'99 C-2500 Leaks

[gm88]

I have a '99 c-2500 hd 5.7 auto trans 2 wheel drive. Today while i was under it i noticed that there was fluid on the bell housing especially near the bottom of it. It was red and brown, like trans fluid and oil mixed together. I hot checked the trans fluid and it was in the cross hatched zone for hot check. It was a very light red color, almost clearish. I also checked the engine oil level and it was normal. Another thing, i smell antifreeze, espeically when hot, it is losing a little bit. I pulled the fan shroud off and checked the radiator, it and the water pump do not seem to be leaking, nor do the hose connections. Has anyone experienced leaks like this before? what was it and how hard was it to fix?

 

 

thanks

[L29er]

intake manifold gaskets are common on the 5.7s, and your front trans seal could be starting to pass, is your trans oil pretty old? a flush or oil change can get some new oil in there that may have additives that could stop the leak, other wise keep an eye on it...

[gm88]

wel i think i many have found the problem. It seems that the freeze plugs near the rear of the block are leaking. The reddish fluid on the bell housing smells like antifreeze and not tranny fluid and may have gotten darker from mixing with road dirt/ greese on the underside of the truck. Are soft plugs a common problem on the 350?