928ntslow

Looking for answers here.

I had a leak at the torque converter housing for quite some time and decided to tackle the issue. Seems it was the seal between the trans axle shaft that the torque converter slips on/in to. I pulled the trans axle out this weekend and replaced the old seal. Inspected the TC and the shaft for irregular wear and all looked fine. Coated the TC journel before I slipped it back into place.

I did everything by the book, got it back together and running in 2.5 days no sweat. Low and behold, the flippin thing is leaking at the same spot. I checked the TC plug and that was tight with no signs of leakage.

As far as I can see, there is no other place that this thing could be leaking at other than the seal or the TC plug. I can't imagine the replacement seal being bad, but that is a possibility.

Totally pissed that I did all that work and the thing still leaks. The TC was solid with no signs of cracks or leak.

Does anyone have any idea or suggestions as to what the issue may be here. I hate having to pull it all apart again, but I NEED to get that leak stopped. If you have ever done this job, you know what is involved and that it is not something you want to do twcie in a week.

SharkSkin

Did the surface that the seal rides against look perfect? Sometimes a tiny ridge develops that can slice a new seal. Also, during assembly it is possible to bugger up a seal. Neither one especially likely because you sound like you were careful about the obvious stuff.

Another thought, if there is too much radial play in the system the seal may not be able to do its job. Come to think of it, that's more likely the problem; fortunately it can probably be checked pretty easily with a dial indicator and no major disassembly.

HTH

928ntslow

I was real careful on re install. The journel on the TC looked fine. I can't see how I messed up the new seal as I was very careful to re insert the TC onto the shaft.

As for radial play, that seems interesting, but I would definitely feel the car vibrate. Besides, the TC slips tightly over the shaft and the torque tube side is mounted by a drive plate. There is only one way to fit this whole thing in and it has to be true center....no room for play or adjustment.

SharkSkin

I was just hitting the basics, Keith....

1) Improper installation
2) Issues with sealing surface
3) Issues with condition of seal
4) Radial play

After that, I'm fresh out of ideas.

928ntslow

Thanks for the advice Dave. I think before I tear it all apart again, I will just drive it and see what happens. Maybe it will fix itself! LOL

SharkSkin

Maybe it was just meant to be...

928FIXER

Did you look at the condition of the front pump bushing?
With the age of these vehicles I always replace the seal,bushings and front pump gaskets while the unit is out of the car.Good time to replace the front converter housing bearings too.

928ntslow

Thanks 928 Fixer...I really did check around when the unit was out...no areas that looked to be leaking. The bearing in the TC housing was smooth and quiet.

It didn't appear to me to have to replace anything else. I am sure I wll get this one figured out and then report back.