M20 Dripping, Probably Cause?

Discussion in 'U-shift em' started by knucklebusted, Aug 28, 2018.

  1. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    As a manual novice, I've just recently swapped the original M21 for an M20. Both are newer models with 26/32 splines.

    The M20 shifts fine with the green GL-4 but I'm seeing a spot green under the car after every time out. I'll keep an eye on it and make sure it isn't low but where's the probable culprit when it is accumulating at the bellhousing/transmission on the speedo cable?

    Is it more likely the front gasket, front seal or the counter shaft? I'm pretty sure it isn't the side cover, side cover seals or the tail shaft housing. Those are every so slightly damp but don't appear to have a trail I'd expect to see on the underside of the trans. Tail shaft/drive shaft seal looks good.

    Before I tear it out again this winter, I'd like to have an idea what I'm up against.
     
  2. agetnt9

    agetnt9 Agetnt9 (Dan)

    Speedo gear seal.... maybe easy fix
     
  3. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    I bet its the counter shaft. Muncies are notorious for leaking there. The countershaft just presses into the aluminum housing with no seal. Both of mine weep from there.
     
  4. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    I looked at it when I swapped it, actually used the old one since it was the right tooth count and used the bullet with the best looking inner and outer seals.

    Yep, that's what I was afraid of. Is there an easy fix with it in the vehicle? I'd call it more than a weep. Usually a small puddle the size of a small drink lid, about 2-2.5" in diameter. While I had the car up for tie rod ends, I cleaned it off and upon parking it after the test drive, there was a fresh 2" puddle the next morning. Cleaning and not driving doesn't appear to leak.

    I was thinking I might be able to jack it up, drop the rear drive shaft mount, loosen the cross member bolts and back off the trans/bell housing bolts enough to spray brake cleaner up in there and lay some black permatex around it for a short term fix without a complete removal of the shifter and having to get it in/out.
     
  5. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    Looks like it is probably the front seal. Cleaning & filling the counter shaft pocket with permatex didn't seem to help. Another winter project.
     

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