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hydramatic front oil leak
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 6:56 pm
by feats EK
Hi,
Having a problem with front pump oil seal leaking. Have replaced a few times and having the same problem each time, seal will leak periodically at temp but not always. Any ideas what could be causing this problem????
Re: hydramatic front oil leak
Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 4:03 pm
by feats EK
FYI Quote found on net
TRANSMISSIONS
We talked to Steve Peluso, a well-known expert on GM transmissions, who told us about several problems with the Roto Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions (which later on got the nickname "Slim Jim") used by Oldsmobile from 1961-'64. Up until 1963, they contained a less-than-durable aluminum governor, which was replaced by one made of steel in 1964. Also, because no torque converter was used, a damper plate was installed--it looks like a clutch disc with no lining--which had a tendency to crack. If it didn't, the retaining springs would get tired over a period of time, allowing the plate to work loose and eventually leading to a front seal leak. Back in the Seventies, a replacement damper plate cost less than $20; today, it'll cost you $200.
Yet even these two demerits do not top the list of potential transmission problems. According to Steve, "The weakest link was the aluminum torus coupling that housed the neutral clutch; it would often fail. But that wasn't always the case. In all actuality, the Oldsmobile version versus Pontiac's seems to be more durable, at a repair rate of two to one; we've heard of several cases where the unit has lasted intact since the day it left the factory."