Coolant leaking from transmission.

KELLEOD

MEMBER
1994 CHRYSLER NEW YORKER
3.5L
6 CYL
FWD
140,000 MILES

There is coolant leaking from the bell housing and what appears to be a vent hole in the transmission. I suspect one of the three freeze plugs in that area. I've looked everywhere else. Do I have to remove the transmission to check them? And if so it's my understanding that both front axles have to be removed as well. If the freeze plugs are the problem I will buy a Chilton or Hanes manual before doing the repair. Also what is the time frame for doing the job?

Friday, March 18th, 2016 AT 1:38 AM

6 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

The engine has to be removed from bottom along with suspension. Time is as long as it takes. Have coolant system pressure checked prior to doing this sort of job may be a head gasket leak.

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Friday, March 18th, 2016 AT 2:24 PM

KELLEOD

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Thanks for your input HMAC300. Wouldn't a head gasket cause water in the oil, steam or smoke coming from exhaust or some other symptom along with the water leak? And its not just leaking it's gushing. But the motor is running fine.

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Friday, March 18th, 2016 AT 8:44 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
52,679 POSTS

It sounds like a freeze plug for sure, the job will take about 5 hours if you have a lift, and about 7 hours if you don't. Hmac300 was referring to an external head gasket leak which will not effect the way the engine runs and it will not have coolant in the oil as well.

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Saturday, March 19th, 2016 AT 7:12 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Head gaskets can leak several ways either externally, internally, into the oil jacket or just coolant into cylinder. So it's best to start with a coolant pressure check and then there are other ways to do it as well

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Saturday, March 19th, 2016 AT 8:22 PM

KELLEOD