Auto gearbox oil leak..HELP!

[JAMESHILL]

I've a recurring leak from the auto box of my, otherwise pristine, 74 Stag. I think that's its the 35 Borg Warner box, reconditioned about 18 months ago. I'd done 3k miles or so since the recon with no leak or other problems.

Suddenly, after the car had been standing idle for a day or two, a large quantity...maybe 100-200mls.... appeared on the floor. The car could still be run with no further leakage, but the box sounded a bit whiney and clunky with occasional apparent torque converter slippage. Obviously, I've refilled it but the problem has twice recurred, with another oil puddle under the car. Ashamed to say I've done nearly a further 1k miles with it in this condition!

I've read vague posts about a sticking valve inside the box which allows oil to drain down from the torque converter into the gearbox, causing it to overflow through a breather pipe...and this explanation seems very consistent with my particular symptoms.

Is anyone familiar with this problem? Is there a simple fix? Is it ok to drive it with low transmission oil, topping it up periodically. Sounds Heath Robinson, I know, but I have the car in ITALY for the whole summer (with no cooling issues so far!) without a workshop or access to expert assistance... I am trying to muddle through until I return UK for a permanent fix. Meanwhile, HELP!

[TimShoubridge]

I wish mine only deposited that amount. I've been laid up now for nearly 3 weeks and my wife tells me that we have a river of red fluid coming out from under the stag. Oh joy!! I have never been able to find where it's coming from and I certainly can't afford a £2000 conversion so if there's a cost effective fix I'll pay for it otherwise I'll live with it. The alternative is to swap her for an XK.

[milothedog]

I've a recurring leak from the auto box of my, otherwise pristine, 74 Stag. I think that's its the 35 Borg Warner box, reconditioned about 18 months ago. I'd done 3k miles or so since the recon with no leak or other problems.

Suddenly, after the car had been standing idle for a day or two, a large quantity...maybe 100-200mls.... appeared on the floor. The car could still be run with no further leakage, but the box sounded a bit whiney and clunky with occasional apparent torque converter slippage. Obviously, I've refilled it but the problem has twice recurred, with another oil puddle under the car. Ashamed to say I've done nearly a further 1k miles with it in this condition!

I've read vague posts about a sticking valve inside the box which allows oil to drain down from the torque converter into the gearbox, causing it to overflow through a breather pipe...and this explanation seems very consistent with my particular symptoms.

Is anyone familiar with this problem? Is there a simple fix? Is it ok to drive it with low transmission oil, topping it up periodically. Sounds Heath Robinson, I know, but I have the car in ITALY for the whole summer (with no cooling issues so far!) without a workshop or access to expert assistance... I am trying to muddle through until I return UK for a permanent fix. Meanwhile, HELP!

Hi James, this is quite common, mines done it 3 times in the past. do not drive with low oil or you may damage it, also do not top it up with any fluid that mentions the word "Dexron", that will also damage it. Make sure the breather pipe is clear and not kinked, and routed correctly. It should run from the N/S of the gearbox behind the engine, cable tied to the filler tube then up and over the servo with a clip holding it on the bulkhead. That's about as much as you can do, I did fit a small wiring grommet to my dip stick at the top under the loop to pull it out in effect sealing the filler tube which is where it normally leaks from if the breather pipe is higher. it's not done it for a year now so maybe that help's!!!

Ian

[KOY 23]

Hello James.
Welcome to the forum. Is your breather pipe routed as high as possible to prevent syphoning, as sometimes they are shortened.

Tim.
Sorry to hear you are laid up and hope that you are well on the way up. I have never met your Wife but I would seriously think twice before trading her in. I know it can be very expensive.

John

[JAMESHILL]

Thanks you guys. I have been off line for a few days because.......I was driving it back from Rome to the UK...SUCCESSFULLY!!!!
Can't tell you how relieved I am to be home and (breather) hosed.

That breather pipe advice sounds like a very good plan so I shall check that out shortly and let you know.

James