Radiator/transmission question

[NickTransmissions]

Could a small leak and less than 2 miles driving damage it?

How do you know it has only been leaking for the two miles or so that you're referring to? How do you know it hasn't been leaking for quite some time and possibly leaking coolant into the transmission? Did your mechanic drop the pan to confirm/deny the presence of coolant in the transmission?

Just looking at the dip stick won't tell you anything as the lighter transmission fluid will sit on top of the heavier coolant/radiator fluid, all other things equal.

I agree w/ those who suggested a rebuild, or at least start preparing for one...And if your radiator is found to have been leaking coolant into the transmission, it's likely completely shot in that if I were the one working on your vehicle, I'd send your existing transmission to the scrap yard (assuming it's fully contaminated w/coolant) and build you another, entirely different one out of my inventory of cores.

 

[Rmcoy0017]

Picked it up.

It wasn't a radiator leak. The transmission was leaking.

Going to have to take it to a transmission shop.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Picked it up.

It wasn't a radiator leak. The transmission was leaking.

Going to have to take it to a transmission shop.

I must have misunderstood, my apologies...I thought your mechanic stated the cooler lines were leaking into the radiator, not externally. If they're leaking externally, you can just replace the lines and/or even put RTV on the fittings that thread into the radiator to prevent further leaks. This doesn't require the vehicle to be taken to a transmission shop for that (I'm surprised your mechanic can't fix the leak)...Unless I'm still not getting an accurate understanding of the problem.

 

[rdezs]

I think he's talking about the transmission itself leaking, like the front seal.

 

[Rmcoy0017]

Yes. The fluid I thought was radiator fluid was actually transmission fluid.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Yes. The fluid I thought was radiator fluid was actually transmission fluid.

So where exactly is it leaking from? If it's anywhere other than the front pump-tc hub seal then you should be able to fix that yourself...You can even do the front seal but you'd have to pull the trans which can be tricky if you're limited on space and/or ceiling height if doing it in your garage.