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ATF in Engine Oil?


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I there a way for the ATF to make it into the crank case on my '92 Loyale?

 

I ask because my 3AT loses fluid and I top it off on occasion. Over the weekend I took a 120 mile trip and the trans was slipping badly when I got to the destination.

 

The trans was topped off before I left and it was about 2.5 qts. low when I rechecked it, so I added more ATF.

 

The car started (continuously) smoking badly out of the tailpipe... almost like a James Bond smokescreen.

 

It settled down after about 5 minutes, but noticed it would do the same when taking off at a light, or when getting off, then back on the gas on the highway.

 

After about 15 minutes, the smoke disappeared, altogether. I'm confused. I'd think they're 2 totally separate things; any ideas?

 

-Todd

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Not sure on the 3AT, but a number of transmissions have a vacuum modulator that requires a vacuum line to go to the transmission from the intake manifold. I didnt think the 92s had this, being electronic transmissions, but I could be mistaken.

 

I'd visually inspect for any vacuum lines or connections that go between the transmission and the intake manifold. If there is, that's probably where your transmission fluid is going if it's not leaking onto the ground. The vacuum from the intake manifold will suck the trans oil through the modulator if the diaphragm on the modulator is bad, and it goes into the engine.

 

Hope this helps...

 

88RxTuner

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I had this same problem. Sounds like the trans modulator is the problem as mentioned above. Easy to change. Just look on the side of the trans for a round cylinder shaped part with a vacuum line connected. Disconnect the line and look for trans fluid it should be dry.

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got the vacuum mod at napa for less then $20.

 

I did indeed have ATF in the vacuum line. My local Napa doesn't list anything other than a trans kit; do you happen to have a part #?

 

Thanks Everyone,

-Todd

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Good to know about the little rod... when I unscrew this, will the trans drain?

 

I actually found that Fram # by doing some Googling. I ordered it from Amazon.com for $2.83 and got some more stuff to qualify for the free shipping.

 

Best price, otherwise was about $16 shipped.

 

-Todd

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It should not drain much if at all. I usually jack from the passenger side to help but don't forget to use jackstands. You might consider flushing the hose from the modulator to the engine with carb cleaner also.

 

+1

 

shoot the line from the engine side so it drains back to the transmission end, (let it run off in the snow) and dry while your switching the leaky one out

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