Chrysler Repair: conventional automatic transmission leak localization, time mechanics, electronic transmissions

Question

dream machine, ha hello. have a 72 chrysler camper with a 413 wedge on a 1ton chassie. the tranny leaks out of the bellhousing like crazy after the tranny warms up. seems to shift fine for the most part on the road, does take a couple small revs when cold to get the camper goin. will hold the fluid till warm then when it rains it pours. gone..... any ideas.... front seal, pump, tourch converter, or maybe even a plugged cooler... anything would help. it sat for a good 5 years and i got it for free. have put more hours into this old beast then id like to admit. its a great moter and would like to get it on the road again... this happened on a 20 mile trip over half being on the highway doin 55mph. took this trip twice, before out the second time, thought it was a tranny line that i replaced. the thing didnt leak taking it on longer test runs. but didnt make the long trip before it just started DUMPING.frusterating

Answer
Hi Neal,
There is a way to localize the leak using a strip of 1/32" metal (1 and 1/2" by 5") inserted through the torque converter dust shield opening (after removing the closure plate). The Leak Probe is placed against the inner surface of the housing (after cleaning that area as best as you can), its end lip is secured at the opening with the closure screw, then run the engine at about 2500 rpm for a couple of minutes and observe for the area(s) on the sheet that are newly contaminated with trans fluid. This sort of a diagnostic test hails from the earlier years of non-electronic transmissions so I am certain it is likely applicable to yours. I can xerox a couple of pages from the '82 rear wheel drive manual I have and postal mail them to you. I have to say the descriptive interpretation is a bit obscure and probably you might want to find an independent trans shop with some 'ol time mechanics who can tell you what you can learn from doing this test. It does list a lot of possibilities for leak sites and so you would be in a good position when you remove the trans after doing the test to get right to the cause of the leakage.
Roland