55 Auto trans, leak--Suggestions?

[Flashback]

Started up my newest toy yesterday. A 55 coupe
commander with auto. trans. It took gear til it
pulled all the fluid into the converter, and then
was too low. Filled it up and it seemed to work
ok, just drivin around on my property (no brakes yet)
It had gotten almost dark and i could see a small
leak around the front of the trans. The car has been
sitting for several years, how many wasn't clear.
Not being very familiar with Stude. auto. transmissions,
I need to know is this probably a frt. pump seal, or
what is usually the culprit.

Tex E. Grier

[N8N]

I'm gonna go with "yes" although it's worth checking to make sure that one of the converter drain plugs isn't loose.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[55 prez]

That transmission has to be heated up to properly check and fill the fluid level. Then the engine should be idling in low gear to get an accurate reading. If you don't have brakes yet maybe the emergency brake would hold the car from moving forward.

Jim Caldwell
"The view don't change if you ain't the lead dog"
http://ozarktrails.tripod.com/

[sbca96]

You could try adding a bottle of TransX and top off with fluid. The
stuff actually works, unless there isnt a seal left to "restore". It
also helps bring tired transmissions back to life.

Tom

'63 Avanti, zinc plated drilled & slotted 03 Mustang Cobra 13" front disc/98 GT rear brakes, 03 Cobra 17" wheels, GM alt, 97 Z28 leather seats, soon: TKO 5-spd, Ported heads w/SST full flow valves, 'R3' 276 cam, Edelbrock AFB Carb, GM HEI distributor, 8.8mm plug wires

[bob1944]

Over the years I've had good luck with (Ziloo trans conditioner) now new name from NAPA is CRC Transmission leak-stop and conditioner. Good luck my 55 Commander sat for 12 year has many leaks just put in the conditioner hope it work as in the past.

[rkapteyn]

I agree!
I put Trans X in mine and it stopped leaking.
It takes a while of running but it will soften the seals and the leaks stop.
Bob Kapteyn

[dynolou2]

You might want to think about dropping the pan, cleaning out the pan and screen. After all those years you never know what you might find. NorthWest Traansmission in Ohio has pan gaskets, give them a call at 800-327-1955. They specialize in the "oldies". Good Luck! Lou Cote [8D]

[studegary]

I think that you may be just getting overflow from overfilling the transmission. The proper fill of the transmission and checking it warmed up and in gear is important.

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer

[stall]

While my 55 is a manual I've owned quite a few brand-X automatics of that vintage. My Powerglide (55) and a Dynaslow (56) would completly empty if they sat more than 5 weeks. I found out it was endemic to the type of seals used. With no pressure on the seal, it relaxed and leaked. Once the cars were again started I could fill the tranny and the leak disappered. Perhaps the Borg units back in the day used a similar seal system! I don't know but offer this as simply something to research. Good Luck.

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