be behind it on the shaft. There's nothing in the Haynes about it, but I've got a VW autobox manual and it just says to lever the old one out and then put the new one in, being careful not to damage it. Hours of work to do 30 second oil seal change! One more thing, check the transmission fluid level through the filler plug on the side. There is also a seal between it and the gearbox so the 2 fluids don't mix. Due to the higher pressure in the box if that seal goes it usually ends up with transmission fluid in the final drive which will wreck it as it's not strong enough to cope with the high pressure put on it from the final drive gears - I think I read it on the Go-Westy website but I can't find it anymore as it's been revamped.

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
Hope the problem does not turn out to be too serious but if you do have to take the auto box out you might consider changing the oil cooler. Rather depends on mileage done, how long planning to keep van and finances of course.
The Gowesty outfit reckon that they replace the oil cooler on all their refurb vehicles cos they say that the cooler rots from the inside out and you find out when it's too late ie when the water has mixed with the auto fluid.
They are not cheap though (about £120 plus carriage) and you have to get them from the U.S. None available here.
I changed mine cos it was cheaper than a new transmission.
Best of luck
Don

[flatstone]

Thanks for all your help. Unfort, Matt in Sheffield doesn't touch auto boxes, But I've found a place in Hud (http://www.automatictransmissions-uk.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) that are picking it up on Thurs.

Cheers again

Chris