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Overdrive Leak at Cover Plate
- Thread starter memphis
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Keoke
Great Pumpkin
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Well BOB if cover plate means that cover over the area where the solenoid adjustment is housed just in side, then the answer is NO!!. there are a set of "O" rings that prevent the shaft from leaking oil. If the one on that side has failed it will have to be replaced they are located on the outside of the main OVD case and can be serviced. Fwiw--Keoke
RAC68
Darth Vader
Offline
Hi Bob,
Have you changed fluid in the trans to a synthetic (i.e. Red Line MTL)? Have you overfilled the trans?
As others and I have found, synthetic will find ways to leak more than any other fluid. After removing the side plate covering the solenoid, no fluid should be found. If it is filled with fluid, it is most probably coming through the O-ring sealing the shaft.
In my case, I drain the cavity and clean the solenoid bore and piston. Once completed, I replaced the cover and buttoned up the trans. Presently, and for the past 2 years, I have maintained a Red Line MTL trans fluid level where it found equilibrium and stopped leaking into this cavity. Over that period, I have found the trans and overdrive work well and with no issues. I never changed the leaking O-ring, as it would require pulling the trans.
One last point, if you are using synthetic, you can always go back to non-synthetic (i.e. 30W non-detergent) and would probably not have the problem.
All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
Have you changed fluid in the trans to a synthetic (i.e. Red Line MTL)? Have you overfilled the trans?
As others and I have found, synthetic will find ways to leak more than any other fluid. After removing the side plate covering the solenoid, no fluid should be found. If it is filled with fluid, it is most probably coming through the O-ring sealing the shaft.
In my case, I drain the cavity and clean the solenoid bore and piston. Once completed, I replaced the cover and buttoned up the trans. Presently, and for the past 2 years, I have maintained a Red Line MTL trans fluid level where it found equilibrium and stopped leaking into this cavity. Over that period, I have found the trans and overdrive work well and with no issues. I never changed the leaking O-ring, as it would require pulling the trans.
One last point, if you are using synthetic, you can always go back to non-synthetic (i.e. 30W non-detergent) and would probably not have the problem.
All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
OP
memphis
Jedi Hopeful
Offline
Thanks Ray. The Healey is a new addition for me and I dont have what brand and weight of fluids were used. I have emailed the previous owner and am awaiting that information. I will try what you did. Maybe the po overfilled it?
Will update this post as I learn more.
Thanks again,
Bob
Will update this post as I learn more.
Thanks again,
Bob
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Bob, I had that problem with the wifes MGB. I found out that the cover plate was slightly warped from previous over tightening. I took ours off and fine emeried it with 400 grit on a glass plate until it was equal all around. Put on a very thin swipe of blue sealer on both sides of the gasket and it hasn't leaked since. PJ
RAC68
Darth Vader
Offline
Hi Paul,
I am not sure we are talking about the same plate, as the Healey plate is only a cover protecting the cavity housing the solenoid. The cavity is not should not contain fluid and therefore need to be sealed as you indicated. If fluid is in this cavity, it can create a fluid block within the solenoid and block its function. If fluid is escaping from the cover, it is usually a result of fluid seeping around the O-ring sealing the shaft and would require the removal of the transmission to replace. Again, sealing the cover would retain the oil but cause the malfunction of the solenoid.
Hope this helps,
Ray (64Bj8P1)
I am not sure we are talking about the same plate, as the Healey plate is only a cover protecting the cavity housing the solenoid. The cavity is not should not contain fluid and therefore need to be sealed as you indicated. If fluid is in this cavity, it can create a fluid block within the solenoid and block its function. If fluid is escaping from the cover, it is usually a result of fluid seeping around the O-ring sealing the shaft and would require the removal of the transmission to replace. Again, sealing the cover would retain the oil but cause the malfunction of the solenoid.
Hope this helps,
Ray (64Bj8P1)
Keoke
Great Pumpkin
Offline
. So to clarify, can I remove this plate and replace the gasket?
NO!!!, if you have a leak there you most likely have a defective "O" ring and it must be replaced.
There is the remote possibility that a leak at the top of the rear solenoid bracket gasket is alowing oil into the cavity but I doubt that.
---Keoke- 
Or is it good that its leaking so the solenoid doesn't malfunction?----NO
NO!!!, if you have a leak there you most likely have a defective "O" ring and it must be replaced.
There is the remote possibility that a leak at the top of the rear solenoid bracket gasket is alowing oil into the cavity but I doubt that.
---Keoke- Or is it good that its leaking so the solenoid doesn't malfunction?----NO