Terrano auto leaking

[toominator]

I've noticed a bit of oil on the drive over the past couple of days, thought I'd do an oil change and check everything out while I had it up on stands. Looks like most of the auto trans fluid has leaked out. The pan has oil on it and appears to be worse toward the back and in the middle. I couldn't get too good a look at it unfortunately, but the fluid is well below the level it should be.

The vehicle is a 1990 2.7 TD.

Is there anything in particular that could have gone wrong?
If its leaking, where are the possible places it could be leaking?
Would replacing the pan gasket possible solve the issue?

Basically any pointers on where to look would be much appreciated!
I'm thinking maybe I should drain the last of the fluid out and pull the pan off to inspect that part of it anyway since there can't be much free oil left in there..

[darinz]

I've had the pan bolts come loose (on a Safari but basically the same)
Could be a really good time to do a filter and oil change. If you do then cut he old filter open and see what is inside. If lots of big bits then linings could be coming off and could be time for a cheap rebuild rather than an expensive rebuild when it shits itself.

[toominator]

thanks for that darinz

I was talking to a girl at repco earlier on and they have the filter and gasket in stock. It's only $83 for that so I'm going to go ahead and do that anyway. Hopefully it is just that leaking. I did notice that it looks like one bolt has possibly been lost.

She also suggested another common issue is that the seal on the gear selector can wear and leak.. can anyone verify that?

[meatc]

Yeah Iv'e had the one in my zuk (same box) leak around the sump gasket. Its a big fat cork one.

83 sounds dear for filter and gasket, I think I paid less than 50 form BNT.

[toominator]

Bummer, oh well I have it now. 83 was the trade rate too!
I'll try bnt next time for sure, they seem to be better value all round. Right, off to pull the pan off now.

Should I be using a gasket sealer too? I've heard varying thought as to the necessity of it

[meatc]

No goo. But tweake it up, not to tight, then after a day or so double check it as the big fat cork gasket will settle. Just remember when you refill it that there will be about 2-3L still in the system so dont add the 8 odd the book says it will hold. Add about 5 or so then start checking. (engine running shift it through the gears a couple of times and check in neutral.)

[toominator]

got a bit delayed last night, and I've just discovered two bolts at the back (transfer case end) that I can't get a socket onto. Can just get the ring end of a spanner onto it but not enough room to turn it.

Anyone got any tips for getting those last two bolts off?