Transmission Leaking
 

I have a 1949 Ford Custom with a leaking transmission. It is coming from the front of the trans. Its a manual 3 spd with o.d. I take it its the front seal but not sure. Do any of the transmission additives that they sell on the market actually work? They claim they will stop leaks and seal the transmission. I am trying to avoid pulling the trans.

Re: Transmission Leaking
 

Additives normally consist of something that softens the seals. Not a very good solution. Sorry for the bad news, but think the only solution involves pulling the trans.

Re: Transmission Leaking
 

Have you checked to see if the transmission has been over-filled? Probably not, but I'd check that before I pulled it out.

Re: Transmission Leaking
 

The 49-56 Ford passenger three speed transmissions (including the overdrive type) were not made with a front oil seal. If the oil level is correct and the car is parked on level ground, it should not leak out the front bearing retainer when parked. If, for some reason, the front oil baffle is missing (located behind the front ball bearing) it could be throwing some oil out the front retainer when driving the car.

If the front bearing retainer is loose, you would have oil leaking out past the gasket.

Sealed front bearings can be found to replace the original open style bearing. I’d recommend pulling the rear plastic shield from the sealed bearing to allow oil to get into the balls. The front plastic shield would keep it inside the bearing.

Re: Transmission Leaking
 

is it trans fluid....?

Re: Transmission Leaking
 

I would try thicker gear oil like 140 drain the old oil and refill with the thicker gear oil

Re: Transmission Leaking
 

The trans leaks when it is parked. You can actually watch it drip after I park it.

Re: Transmission Leaking
 

I thought these old fords needed to mark their spot. I wouldn't worry. put some cardboard under it. It's normal, or at the very least not a big deal if there is a spot under it. A quart... worry.

Re: Transmission Leaking
 

check to see if vent is clogged with dirt or spyder/mud wasp,etc

Re: Transmission Leaking
 

Don’t the O.D. Trans’ take a special gear oil ....???