What could be the reason for my transmission to be leaking.

Tiny
MNO221
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,000 MILES
Today I notice a burning smell, jack up the truck and realize it was leaking transmission fluid and its seem to be coming from the top of the transmission. Its shift gears fine, I washed it it clean and started it up and I can see that it is coming from the top but I determine where. HELP
Friday, August 31st, 2012 AT 10:56 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
MNO221
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Sorry, I cant determine where the leak is coming
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Friday, August 31st, 2012 AT 11:01 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
We are in no position to tell you where the leak is. You need to tell us as you are able to visually inspect. Since you have cleaned up, the source of the leak should be easily detected.
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Friday, August 31st, 2012 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
MNO221
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After the engine warm up I can see a line of fluid running down the side of the tranny from the very top but I cant see the top to tell where its coming from.
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Saturday, September 1st, 2012 AT 12:27 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You would need a mirror to check. There aren't any component that should be leaking from top. Is the transmission fluid overfilled?
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Saturday, September 1st, 2012 AT 12:27 PM
Tiny
MNO221
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No its not overfilled.
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Saturday, September 1st, 2012 AT 1:18 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Btw is the fluid red or dark? Could it be engine oil instead of trans fluid?
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Saturday, September 1st, 2012 AT 2:38 PM
Tiny
MNO221
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Your are so correct, revisited it this morning and it is engine oil that is running down the tranny. Friday my oil pressure had drop down below 30 so I did a oil change, and later that day is when I notice the leak and smell, but even with a mirror and light still cant see where the oil is coming from. Could it be a blown gasket.
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Saturday, September 1st, 2012 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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  • 41,814 POSTS
No, blown head gasket would have other issues such as coolant loses and overheating.

It could be the valve cover gasket, or a sensor O'ring etc. You would need to get a proper visual to comfirm. Parts stores should have inspection mirrors with a flexible/retractable handle for you to have access to the area.
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Saturday, September 1st, 2012 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
MNO221
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  • 49 POSTS
Thanks young man for the info, I'll keep searching.
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Saturday, September 1st, 2012 AT 5:41 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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You are welcome and at 53 am I still young? Lol.
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Saturday, September 1st, 2012 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
MNO221
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I got 10 yrs on you so yes you still a baby.
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Saturday, September 1st, 2012 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Too bad I am still too young to join the club.
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Saturday, September 1st, 2012 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
MNO221
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Ok the problem turn out to be the oil pressure sending switch. But another problem, when I turn my heater on I smell coolant, I dont have a leak no where. Help.
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Wednesday, September 12th, 2012 AT 4:04 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Are you sure you don't have any loss of coolant, not even minimal?

At times leaks can be minimal when they start off and when heater is turned, the traces of coolant just enough to coat the heater core would be enough to send out smell which can last for a losg time.

Check the heater core for signs of leakage, it definitely won't be a big puddle, just signs of oxidation due to presence of the coolant.
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Wednesday, September 12th, 2012 AT 8:27 AM

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