'96 LSi
~160K miles
JAX, FL
I recently had my car in the shop for transmission leaks. Guy had it for 2 weeks, I went by several times and saw the tranny out on the bench, in the car from underneath (on the lift), and discussed the various leaks, etc. w/ the mechanic (who is a great mechanic, btw). He pointed out several leaks, including the newly "sealed" pan that wasn't fully sealed (thanks dealership "tech"
), and some hoses, etc.
He and his older transmission specialist buddy got it sealed up great and it didn't appear to be leaking at all.
He said that the car was still smoking a lot but that could be ATF that had just absolutely covered the cats, etc. But he also noticed that I had a major power steering leak "somewhere", though, and suggested that it was probably something I could fix myself and save some money.
I got the car back Tuesday. Thursday morning after I left for work, my wife noticed a big pink stain in the driveway where I'd been parked. At lunch I went out to my car in the parking lot and looked underneath and didn't see anything. But the car does indeed still smoke - A LOT!
This morning before leaving for work I checked the ATF fluid - full. Then I checked the PS reservoir - VERY low. In fact I added quite a bit (not sure how much because it was out of a half full large ATF jug). So obviously I've got a major PS leak that's getting on my exhaust, etc. This brings me to my questions for the board:
- Are there notorious leak points I should check? (a couple of years ago I replaced an O ring where the reservoir attaches)
- I'm suspecting one or more hoses so is there a specific type of hose I should be buying from the parts store?
- Is it possible that my whole SVX was actually constructed of semi-solid ATF that continues to melt and leak all over the damned place no matter what I end up paying to have fixed?
Man, for all of the money I've spent lately on this tranny and all I could've funded a 5 speed swap. That's what's really killing me. <facepalm>
