Manual Transmission fluid - slow leak

[coreyB]

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.

 

[Lubener]

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.

 

[martinq]

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 transmission (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.

 

[K2K2]

Finding a good welder who will do it on the vehicle woyld he the best option.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Stop leak

 

[fdcg27]

Have you actually found a leak in the case, or could this be coming from one of the driveshaft openings?
Bad gasket?

 

[coreyB]

Thanks all.

I know whwre the leak is coming from- the drain boss had a crack in it. The JB Weld was already the bandaid fix, and like I said it "almost" worked.

Just wanted to make sure my 'top it off while planning my next move' was not going to make things worse for me if I eventually I do get a weld or new case. A used transmission with less miles may alspo be the answer.

 

[IndyIan]

Maybe try quicker setting RTV silicone over the crack? Using the vacuum method?
Just don't let it get too low, a friend in HS ignored the slight noise his mtx was making, and then it seized suddenly on the highway! Both front wheels locked up and he slid to a stop, fortunately in his lane.

 

[blain450]

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 transmission (doesn't have to be anything close to perfect)
- clean the leaking area with solvent / brake clean / isopropyl / acetone

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.

I'm filing this one away in the vault. I never know what I might come up against in the future.
Sounds like outside the box thinking... I like it.