Using a stop leak product for transmission hoses

[slemmer]

I noticed a pin-hole stream of tranny fluid spraying out from the lower auxiliary hose's aluminum piping nearest the flared end towards the radiator. I've been losing about a quart/litre of fluid for three hours of driving. I have a new hose coming but it's on order.

 

The tough part is that I drive the truck each day one way for two hours and I keep topping up the tranny fluid. To minimize the bleeding is it possible to use a transmission conditioner that is advertised to stop leaks in the transmission as well as expand seals? Since the part of the hose is metal I was hoping it would seal the pinhole sized opening to get me through the week.

 

Thoughts?

 

Stephen

 

'05 CCSB 5.3L 208,000 kms

[gmtech4]

No no no no no no no no no no no no nooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Why not at least put on a hose clamp with a rubber hose over the pinhole ,,,,

 

As I freaked earlier, do not put in any additive , it won't work under those pressures anyways

[CapitalTruck]

What he said. Don't think of putting an additive in for a hose leak in a transmission. Throwing out the baby with the bathwater. That stuff isn't good for the tranny!

[slemmer]

OK, as a quick down and temporary fix, I've applied JB Weld and wrapped it with self sealing silicone tape. Hopefully it'll hold and minimise the leaks until I get my replacement lines. I didn't think about the hose clamp/rubber compression suggestion at the time as I was about 150 miles from home and was in panic mode but that makes sense too. Stephen.

[Duelin]

Lets put a little thought into it. If the sealer would seal up a metal line that is under pressure. What do you think it would do to those holes in the transmission they call passages? HHHHHhhhhhhMMMMMMMmmmmmmmm

[chupe442]

NOoooooooOOOOoooooooOOOOOoooooo Ssssssseeeeeeeaaaalllllllllleeerrrrrrr EeevvvvvveeeeeeeerrrRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!

[slemmer]

Well, I've learned a big (and expensive lesson) - don't drive with a leaking transmission line. Should have thought of clamping the hole with rubber and clamps. My pinhole leak fractured 80 miles away from home. Couldn't get into high gear and 1st gear would slip resulting in an 80 mile tow back home. I was hoping to make I back home and replace the lower line which was backordered. End of story - $2500 to rebuild the tranny. The tranny company told me that there's 3000 psi in the system and the JB weld would never have held. On the bright side the tranny is good for at least another 10 years

 

It's sad that I originally ordered the heavy duty cooling in hope of preserving the transmission even though I don't haul anything other than hockey equipment and odds and ends and unfortunately end of paying more in the long run. Truck is still solid and worth keeping. Oh well, life goes on...

[white1500]

Get the rear main seal and mounts done if possible.

[efritz]

If your tranny guy said there's 3000 psi in the system I would be scared. More like 280 in reverse (max pressure).

[slemmer]

Get the rear main seal and mounts done if possible.

What's the issue with those two areas you mentioned - just wear and tear? Would you know what the costs I should budget? Thanks. Stephen

[white1500]

Yeah they're normal wear items. The seal leaks and requires removal of the tranny to replace so might as well get it done while it's being replaced. And the mounts so just wear out so might as well get them done imo.

 

And they're low cost items so it won't be a significant addition. Go to rockauto.com for great prices.