Transaxle oil leakage, Fix?

[BlackICE]

I started getting some weepage from the vent bolt too. I took the bolt off and it is a M12 x 1.5mm thread pitch. The part is mis-designed without a large enough sealing surface. Ideally the bolt should have a larger flange on it and then a sealing washer much like is used on an oil drain plug. I think the vent would seal better without the steel washer.

I better solution would be to replace the part with something that will work.

I haven't seen Jay's solution yet, but M2Race's solution seem like a very good one for someone who wants a turnkey solution, it has all of the bases covered, better sealing on the bolt, vapor collection, condensation and return and a filter to keep the dirt out. For the do it yourself type check out the following website to get an adapter from M12x1.5 to 1/8 npt. From there you can connect common hardware to make you own venting system. The simplest would be to connect a barb fitting to the 1/8" npt and then a hose connected to a filter. Note then any hose you use should be spec-ed to work at 250F+. I am trying to see if I can get a vapor collection and filter small enough to fit on the bolt fitting itself. It has to fit in a tight space and be light enough not to fracture the fittings from the engine vibrations. This won't work quite as well as the M2Race product, but may be good enough and more elegant in appearance.

http://www.xse.com/leres/ss/gaugepod.html
http://www.isspro.com/proddetail.php?prod=R7962
http://www.autobarn.net/eqoilpreselt.html


BlackICE

 

[Neilda]

Interesting........ thanks for posting.

 

[dbtgt]

I'm trying this - $2.29 from auto parts store. I'll let you know if it works. It can't be worse than the $.02 washer that it replaces!! :willy

 

[BlackICE]

That look like a much better washer than the stock steel one. It should take care of any leaks from that area. My concern is that may not be enough. I have a theory that the oil is in a mist like fog in the transaxle case and when the air inside the transaxle case heats up it expands. Because of the the very small cross sectional area of the vent the hot air's velocity in the vent is high and therefore some of the mist will exscape with the fast moving air.

I don't know if this is actually happening until I do some testing. I have not installed my vent system yet, but just got the parts today for a vent that is very similar to M2Race's design. If you read one of my older post I talk about somthing like a funnel to capture the oily air. Well after looking on the internet many such products already exist so I didn't try to reinvent the wheel. I will install it soon and post pictures and part numbers if it works out.

Another solution that just extends the vent higher and that has a larger opening may work too. Something as simple as an inverted J shaped tube may work.

BlackICE

 

[dbtgt]

I also installed the transaxle cooler so I was hoping that between the two I will have the problem solved! I really think the vent was leaking at the washer IMHO.

 

[BlackICE]

Let us all know if the washer solves the problem.

BlackICE

 

[analogdesigner]

Transaxle breather extension, to be ready soon

Gentlemen:

After 3,500 miles of testing, I feel that I finally have a practical solution for the transaxle oil seepage problem. I will be selling an adapter that fits between the breather and the transaxle case. It should install in a couple of minutes.

I will post images of this soon.

I also had to remove and power wash my belly pan and diffuser, since they had accumulated so much oil and dirt. Now I will be able to put my car back together.

Jay
www.gtsaver.com

 

[fjpikul]

OK, OK, quit washing your car and get the nuclear reactor light done. August is creeping up.

 

[analogdesigner]

Oil soaked belly pan for your engine light to illuminate!

OK, OK, quit washing your car and get the nuclear reactor light done. August is creeping up.

fjpikul,

Now, two things, your car needs one of these breather extension adapters because all GT's leak oil! Are you going to drive a oil soaked car with your engine bay light on! :thumbsup

Next, I have access to a new optical design program starting this weekend. This is what I need to optimize the illumination pattern for the engine light. Also, I have figured out how to hook into the electrical system without cutting wires! With the new design, I may be able to delete the reverse "light-off" feature, since there is very little light reflecting into the cockpit.

More to come,

Jay
www.gtsaver.com

http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34

 

[dbtgt]

After 30 miles today, NO SEEPAGE from the vent! :banana

 

[analogdesigner]

Try this!

After 30 miles today, NO SEEPAGE from the vent! :banana

dbtgt,

Have you tried wiping the tip of your finger around the upper edge of the breather and then inspecting your fingertip for any residual oil? This is how I test mine now, since I have been having good results with my latest design. I find that I must get the transaxle good and warm, then cruise at medium speed 70-120 MPH for a little bit.

Thanks,

Jay
www.gtsaver.com

 

[fjpikul]

Fabulous news. Mine's not leaking yet, but I'll soon put in an order. Quarterly taxes and in-laws won out this month.

 

[dbtgt]

Analog,
Thanks for the tip, but I did check it with my finger and it was dry. 30 miles isn't much, but it's a start. I'll keep you posted.

 

[analogdesigner]

Analog,
Thanks for the tip, but I did check it with my finger and it was dry. 30 miles isn't much, but it's a start. I'll keep you posted.

That's good news!

I just have to believe that all GT's operated under the same conditions will have this problem.

I have posted an image of my new breather extender that will be sold through GTsaver.com. Later, I will post some images of my belly pan and rear diffuser showing the trans oil that had accumulated.

Jay
www.gtsaver.com

http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34

 

[BlackICE]

It is not too bad. Referenced from the passerger side I use a 17mm box wrench from the left side, I am left handed and that helps. You only have to loosen it with the wrench, after that it can be spun off by hand, which is faster due to the limited space to turn the wrench. Be careful about dropping anything you would then have to retrieve by lifting the car and removing the belly pan! I cover the area with a towel in an attempt to catch any mistakes.

BlackICE

 

[kosupply]

Mine leaked after the transaxle cooler was installed. SVT told me even though the installation insturctions mention adding fluid, none is required. Mine did not leak before, and quit once it leaked out the additional quart the dealer added. I drive this car at the track.

 

[Neilda]

Interesting!

I am about to add a transaxle cooler - but also an extended vent too. Hopefully my GT will be like the perfect Montrachet after this - cool and dry!

 

[EasyEric]

Neil,

Where will you get your extended vent from? Is it commercially available or bespoke?

Eric

 

[Neilda]

Eric, I hope Roush don't shoot me for mentioning it - but Roush have developed one here in the UK. I was kind of told privately about it - however I imagine they'll be selling it soon enough.

It's very similar in style to MR2Race's design (I hope I've got his name right - he's the guy who was part of the development team on the GT and is a moderately infrequent poster on the Forum). I think MR2's design may be a little neater than the Roush's design (I've seen neither in the flesh) - however as Roush look after my car I feel better having them supply me.

The vent extender that Jay is developing may be an even neater and certainly less expensive solution, however the Roush design is more of a complex breather that takes the vent to the top of the rear frame. Check out the MR2 design - there's a picture of it in the gallery somewhere.

Hope all is good with you......

Neil

 

[fjpikul]

OK, what the hell is a Montrachet?