Constant Tranny leak after service

I had my wife's PT Cruiser serviced with new fluid, filter, etc. and
since then, have had nothing but leaks! I thought it was a pinched
gasket, but was told that there is no gasket, merely sealant. A two
year old car with transmission leaks, I have gone through this with
myriad old junkers, and this is getting me riled! I have had this
back to the Chrysler dealer, who merely "resealed" the transmission or
given it the sunshine treatment. I should have just left the thing
alone, this certainly isn't a TorqueFlight! or even my faithful old
FluidDrive! Do these new transmissions (2005 model) have leaking
problems? It all started with having to replace a solenoid due to the
tranny not wanting to shift into gear.

 

Have them put dye into the trans and use a black lite to pin point the
leak. This a a 2005? with 7/70 power train warranty?

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

While they come from the factory with RTV sealing the pan, DC does make
available a re-usable metal sandwich - uhh - sandwhich - uhh - layered
gasket that is very reliable as far as not leaking. Makes getting the
pan off the next time a piece of cake too. They do cost about $30, but
they are re-usable. Next time, offer to pay the extra parts cost for
the layered metal gasket.

RTV sealing is dependent somewhat on the skill and attention-to-detail
of the installer. The layered metal gasket is almost fool-proof
(although anyone can make a gasket leak or strip the threads on an oil
drain plug if they are stupid and/or determined enough).

Hopefully your leak is not in a shaft seal.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

The trick on these no-gasket types is to replace the sealant, and then don't
put the oil back in. Leave the car alone for about 24 hours. Let the
sealant just dry really well before you put any fluid in them.

Now, the dealer can do that, but htey may be thinking you want the car back
faster. On the other hand, maybe the leak is not coming from the pan.

 

Or, again, have them use the metal sandwich gasket. No drying time,
does not leak, and much less dependent on the skill and workmanship of
the installer.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

Does not leak USUALLY....

I've known a few guys who bought the allegedly reusable sandwich gaskets
in eager anticipation of never having to scrape sealant again, and wound
up stomping violently on them after having repeated pan leaks :-/

 

Bill,
Took the car to the dealer and insisted that he get the real gasket,he
had to order it from another dealer, he was surprised that I knew
about it! I am picking up the car Friday, he also had to replace the
front two wheel bearings also. I am looking forward to no more drips
on the garage floor, he said that after the gasket was put on, they
ran it and kept looking for drips, but none were found! knock on wood!
Thanks for the suggestion!

 

You're welcome!

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')