VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 38 master deluxe coup transmission oil change

I removed the top plug to check oil and thin odd looking fluid came out like it was over filled. It does leak some and appears to have some water in it. There is also evidence of 90 wt oil leaking too. I am going to change it and will catch what drains to inspect. When I refill, I will use 80/90 wt gear oil and book says 1.5 pint is capacity. Anyone have any suggestions. I did buy a pump to put new oil in as I noticed there is not room to pour from container. The car shifts good now and whines somewhat in low gear. A friend says that is because of strait cut gears.

Your friend is correct, 1st gear is noisey up through 1939. Yes, see how the old gear oil looks. Was the car ever in high-water?
I use 85W-140 in my cars. Helps to reduce clutch rattle when hot.

Thanks for reply. I don't think it was ever in high water. I do know it has been taken good care of. I bought it in Jan, 2016.

It has become apparent that radiator fluid is somehow leaking into the transmission. Does any one have any ideas how this is happening?
Thanks to anyone who might have an idea.

Radiator coolant just can not leak into the transmission.
Coolant can leak from the expansion plug on the back of the engine and drip out of the flywheel cover but it will not get into and mix with the transmission gear oil.
If the expansion plug is leaking it will be necessary to remove the transmission and bell housing to replace. Some what common for the plug to rust through after 75 years.

Thanks, I will see if I can inspect that with a mirror.

Did someone fill the gear box with the wrong fluid by error? The fill plug is the only way for any fluids to get in.

I had been noticing a liquid puddle beneath car after about 10 mile drive. When cleaning it up, noticed it was like watered down 90 wt oil. When opened top plug, it was over filled and had something like watered down 90 wt in it. I drained trans and oil was dark like been there awhile. Refilled with new 90 wt. Drove 20 or so miles and puddle showed up again. Also added about 18 ounces of antifreeze mixture to radiator due to it went somewhere. I will keep log of how much I add to radiator after ea drive. Crankcase oil smells and looks good. I believe Chevgene is probably right and I can't check with mirror since under bell housing. Thanks Chevgene and videoranger.

Does anyone know where I might see a picture of the rear of the 216 original engine that clearly shows the rear freeze plug or plugs? Can the plug or plugs be replaced without pulling the engine?

I emailed you a photo of the rear of the block on my 38. Yes it's a 216 - just painted the correct shade of green for my Pontiac...

Thanks for the response, Tim.