Transmission oil loss

[DanW]

After a few trips recently, I was checking my transmission fluid and it was low. I don’t see any sign of fluid in the bilge. However, while I was hunting for a leak, I see there is a rubber plug missing (see picture). This is near where the transmission connects to the engine. Clearly, something leaked out of here because it’s dirty, mix of grease, dirt, and what looks like could be transmission fluid. The port engine still has the plug in and it’s clean. Could this be where the transmission fluid went? I can’t find the plug in the bilge anywhere.

Dan

 

[hottoddie]

That is a dust cover and is there to provide a location to time the ignition system. If you look close you can see a pointer that will line up with index marks on the flywheel when a timing light is connected to the engine. It is not to provide a seal for transmission oil. If you are losing transmission oil and have no visible leaks or oil in the bilge the most likely culprit is a failed transmission oil cooler. When they leak internally the lost oil goes out the exhaust as the engine runs.

 

[DanW]

Thanks for the info. I was afraid it might be the cooler, but I didn’t know what that missing plug was. Thanks!

Dan

 

[hottoddie]

Transmission coolers are relatively cheap and easy to replace. If that is the issue consider yourself lucky.

 

[DanW]

That’s good. Someone else told it was expensive.