Volvo: Brown oil leak between engine & transmission, engine oil leaks, fluid leak

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1994 Volvo Turbo Sportswagon with 91,000 miles.  No engine oil leaks but car had a large, 1 ft in diameter spot of brown oily liquid on my concrete floor. I checked the transmission fluid dipstick and it is brown (should be red, right?) and looks and feels the same as the fluid on floor.  No leaks on the weekend and big leak today. Could it be a blown transmission seal, as the leak spot seems fairly large?  The car rides as smooth as ever on the highway, but if I stop at a light it seems to run a bit rougher right now, where it was always pretty quiet and smooth.  I had my 90,000 mile tune-up done early, at approx 87,000 miles, so it has not been in the Volvo shop in over 6 months, other than an oil change 2 weeks ago and no signs of leaks then.  Everything came on fast, which led me to think a cracked gasket or blown seal maybe. Can I get by temporarily by adding transmission fluid until I can have it looked at, as I need the car to get around for the short-term.  No long trips, just 5-20 mile drives primarily.  Thoughts?  Thank you very much, Ray!

ANSWER: Rick,
Yes sounds like there is a trans fluid leak. And yes the fluid should be more red than brown. After the leak has been found and repaired have the trans fluid flushed. If the oil leak is found between the engine and the trans, most likely the front pump seal. Yes add fluid as needed so the trans will not suffer any damage. Top up daily as needed. That should get you until the next service.

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QUESTION: Would the front pump seal involve extensive labor, such as having to remove quite a few parts leading to extensive time, or is it a relatively simple procedure (90 minutes or less), provided that was the problem? Thanks again, Ray!

Answer
Rick,
Yes the trans will have to be removed. At the time of repair you might also consider having all the seals and gaskets replaced as long as the trans is out. You can make a better decision when you know for sure what the leak is. Have the car inspected at a shop that knows the Volvo's so you get the proper repair. Most times the job is a day or two. If the trans is removed for service have a rear main engine oil seal installed also.