While the transmission is out, this is definitely a good time to address the engine rear main seal leak.  Here’s the link to the rear seal article that Mark mentions.  http://www.eatonbalancing.com/blog/2008/09/10/neoprene-rear-seal-installation-for-the-y-and-others/

 

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Hello Marty.The aircooled ones are leftover 55 parts.My 56 Fairlane was built Nov 55 and has the same Fordo as yours.When they used up all the aircooled ones they switched to the watercooled ones.Same as the 2 tooth sector shaft steering boxes.The later 3 tooth sectors are better units.As far as the seal kit doesn't matter as long as  you order for the correct case size.If you do fix the transmission it would be a good time to do the rear main seal.If you go to Teds business website-Eatonbalancing.com he has a  great article on redoing the rear main seal.

  

Yes the car has factory power steering, but I am 100% sure the leak is not power steering fluid.  I had considered the torque converter as being part of the problem.

I have never pulled the oil pan on a y-block, with the transmission out, would that be a good time to replace the engine rear main seal?  It is also leaking a little, nothing like the trans leak.

Does it make any difference if the trans is air or water cooled.  Mine is air cooled, someone told me that meant it was an early 56, the VIN indicates it was made in Feb 56.

Thanks to all for the support, I have not been on this website in a long time, I will fix that so I can take better care of the old Fairlane.

Marty

Marty

Have you confirmed it is the trans?  Does the car have power steering?  I thought I had a trans leak, but it was a PS hose at the control valve that travelled just enough to look like it was from trans....just a thought of something to confirm before tearing into it.

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

Any of the vendors that sell 50s Ford parts will have them.Mac's Antique Auto Parts,Concours Auto Parts are a couple of them that I use.A little tip.Both of my cars had the same problem so I had ordered the seal and gasket kit and went to the trouble of putting them in and still had the same problem.I finally figured out that it's the torque convertor,not the transmission that does almost all the leaking.The same vendors sell the torque convertor seals.I put the T.Q, seals in both mine last week and now neither of them leaks a drop.So by all means seal the convertor as well as the transmission.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Tee-Bird.com has them.There are 2 different kits depending on wether you have a "small case" or medium "case" Fordomatic.Measure length fro front of case where it bolts to bellhousing to the end where the tailshaft bolts on or get the tag# off side of transmission.Gasket and seal kits are $40.00.Go to their website and look up under transmission parts.Great people to deal with.I just pulled out my Tee-bird catalogue.Most 55-56 Ford cars used the small case Fordomatic.Case length is 9 7/8 long.The medium case was more heavy duty ans was used in the T-Birds,Mercurys,Police cars and Ford station wagons.Case length is 10 7/32 long.You should verify yours in case someone has changed it at some point.And as Paul mentioned you should do the torque convertor while you have it apart.

  

My 56 club sedan, 292 Fordmatic, leaves a puddle of nice red transmission fluid on the garage floor.

I have neighbor who rebuilds and repairs automatic transmissions, he said he can fix it, but he does not have a source for seals for that transmission.

Does anyone have a list of individual seals or knows where I can get a seal kit?

Thanks in advance.

Marty

Marty