Can't find source of leak....

Revolver · 12-03-2005, 06:54 PM

I have a fluid leak on my 2001 SL2 - Manual Transmission. I found it a couple of days ago and assumed it was transmission fluid since it had a redish color to it. When I checked the fluid level though it was full. I then noticed the power steering fluid was low, so I jacked the car up and had my wife turn the wheel back and forth to see if I could find the leak. I assumed it was one of the hoses, but it wasn't. When the car is level, the leak ends up being on the drivers side, so away from the power steering pump. I pulled the battery and air intake to get a view from the top of the engine bay and some fluid on the top side, but still can't pin-point the leak. Does anyone have any suggestions where to look, or exactly which part would possibly leak?

scottyr94 · 12-03-2005, 08:52 PM

You might have a cracked tranny case, notorious on Saturns when the diff pin slides out. See if it is leaking from the trans anywhere or even in between where the trans mates to the engine. I might not be correct, but sounds possible. If thats the case, welcome a new tranny.

**Ssicarman** · 12-04-2005, 03:11 AM

How is your coolant level? It could be coolant. Have a look at the back of the engine/trans area. If the leak is coming from that area from up high then it could be the intake mainfold gasket leaking. Have you ever had that gasket replaced with the updated one from Saturn?

Revolver · 12-04-2005, 05:33 AM

I checked the coolant level, and it is a little low. My low coolant light had turned on about a month ago and I had added a couple of cups to top it off. The leakdoes seem to be above the transmission.

No I have not had the intake manifold gasket replaced. This is actually the first major problem I have had with the car. As usual it has 2 payments left until it is paid off. From looking at the Hayne's manual, it sounds like a major undertaking to replace the gasket.

**Ssicarman** · 12-05-2005, 04:19 AM

Depends on your ability level. The upper engine mount does need to be removed as well as the trans upper locating mount needs to be unbolted from the frame and the engine rocked forward but it is a fairly straight forward repair. It can be time consuming though. Fuel lines and coolant hoses removed.

Revolver · 12-05-2005, 01:42 PM

I took the car out yesterday and drove it for about 10 minutes to get it nice and hot. When I got back home and popped the hood there was a little smoke coming up on the right side of the engine. It smelled sweet, so I'm pretty much sure that it is the coolant now. What would be your guestimate to have Saturn replace the gasket? I don't have time to tackle the job until next year since school is ending next week and then we go on vacation.

**Ssicarman** · 12-06-2005, 02:43 AM

Labour for the job at my shop would be about 4-5 hours flate rate. Can't remember for sure but it is in that area. Plus parts.

Revolver · 01-02-2006, 12:21 AM

Well, I decided to wait and tackle it myself. I finished it up today and it wasn't all that bad. I didn't have to remove the fuel lines. Not sure why, but I just unbolted the engine, removed the intake & throttle body from the manifold and could rotate the intake manifold enough to replace the gasket. It was a time comsuming job (probably about 7 hours total time put into it), but it feels good to have it fixed after a month of the car sitting around.

Thanks for you help Ssicarman!