1955 Buick Special Transmission Leak (slight)

[Skippy]

We had a slight leak around the seal and decided to add a container of LUCAS transmission seal. Dear Fellow Members,

It still leaks and I wondered if anyone had any solutions;

1. Would another container of LUCAS help or harm? Given the size of the DYNA FLOW transmission, perhaps one is not enough. Any thoughts?

2. How difficult is it to change the seal(s)and does anyone know who has them in stock?

Thanks for your help,

Skippy

[Dave@Moon]

The old Bombsight.com Buick web page used to have a page entitled (roughly) "How to keep your Dynaflow from leaking". When you clicked on it the screen gradually filled with red from the bottom and the words "You can't!" appeared. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I find that my car (1960 Turbine-Drive Dynaflow) leaks very little if I drive it at least once a month, a few drips at most in a month. It leaks like a sieve after a few months of sitting. (I've lost as much as a quart over the winter before I stopped fogging and storing the car and started running it several times.)

If your car sits unused a lot (especially for more than 3 months without coming up to temperature) you might try running it more often to keep the seals lubricated. It helps a great deal. Whatever you do, DO NOT add more transmission sealer unless the lable says it's OK. That stuff swells the rubber by permiating it, and if it swells/weakens it too much you'll definitely need to replace them.

Also you should post this question on the BCA Tech Forum if you need to go about installing new seals. There'll be a world of experience on that subject there.

Good luck! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Ron Green]

I too had a small leak in my 55 hydramatic and replaced the seal and used Lucas with no harm done. Leaking stopped however returned as Dave stated when sitting long periods of time. When you run your car for 3 or 4 hours and get everything up to temperature the seals and gaskets must swell somewhat and seal all.

The rear shaft seal is easy to replace and should be readily available. If you have a manual for the car it will walk you through the replacement.

[Bhigdog]

A 55 Dynaflow doesn't have rear seal, as such. A torque ball and rubber boot seals the rear of the trans and a torque tube seal keeps the trans fluid out of the rear. An improved torque ball kit is available for about $75 that does a much better sealing job but you must pull the rear end to install it. If the leak is slight it's more or less normal. Most folks just slip a piece of cardboard under the car in the garage.........Bob.

[RockabillyRider]

A 55 Dynaflow doesn't have rear seal, as such. A torque ball and rubber boot seals the rear of the trans and a torque tube seal keeps the trans fluid out of the rear. An improved torque ball kit is available for about $75 that does a much better sealing job but you must pull the rear end to install it. If the leak is slight it's more or less normal. Most folks just slip a piece of cardboard under the car in the garage.........Bob.

Been reading about this problem, because I have the same issue. My car is running great now (been 2 weeks in the shop), found this old post here and wanted to ask your opinions;

Dynaflow is leaking (very significantly) and was told it's the boot and seal where the drive-shaft meets the torque-ball. So, I looked this up on Ebay;

Buick Dynaflow 1953-60 Torque Ball STOP LEAK Seal Kit & Retainer FREE WORLD SHIP | eBay

And there is a rubber boot, too that I'll grab.

Do I require the entire kit? Or is it worth buying the rubber boot and rear seal only? I was under the impression that the Dynaflow doesn't have a rear seal, per se.

Todd

[MrEarl]

I would order and install the complete kit while you have it torn down. The rubber boot is not necessary if you use this new style vulcanized torque ball and in fact I don't think it will even fit over it. Please confirm this with the seller of the parts though.

Happy wrenchin

[RockabillyRider]

Mr. Earl, good sir!

I ordered my torque sealing kit (complete kit) on August 7th, along with a nice set of chrome mirrors (Need 'em here in Qwee-bec), and my neautral safety switch. All items were shipped "express" on the date of purchase, yet have been sitting at "customs" here ever since. I'm not happy about this, but, what can I do but wait?

Nevertheless, I've driven my Buick a couple of times, even with the leak (leaving little fluid trails everywhere I go!), so I wont be driving it anymore until I receive the parts.

I've gotten used to the drum/drums, so I doubt I'll be converting to front discs anytime soon. Though I will be having the master cylinder rebuilt, along with the pwer steering gear box.

My driveway is fooked... oil all over the place. My own fault.

My oil guage, when driving 30 mile per hr spikes to "H", yet when i let off the gas pedal, she goes back down to about halfway. Is that normal? Didn't think so.

Other than these little issues, I'm absolutely in love with this car.

I plan on putting some money into this (thus far, I've racked up a repair bill of just over 3 grand, and I have no regrets! She's back in the shop as soon as my parts arrive. And I'll post some updates for you's if ya like.

Todd