Re: 1951 (24 Series) Ultramatic Leak

Posted by HH56 On 2012/6/19 14:02:30

Not normal to leak over the winter any differently than other times but having said that, there are seals that can leak from just sitting. The ones around the throttle and selector shafts are prime examples. Oil pan gasket is another. Maybe they can shrink more in cold weather but then fluid is thicker too. Can you tell by a puddle on the floor if one of those might be the cause. If not, then the front and rear seal would be the ones that tend to leak mostly during use. Any other places would be a matter of close examination.

The dipstick can only be accessed from under the car on 51s. The 50 had a large plate that could be removed (a big undertaking) but that was eliminated with the new bodies. Due to the location, believe a couple of people who contemplated cutting a hole were not successful.

The fluid can be added from the top. You have to move the seat all the way back and then fold the carpet (best from passenger side) over to clear the area of hump just in front of the seat. There is a metal plate screwed to the hump and directly under that is the vent opening. Fluid can slowly be added there. Normally the vent has a pressed on loose fitting cap with a mesh under. You can remove those and replace when done or unscrew the entire vent. Still have to crawl under to get to the dipstick though.