I know, silly question, but few posts down got me thinking. I know it's part of the tranny. is it the big thing between the red oil sump tank and the tranny pan? the thing that has two(?) plastic mesh vents? if so, can ATF leak from these vents as I have read it can? the area has always been a bit wet with brownish oil, and I've always thought it to be motor oil. could it be contaminated ATF (mixed with motor oil)? thanks. I need a peace of mind!

As I understand it, yes, thats the bell housing, and yes, tranny fluid can leak from those vents. I believe that probably indicates a bad torque converter seal. Make sure, however, that the fluid is actually leaking out of those vents, rather than just being on the outside, which would mean a leak somewhere else. I don't think motor oil can leak out of these vents, but it could certainly be on the outside. You say that they are just wet though, not dripping, and if you don't have any significant loss of transmission fluid, I wouldnt worry about it. I seem to recall that mine were usually a bit wet, but that doesnt necesarily mean that its normal.

If the rear crank seal is bad or if the flame trap is clogged (more likely) oil can leak out those vents. The flame trap being clogged can cause back pressure in the engine and the pressure will try to find a place to escape and sometimes its the crank seal at the rear of the engine.

Tony T
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Tony Turner 89 Volvo 240DL 257K, 92 Jeep Cherokee 250K, 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee 215K, 1980 Mercedes 240D 360K