What is this gap?, And why would it be dripping fluid? Options

[mjsdt914]

This gap is at the front of the transmission where it mates with the engine (as seen from below).
Does it have a name?
Am I missing a plug for this hole?
Any ideas why it would be dripping fluid?
Please advise. Thanks!

[DRPHIL914]

sometimes its hard to smell the trans fluid. You can add a dye, get it from autozone or other favorite local parts place along with the UV light . I had a similar issue not long ago, was not sure as i had just put the transmission back in after putting a new rear main seal in the engine, and after a couple months noticed a small drip here so i put dye in the trans fluid(suspecting this due to just putting new RMS on motor) . if you suspect oil, put the dye in the motor oil and run it for a few hours and recheck with UV light.
- as said by others, if the oil is leaking from the rear main seal it will get on the clutch and make a mess of it - when you pull it you will be able to see if it is leaking from the trans or the motor. - or both - thats possible too.

What is the history of the motor? how many miles, how long have you owned it?

the hole is there so that you can see the flywheel for timing, dont plug it.

if the car sits for long long periods or sat for years, the seals will dry , deteriorate and leak.

You can pull the transmission and leave the motor in, but i have found its easier to just pull them all as one unit.

If you have not done this, there are good how-to instructions on Pelican Parts website, with pictures.

Good luck

Phil

[fixer34]

sometimes its hard to smell the trans fluid. You can add a dye, get it from autozone or other favorite local parts place along with the UV light . I had a similar issue not long ago, was not sure as i had just put the transmission back in after putting a new rear main seal in the engine, and after a couple months noticed a small drip here so i put dye in the trans fluid(suspecting this due to just putting new RMS on motor) . if you suspect oil, put the dye in the motor oil and run it for a few hours and recheck with UV light.
- as said by others, if the oil is leaking from the rear main seal it will get on the clutch and make a mess of it - when you pull it you will be able to see if it is leaking from the trans or the motor. - or both - thats possible too.

What is the history of the motor? how many miles, how long have you owned it?

the hole is there so that you can see the flywheel for timing, dont plug it.

if the car sits for long long periods or sat for years, the seals will dry , deteriorate and leak.

You can pull the transmission and leave the motor in, but i have found its easier to just pull them all as one unit.

If you have not done this, there are good how-to instructions on Pelican Parts website, with pictures.

Good luck

Phil

"the hole is there so that you can see the flywheel for timing, dont plug it."

I've never heard of a timing window on the bottom of the engine. Just what timing mark on the flywheel do you use?
I believe it is for ventilation and a liquid drain, as you are seeing with engine/trans oil.

[JamesM]

"the hole is there so that you can see the flywheel for timing, dont plug it."

I've never heard of a timing window on the bottom of the engine. Just what timing mark on the flywheel do you use?
I believe it is for ventilation and a liquid drain, as you are seeing with engine/trans oil.

Sure makes valve adjustments a lot easier having a window there (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)