Okay guys, this is kinda off topic since this is my '93 Grand Cherokee, but I was hoping you would let it fly since it is a 42RE transmission, basically the same as a 46RE except lighter duty.

Anyways, yesterday on the way to a friends house I smelled transmission fluid burning. Got out and found a nice steady stream coming from the bell housing. Naturally I assumed the front pump seal blew out, so I towed it home and pulled the transmission.

First of all, the front pump, seal, and pump to case gasket are all around a year and a half old, replaced due to an unrelated issue. The torque converter is a remanufactured unit about 2 years old.

Anyways, I haven't been able to pinpoint the issue. The seal looked absolutely fine, No nicks, cuts, or other deformities. The spring was in place on the back side of it. There's no cracks in the pump or case.

I also pressure tested the torque converter, and it held 40 pounds of pressure no problem.

The only other possibility is the paper gasket between the pump and case. I've never seen one blow out before though, especially not one that was only 18 months old.

I should also add that judging by the puddle in my drive way, the leak started upon start up, not at temperature. The last time I check the fluid level it was just below the full mark when idling in neutral. Other than the leak, the transmission was shifting it's normal nice firm shifts and going through all of the gears properly.

Any ideas?

 

the pump and related articles are about the only place that fluid CAN come from there..... if there isn't anything obvious on the pump itself, reseal it, put it back together, and see what happens.

 

Make sure bushing in pump did not dislocate..if that is ok, it is possible that fluid was from the vent which is just above the pump seal.....fluid will come through the vent if trans overheats or if the rings on the pump stator are allowing direct clutch oil to excessively leak....

Brian