Torque converter and rubbish

[David124T]

I was scrambling around under the 300TE 24V (yes THAT ONE again) looking for the source of an oil leak. Turns out to be one of the transmission fluid flex hoses. I noticed that the plastic cover on the bell housing that allows access to the torque converter is missing. I have no idea how long it has been gone. As you can imagine, it is extremely oily (due to oil leak) and grimy around the opening. Will there be any damage caused if (?) muck/oil has got in and if so, what can I do about it. Thanks

David

 

[Arv]

Hi David:

I was missing the cover also, but I never got any oil inside on the
TC even though I have an engine oil leak, which collects on the bottom
plastic cover and the oil gets splashed back as I drive. I bought the cover
and put it back on. I think there should not be any damage to the TC
since it should be all sealed even though there is oil on the disc you
see from the window. The drain plug on TC is on the opposite side
and it can be pain to get to since you have to line it up with the
window when you do a tranny oil change by cranking/stopping
the engine till you see the drain plug from the window.

If you are not having any problem with the tranny, I would just clean
up as much as I can and put the cover on.

Cheers,
Arv.

 

[David124T]

Thanks Arv. I will need to do a gearbox fluid change when I fit the new hose. I have done this before on my E220. If it is done outdoors, don't pick a windy day!

David

 

[type49]

Get a cover. If a stone gets in there, it could ruin you ringgear. It will only cost a few pence.

 

[Arv]

David:

If you change the automatic tranny oil, when you put the oil pan back on,
remember that the oil pan gasket seals by the partial vaccume
created when you start the engine and the torque converter sucks
in the oil. So when you tighten the bolts of the oil pan, tighten them very
lightly, put about 4-5 liters of oil and then start the engine. Look under
the car to make sure it is not leaking and then put in the rest to
the required level. If you tighten the bolts too much, you will damage
the pan and the seal and you will have to buy new pan and gasket.

And, put that cap on as well.

Thanks,
Arv.