Leaky Transmission... getting noisy too!

[dsnyder]

My tranny on the 1978 Spider appears to be my next issue... it is leaking around the square pan on the bottom. At least that is where it looks like it is leaking from. My thoughts are to remove the drail plug and drain what is left in there and then take out all the little bolts that hold the square pan on. Clean it up good and reseal it with Right Stuff Gasket maker and reinstall.

What is the procedure for refilling it and what is the recommended tranny oil? Is there some sort of pump to get the oil in the filler hole or can it be squeezed in?

I'm getting some whining in second and third gear so I'm getting a bit worried. It only whines going up hills for a prolonged time in either of those gears. First, fourth, and fifth are quiet. Thoughts?

Dave

[johndemar]

Dave,

Get yourself a new pan gasket. Most of the usual vendors will sell them for less than $10.
Make sure the pan itself is nice and flat around the bolt holes. Clean off the old gasket and apply a gasket adhesive to keep the gasket in place while installing. Stuff like RTV will simply slide around and make a mess and likely will result in the pan leaking again.

If you have a NAPA near by, they sell GL80 (mineral oil) that it right for the gear box. They also sell an inexpensive pump that will add about an ounce of oil every time you push it down. I think it takes about two quarts. My guess is you don't have nearly that amount in it now.

[So Cal Mark]

you can also use 10/40 motor oil in the trans if you can't find GL1

[dsnyder]

I found Castrol Hypoy C Gear Oil 80W- 90. It says it exceeds GL-5 and MT-1 The counterman said that as long as the number was higher it would be fine. Is that correct?

[jfrawley]

No, no, no, and did I say no! From everything I've read and know, it's GL-1, or as mark says 10-40 oil, or you'll be rebuilding that tranny before you know it. Put that GL-5 in the differential only. I almost made the same mistake myself, but someone on this forum saved me.

[johndemar]

Duh... Yes GL-1 (still mineral oil)

[dsnyder]

Pumped in the GL1- Napa only had 90 weight but it was GL1. Tranny instantly got much quieter. Do I put the same GL1 into the differential?

The Tranny was basically empty of any oil. Hopefully it was not damaged by running short on oil. I guess only time will tell.

[rlux4]

You can use a normal 90w in the rear end. Save your GL1 for the tranny.
Ron