I have a 2001 Roadtrek 3500 with 129,000 miles and a 46RE tranny that is leaking from the converter housing down on the exhaust pipe. I just got off the interstate and noticed it slipping and pulled the dipstick and there was nothing on it. I drove it home and let it sit overnite. When I checked it the next morning cold it showed full but nothing on the dipstick after I let it warmup. I looked under it while it was idling in neutral and a stream of fluid was dripping from the converter but then stopped. I'd say about 2 or 3 ounces. I was planning a trip this weekend and was wondering if I could add some stop leak for a temporary fix. However I think I'll skip the trip and have the tranny looked at. What do you think, have a tranny specialist like a Cottman or dealer service it? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Leaking engine oil or leaking transmission fluid?

Oil: failed rear main seal
Transmission fluid: failed transmission front seal

At the rate you say its leaking either way I think you will need to address it immediately. If it is also slipping in gear then you have more series problems than just a seal leak. Low transmission fluid will not cause transmission to slip, generally it either won't go into gear at all or will have shifting issues.

 

It definately is tranny fluid. Owners manual says low fluid level will cause slippage that's why I thought about adding a stop leak product then top it up with ATF and see if that will cure it. It didn't leak before I changed the filter and fluid 2000 miles ago.

 

Ok. I'd ask around and try to get a recommendation from someone you trust in your immediate area regarding a good transmission shop.

 

I would stay away from stop leak products, They can cause more problems then they are worth. It sound like you have a good size leak and i doubt any stop leak is going to stop that. See if you can find exactly where it's coming form. Sound like a worn seal from the description.

 

highly recommend a rebuilt Jasper unit
I had mine replaced about 40,000 miles ago for about $2300
old one had about 138,000 when it started to give me problems
I started pulling a 4500# travel trailer for 1/2 of those miles and it pulls real strong
with all the upgrades they did to the rebuilt tranny

 

I don't want to throw $2300 into it just yet. I talked to a mechanic who said he'd look at it and if it's the seal he'll replace it for $175. I put a quart in it and drove it with no problems. In neutral at idle it was just above the low mark so I added another 1/2 quart or so and it started drippin again. I'll leave it at that until I have it looked at and the seal replaced. I was wondering what a rebuilt unit would run me so thanks for the info. What kind of warranty comes with that Jasper unit?

 

You should check around for a used one with low mileage. Your mechanic has to pull the tranny to change the seal, so for about the same price he could just swap the tranny out for you instead.

 

Jasper is 3 years or 100,000 miles

I had a '94 B250 that at 117,000 broke that tranny case and had to buy a new transmission for as the core was no good. That happened around '99. My '01 started throwing codes about 135,000. Had tranny shop look at it. Charged $175 to replace a shift sensor, that did not work (still got the code) and then to basically tell me tr anny needed to be replaced. I then shopped around looking for a reputable Jasper installer and found one 2 miles down the road. I am very happy with everything he did. I also put in a new rad with a new trans cooler built-in as Jasper required either cleaning the old rad trans lines, (another $65) so I put that into a new rad and didn't have to worry about it as the rad was about 12 years old at the time.

 

I'm going to have it pulled and replace the seal first since it works fine just leaks a little. If I need one I will buy one with a guarantee.