Manual Transmission fluid - slow leak

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Jul 27, 2026
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I have a slow leak in the bottom of my manual transmission case. 2008 Honda Civic. I am losing about 25mL a day from a total of 2000mL. It was from an attmpt to fix a crack with JB Weld... almost worked!

I know this is not ideal and I will need to consider replacing the whole transmission at some point- I don't think it is worth getting just a case or atempting to weld it.

I am assuming that if I monitor the rate of loss and keep it topped up I am not in danger of doing much additional damage to anything that is not part of the transmission replacement. The leak seems to be localized to one spot at the bottom of the case and does not spread very far when I do drive it. I suppose I'm asking if this is a stop driving situation or if can I limp along a few more months to decide what to do.
 
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I would just keep the oil level up to its normal level. You will not damage anything if you don't let the oil level get too low. JB Weld may work but you will have to get the oil level below the leak point and clean it spotless or it won't work.

Unless the case is cracked, it just may need a gasket.
 
Something you might be able to try is to :
- drain the transmission
- connect a shop vac to the fill / drain port (or similar) to create suction (low pressure) inside the tranny (doesn't have to be anything close to perfect)
- clean the leaking area with solvent / brake clean / isopropyl / acetone

/// careful with this step as the vapors are going into the vacuum ///
/// fire hazard ///
/// assistant on duty w extinguisher ///

- apply fresh sealant / JB Weld to affected area

The vacuum (low pressure) in the transmission will help pull through the solvent and clean the leaking area. Same goes for the sealant / epoxy. Keep the vacuum on for an hour or so to give it enough time to flush / dry / wick / cure.
 
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