T-90A-1 Transmission Leak

dv3468 · Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 9:25 pm Post subject: T-90A-1 Transmission Leak

Gentlemen: I started driving my recently restored M-38 and notice that I have some transmission fluid leaking from the weep hole on the bottom of the bell housing. It's not a serious leak, but I am kind of surprised since I replaced the main oil seal on the front output shaft. I get a 2-1/2 inch oil spot on a piece of newspaper I put under the tranny after I shut off the engine. The spot takes about two hours to form, then the leaks slows to about a penny sized spot after several days, then stops completely after four plus days. I have about ten hours running time on the engine/transmission since I restored the jeep. Is there an anti-leak additive I can use in manual transmissions similar to the ones made for auto-transmission seals? I hear that the T-90 transmissions are notorious bleeders! Thanks in advance for the advice. Regards to all, Dennis.

Nekaffan · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 2:14 pm Post subject:

I've got the same problem with my m38a1 Nekaf and most of the people I know with a m38a1 too. The problem is that when you don't drive your jeep, the oil of your transmission is cold and when you drive it, it gets hotter, as a result of that thinner and starts leaking a bit. I don't know if there is an additive for it, if anyone knows there is, i'm interested. In my opinion it is easier to check the levels of the transmission oil from time to time and fill it up if needed, rather than changing the oilseal again with probably the same result as before.

cmpman · Member Joined: Dec 27, 2006 Posts: 47

The felt seal on the imput shaft is hardly what you could call a positive seal. If you are real finicky about it, with a bit of modification, you can install a normal seal into the bearing retainer. I did this once before and had good results.

dv3468 · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 5:52 pm Post subject:

Gentlemen: Thanks for the response. I had the jeep out today since it was beautiful here in New Jersey. Everyone was out driving their toys around town today! I also noticed that the tranny was leaking more then usual since it was 74 degrees today. I wonder if you put a heavier weight fluid in the tranny during warm weather would have any affect on the leaking?

Regards, Dennis

wesk · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 10:19 pm Post subject:

You could try the multi-weight 90/124 gear oil. But in the end you will have to provide a better seal for the input shaft.

Try this site for the how too:
http://www.willystech.com/wt/T90RebuildGuide/T90rebuild.htm
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

RickC · Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 9:23 am Post subject:

I was just going to post the same thing about my M38. Doesn't leak while running it but when I shut it off it leaves a puddle then stops leaking completely. Didn't do it much at all when I first started driving it but did it first 2 times this year. Hate pulling the tranny to replace seal considering there were all new seals put in recently. Glad to know I'm not the only one with this issue.
Rick C

dv3468 · Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 10:56 am Post subject:

Rick: I guess we made eachother's day! I pulled that tranny out four times during the restoration. Fortunately, I didn't have a body to get in the way. If I have to take it out again with the body on the chassis, I'll shoot myself!!!

I'll just make sure I have enough pee-pee pads for the old girl!!!

Regards, Dennis. Laughing

TOM-R · Member Joined: Sep 08, 2006 Posts: 54

are you sure the rear main seal on your engine is not also leaking some? it would also drip from the bell housing

dv3468 · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 11:22 am Post subject:

Thanks for the thought Tom. But it is definitely transmission fluid. I can tell by the sulfur smell and the color. Dennis

wesk · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 11:24 am Post subject:

Tom brings up a good point. There are three sources for an oil leak from the bell.
1-Fronty tranny seal which smells like gear oil.

2-Rear main bearing cap seal smells like engine oil.

3-Cam rear bearing welsh plug smells like engine oil.

Item 3 is hard to see with flyheel installed and many times folks will do several rear main reseals before locating the real leak further up.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

usma41 · Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 9:42 am Post subject:

They all leak! get use to it.

dv3468 · Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 11:26 am Post subject:

That's all I wanted to know my good man!!! Smile

RickC · Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 5:51 pm Post subject:

I took mine for a 20 mile ride last night and went to a cruise night. Couldn't get it to leak a drop. It dripped a bit after it was in teh garage though. Maybe just marking its territory??????
Rick C

dv3468 · Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 7:38 am Post subject:

Rick: I'll send you some pee-pee pads!!!


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