Capri - Leaking Auto Transmission

OK, it is quite a long time since I have written anything on this blog. I have been away travelling, had a few aches & pains & because both of my cars aren't running too badly, I have done very little to them. However, I am tired of wiping transmission fluid off the garage floor. This under the white XL and it seems to be getting worse. If you do any research on Borg Warner 35 transmissions, one thing that becomes very obvious is that they like to leak! They leak for unknown reasons but it seems that if the cars aren't run frequently, the fluid runs from the torque converter back into the body of the transmission and, if the seals & gaskets aren't great, the fluid ends up on the floor.
So, time to attempt to reduce the flow. First thing is to replace the transmission sump gasket as it seems to be leaking in various places. I ordered the gasket & filter (Ryco Part No RTK 24) from Autobarn ($20) & it was here in a day.
First thing is to drain the fluid & nearly 5 litres came out. I am not sure whether this is a bit much as it takes 6 litres with the torque converter. Next was to jack the car up as high as possible & place the jack stands under the front cross member.


From past experience, I know that the 15 bolts holding on the sump require a very thin socket (1/2 inch) and I don't have a decent one. Using my special socket, I loosened them & then used my power drill to undo them completely. It can get very messy at this stage so make sure you have a big wide container underneath. Leave one nut partly in so you can let the pan come off slowly.
That done, it is now time to clean up the pan. An old Ford mechanic told me to ensure the lip on the pan was clean & flat. He said to put in on a clean board and tap around with a hammer. This is not as easy as it seems as the metal is fairly heavy but there were a few areas where I think I levelled it a little. I then gave the bottom of the pan a spray with black engine spray.
Next thing to do was to replace the pan. I inserted the bolts on one side to hold it in place & then trying to get it to fit correctly was difficult as it was catching on the kick down cable on the other side. I then had a lot of fun undoing it, trying to keep the gasket on & fitting it from the kick down cable side first. So, my advice is to ensure that when refitting the pan, you ensure that you start on the kick down cable side & ensure that it sits in properly before fitting any bolts.



After hand screwing in about 12 of the bolts, I could not get one to fit correctly. I am very aware that it is very easy to strip threads on old vehicles so not matter how I tried I could not get this one in correctly. I knew one of the bolts must have been in this slot so I patiently (although quietly cursing) undid each nut in turn to see if it would fit & after about the sixth try, one went straight in. Thank goodness & no striped threads. Also, when tightening these bolts do not over tighten as the gasket becomes damaged Check the torque ratings. During the day, I bought a long reach narrow 1/2 inch socket & that made things a lot easier.

 

 

Then to add the transmission fluid - make sure it is ATF. I used Castrol ATF. I pour the 4 litres in very slowly as the fluid was backing up the filler pipe & running over. This took a bit of time but I think most went in where it should. It possibly needs another 1/2 litre but I will check that after I drive it. That was enough for one day. It doesn't seem to be leaking but I will know after driving for a while.