T98 leak.

[EagleFreek]

I removed my transmission recently because of a major oil leak. I replaced all gaskets and seals in the transmission. I used permatex on the flywheel bolts and it's still leaking. I didn't notice a bad spot on the input shaft when I had it apart. I pulled the inspection cover and it is not coming from the rear main seal. It is bone dry there. I don't want to ruin my new clutch plate. I have it filled to the bottom of the fill plug with valvoline racing 50 wt. Any ideas? That is one heavy transmission and I'm not looking forward to removing it again.

 

[Michael Mayben]

Nice to hear yore still sukkin' air and fightin' the fight!

If you are sure the leak is from the nose of the tranny, it's very possible that the front bearing on the main drive gear (input shaft) has gone south and is allowing too much movement laterally/up/down for the seal to be able to "seal".

Also, did ya use some sealer on the bolts that retain the front seal retainer (if your's uses bolts and not studs)?? And it's not uncommon for that front seal retainer to have a crack or void that goes un-noticed for years.

 

[EagleFreek]

Michael, still fighting the fight. I love driving the metro, just wish it got a little better mpg. Well, I sprayed it down good with brake cleaner and took it for a long drive and it doesn't seem to be coming from the input shaft. It appears to be coming from somewhere up near the top of the bellhousing. I did seal the retainer bolts. Not to mention the leak seemed to slow down from the last time I drove it.
I'll continue to drive it and see if I can pin point the source of the leak.