Tranny in a Can vs. Radiator Stop Leak

Lariat · 08-31-2008, 08:25 AM

It seems there is alot of negative feedback from previous posts about Stop Leak additives for radiators. How does anybody feel about the additives you put in your transmission for leaks and slipping, etc?

junior3382 · 08-31-2008, 10:00 AM

I am not sure what else you have read, I never looked into it myself, however, I can understand it. I have used stop leak myself for a radiator once and it worked wonders for me. I would not expect it to be a permenant fix, but it got me through. However, for a tranny.... I guess it would depend on where it was leaking. If an automatic is leaking around the filter, the replacement filter kit comes with a new gasket and is usually not that expensive. Seems like a waste to add an additive like that. And for something like that with moving parts and severe reliability needs, I wouldn't use it personally. If the tranny is leaking somewhere else, like a crak in the houseing or something, I would not trust it either. You do not want the tranny to lock up on you while you are driving. The radiator stop leak could get you through and help keep the engine cool until you can get a new one.... if the tranny is leaking, especially if it is bad, I would not trust the product myself.

Lariat · 08-31-2008, 10:02 AM

How about for transmission slipping?

junior3382 · 08-31-2008, 10:04 AM

using a higher grade, or stronger synthetic for tranny oil might help slipping. There is an additive I have heard of that would also help, but if the tranny is slipping bad, then it may not help. If this is a manual it would be an easy fix for odds are it is the clutch, but for an automatic..... it may be time for a rebuild. Is this an actual issue, or just curious questions?

Lariat · 08-31-2008, 10:12 AM

It is an issue. But i am waiting for my scan tool to arrive on Tuesday to verify possibly other things. Could a vehicles computer cause the transmiision to fail (not go into the next gear, gauge says 100 mph but going 30 mph)? I feel I have to rule everything out.

junior3382 · 08-31-2008, 10:24 AM

yes... if the tranny is electronically controled then yeah, the ECU could affect the performance. If your tac and speedometer is not reading accurate then no the tranny would not perform accurate... and I would not even drive it until you repair it either...IMO

thomasnchy · 09-12-2008, 10:48 PM

There is no mechanic-in-a-can.
A slipping transmission or a leaky radiator can't be "fixed" by pouring a liquid in. It can be prolonged, or get ya home but thats about it.
An electronic controlled transmission really is as simple as any other tranny. There are some that have solenoids to switch pressure to different clutch packs that may "hang up" or get stuck, other than that, if its slipping then you need a rebuild.
If your tach and speedo are going hay-wire the I'd blame something electronic.... depending on what you have.
Line pressure and TPS are really the only thing that a transmision (electronic or not) need.

PAPA BEAR · 09-13-2008, 05:38 AM

i agree with thomasnchy But if you try fix in a can stay with a name brand such as lucas i have seen the no name brands swell seals as much as four times the original size

08-31-2008, 08:25 AM	#1
Lariat Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 85	Tranny in a Can vs. Radiator Stop Leak It seems there is alot of negative feedback from previous posts about Stop Leak additives for radiators. How does anybody feel about the additives you put in your transmission for leaks and slipping, etc?

08-31-2008, 10:00 AM	#2
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Posts: 3,170	I am not sure what else you have read, I never looked into it myself, however, I can understand it. I have used stop leak myself for a radiator once and it worked wonders for me. I would not expect it to be a permenant fix, but it got me through. However, for a tranny.... I guess it would depend on where it was leaking. If an automatic is leaking around the filter, the replacement filter kit comes with a new gasket and is usually not that expensive. Seems like a waste to add an additive like that. And for something like that with moving parts and severe reliability needs, I wouldn't use it personally. If the tranny is leaking somewhere else, like a crak in the houseing or something, I would not trust it either. You do not want the tranny to lock up on you while you are driving. The radiator stop leak could get you through and help keep the engine cool until you can get a new one.... if the tranny is leaking, especially if it is bad, I would not trust the product myself. __________________ *The Blazer is dead, so I pumped her with lead, laid her to bed, and bought a FORD instead!*

08-31-2008, 10:02 AM	#3
Lariat Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 85	How about for transmission slipping? __________________ Every second is a second chance. Live it up!

08-31-2008, 10:04 AM	#4
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Posts: 3,170	using a higher grade, or stronger synthetic for tranny oil might help slipping. There is an additive I have heard of that would also help, but if the tranny is slipping bad, then it may not help. If this is a manual it would be an easy fix for odds are it is the clutch, but for an automatic..... it may be time for a rebuild. Is this an actual issue, or just curious questions? __________________ *The Blazer is dead, so I pumped her with lead, laid her to bed, and bought a FORD instead!*

08-31-2008, 10:12 AM	#5
Lariat Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 85	It is an issue. But i am waiting for my scan tool to arrive on Tuesday to verify possibly other things. Could a vehicles computer cause the transmiision to fail (not go into the next gear, gauge says 100 mph but going 30 mph)? I feel I have to rule everything out. __________________ Every second is a second chance. Live it up!

08-31-2008, 10:24 AM	#6
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Posts: 3,170	yes... if the tranny is electronically controled then yeah, the ECU could affect the performance. If your tac and speedometer is not reading accurate then no the tranny would not perform accurate... and I would not even drive it until you repair it either...IMO __________________ *The Blazer is dead, so I pumped her with lead, laid her to bed, and bought a FORD instead!*

09-12-2008, 10:48 PM	#7
thomasnchy Full Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 36	There is no mechanic-in-a-can. A slipping transmission or a leaky radiator can't be "fixed" by pouring a liquid in. It can be prolonged, or get ya home but thats about it. An electronic controlled transmission really is as simple as any other tranny. There are some that have solenoids to switch pressure to different clutch packs that may "hang up" or get stuck, other than that, if its slipping then you need a rebuild. If your tach and speedo are going hay-wire the I'd blame something electronic.... depending on what you have. Line pressure and TPS are really the only thing that a transmision (electronic or not) need.

09-13-2008, 05:38 AM	#8
PAPA BEAR Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: virginia Posts: 134	i agree with thomasnchy But if you try fix in a can stay with a name brand such as lucas i have seen the no name brands swell seals as much as four times the original size

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
radiator leak	stelmadl	Chevy Truck Forum	25	08-31-2008 10:39 AM
Radiator fan	dogsrme	GMC Truck Forum	4	08-16-2007 09:38 AM
oil in radiator???	s-dimeblaze-her	Chevy Truck Forum	9	09-16-2006 08:37 AM
radiator	fatboi	Chevy Truck Forum	7	09-15-2006 07:20 PM
Hazardous Leak At Truck Stop Forces Evacuation (WRAL-TV 5 Raleigh)	trucknews	Truck News (headlines)	0	04-01-2005 08:30 AM