I have a 97 1500 4x4 46re trans. Has anyone here had an issue with it draining trans fluid between the bell housing and motor? I put a new seal on the front pump thinking the seal just went out, and threw the trans in and same issue. And it's not leaking out. It's pouring out. Truck only had 130k on it. The hub on the converter looked okay. I know I probably should have put a new oil pump bushing in it but I didn't. Do you guys think this is what it could be? Like I said the torque converter hub didn't look too bad though where it rides on the bushing. Just normal wear it seemed like. I'm gonna drop the trans again and do a full rebuild because I don't wanna have to do it again since it hasn't been rebuilt yet anyways. But I've searched around and people said even after a rebuild they have still had this problem. I have got no real answer on a fix. I plan to get a rebuild kit and another torque converter. The pump bushing but I'm not sure if I should get another pump too just to knock it all out on one go. A friend of mine said the pumps don't normally go out. So just looking for some help or seeing if anyone has experienced this issue. Thanks in advance!

Edit: also no signs of trans overheating. Don't think it's coming from the vent. It was dry when I dropped it. Only fluid leaking out of oil pump seal. Figured could be from pulling converter though.

 

If it leaks even with a new seal, I would be real tempted to just replace it... (pump and converter) Does the t/c seem sloppy at all??

 

I don't remember. I got a seal kit for the pump. And a new bushing. And a new torque converter. I will install on Friday or Saturday when it arrives. But I hope it works. I really don't know what else it could be. I don't think it's the pump itself.

 

When you have it apart, it should be pretty obvious where it is coming from. Hopefully. have a look, see what ya think, take it from there.

 

That's what I was hoping for last time. Lol i got it back together and same issue. Hopefully all goes well with the new tc and seal and bushing kit

 

Let us know what you find, and how it turns out.

 

I have an update..

 

Oil pump bushing walked out. I have my new TC sitting on the bench. Oil pump disassembled. Waiting for my new parts to arrive via the mailman today. I'll get it back together tonight. But this bushing looks trash. I think that's my issue. I just wonder what made it go bad.

 

Be sure and put a little grease on the t/c snout before inserting it into the trans.....

 

Yup, did that, I made sure everything was nice and lubricated. Got the truck back together about 4am last night. It's fixed. Now just won't shift into 3rd unless foot is off the gas. It will but at a pretty high rpm. But when it shifts it's nice and smooth. No slipping. That'll be a project for another day.