This picture shows the case of my MT transmission at 77,XXX mi. You can see that there is an oil stain coming from the bolt with the spot of blue paint on it. The oil stain has collected plenty of dirt. This is more of an "oil weep" than an "oil leak." I'm not motivated to do much about this situation, but I would like to know what our forum experts think on the subject.

 

If you can get a torque wrench on it, torque it to the factory spec and then clean it and see if it weeps after that. If it still leaks after that, there’s an issue. I don’t have the manuals on me or I’d give you the torque.

 

If I'm not mistaken, that's the fluid fill plug. I'd just spray it, wipe it off and see if it's leaking or if it's just residue from being serviced. Is yours a manual?
​​​​​​If so, I stand by my claim

 

Thanks, rg. I'll look at the manual, and I'll also see how I'm fixed for a torque wrench.

 

I don't know what it is, Pyts, but it's not the transmission fluid fill hole.

 

I think Pyts is on the right track. Looks like the transmission drain plug to me. As others have said, clean the area, check the torque, see if it keeps weeping. If so, it could be that the crush washer needs to be replaced.

 

I just changed out the MT fluid yesterday. That is not the transmission fluid drain plug.




It would be nice to know the significance of the blue paint. I know it's a code for something. Honda uses different colors to represent different things.

 

I got you covered.
The fastener in question is called the 32mm sealing screw. #5 on the parts diagram I'm attaching titled "Transmission Sealing Screw". It provides access to a snap ring retaining some trans internals. The torque is 18 ftlbs as indicated in the second document and the fastener's threads are supposed to be coated in silicone. I'm not aware of any reason as to why it would leak.

Edit: Can't remark with regards to the paint. Maybe it indicates the type of sealant used on the fastener, or that there was sealant used. That's a totally blind guess though, offered with no consideration of any previous sightings of paint-marked thingies. I'm tired.

 

@Pyts Outstanding work, my friend. I owe you one.


My first thoughts are:

1) 18 ft lb isn't that much. Maybe I could snug it up, as @Drew21 suggested.

2) Am I correct in assuming that what's behind that screw is the MT fluid that I just changed out? If so, then at the next fluid change, maybe I could remove the screw and reapply the silicone liquid gasket.

Thanks again. Your awesomeness is duly noted.

 

dude, you jinxed me. that mazda i finished just sprung a trans leak. shot off a hose going to the trans cooler (which was clamped), pissed out 2.5 gallons of atf while being driven an additional 8 miles, at which point it could no longer engage with the engine and was parked. miraculously it still runs and drives fine after a top off.. however, a steady stream of atf now comes from the bell housing.. trans has to come back out.

Edit: also yeah, there's prolly gonna be trans sauce behind that fastener. If I were in your shoes I'd let it sit overnight, then pull the fastener and let however much fluid wants to come out do just that. Then maybe wrap a shop towel around my finger and dip it in that hole to get the level down a little below the threads. clean the threads with yet another shop towel dipped in rubbing alcohol (or gasoline, then wipe off the gasoline with alcohol), and put some fresh silicone on that weird bolt.

​​​​​​It doesn't look like too bad a leak, so you may well be fine waiting until your next fluid change.
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sorry, numerous edits.

 

Sorry to hear about that. Sounds complicated. My skills don't extend to transmission rebuilds yet. What model Mazda?

 

it's an 03 tribute/ford escape. I don't know transmissions either. It does take effort to get ATF out of hair though. Great shear resistance, excellent adhesion.

 

I’m happy to help.

 

Decided to do this the patient way. Cleaned up the stains. Will wait until the next oil change to see how serious the leak is.




Note on the clean up: WD-40 works better than brake cleaner.

 

I’m interested to see how this goes too! Rubbing alcohol should take care of it pretty well too.