Dodge Intrepid 42LE Can't Find Fluid Leak

Complete Transmission Repair Cost Guide › Transmission Forum – Ask an Expert › Dodge › Dodge Intrepid 42LE Can't Find Fluid Leak

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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  • June 16, 2015 at 6:29 pm #1176
    notwelldodge
    Participant

    1999, 118000 miles. Thought I’d be good to the rig and change the trans fluid and filter. I used NAPA recommended fluid +3 ?? now see some bottles with a +4 label. What is the difference in +3 and +4/ Compatible with each other? I did not use the gasket included with the NAPA filter instead used a RTV gasket silicone as recommended in Haynes repairs. Anyhow I’ve developed a leak. Using a white cloth around the pan gasket I get nothing; I see nothing on the floor but did find some hanging drops on the exhaust hangers at the rear of the trans. Any hints what I’ve done? Thank you

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    June 16, 2015 at 7:38 pm #1177
    Hostgator
    Member

    If the transmission fluid that you used was labeled as compatible with Mopar transmissions then you are in good shape. Since NAPA is a major brand and it is labeled as compatible with Chrysler transmissions then you should be in good shape. ATF 4 (really Dexron or Dexron-based) is also compatible with Chrysler vehicles.

    As to your other question, here’s a question for you, though the answer might seem obvious, it still has to be asked, you did pull off the transmission pan cover when you drained the fluid, right? Let us know the answer and we’ll fill in the rest of the blanks. The hint is the gasketing material, but please let us know your answer.

    June 17, 2015 at 5:54 pm #1196
    notwelldodge
    Participant

    Yes, I dropped the pan and cleaned off the old gasket material. I used RTV gasket material from NAPA with out the gasket supplied with the filter. I’ll need to check on the RTV product number but it is grey rather than the black that had been the original. I ran the car 40 miles this morning and plan to jack it up to see if I can see any trace of a leak. The “sensors” were changed a couple of years ago when I used the ‘limp in’ mode. I have not tried the clean white rag around them to see if they may be the leak source. Thank you for answering. Best wishes RJ

    June 17, 2015 at 10:47 pm #1198
    notwelldodge
    Participant

    Maybe your suggestion of ‘gasketing material’ is heading toward the answer. The NAPA/Permatex I used is product # 765-2677. It is ‘Ultra Grey’ and on back of package it says for transmission pans BUT also doesnot list Chrysler under the OEM part number interchange. I returned to NAPA and see they have a black RTV material [765-1589] that does list Chrysler under the interchange. So am I too guess that the wrong gasket material has destroyed a gasket/seal? The 20 mile warm up, test drive does not show any leakage around pan gasket; no sign of leak at the sensors; no new wetness that I can see. Thank you RJ

    June 18, 2015 at 9:36 am #1200
    Hostgator
    Member

    There’s nothing wrong with using a silicon gasket, if it was meant to be used on the Intrepid. Sometimes, a manufacturer will tell you to use a fiber gasket for a reason. The reason is that the gasket will swell after installation and fill any spaces — even microspaces — that silicon won’t find. Granted, it’s more of a pain to use a fiber gasket, but, if it is done right, then once you have the tranny back together — and the gasket has swollen up a bit filling all the spaces — you won’t have to worry about leakage.

    Remember when you put the gasket on, to run a bead of ATF around the rim of the pan. This not only holds the gasket in place when you put the pan back on, but it also starts the sealing better when you have the bolts torqued down. Also, don’t overtighten the bolts, or you will deform the edge and could introduce leakage there.

    Hope this all helps.

    June 18, 2015 at 5:11 pm #1204
    notwelldodge
    Participant

    So if the ‘wrong’ RTV was used and that is causing the leak should I drain and use the Chrysler sealant and refill OR has the damage been done and nothing short of a rebuild will stop the leak? Thank you

    June 22, 2015 at 5:45 pm #1215
    notwelldodge
    Participant

    Another question—- is the use of RTV silicon and a gasket a NO NO? Could the leak be into the transaxel? Or does the tranny and transaxel share the fluid? Thank you.

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