I have a 91 Honda Accord EX with about 210,000 miles on it.

The car was due for its regular fluid change, which has been done since the car was new. So I proceeded to change the fluid.

Just yesterday, maybe 2 or 3 days after changing the fluid, I decide to check the dipstick as a precautionary measure just to be sure all is well. I do that and notice that it seems to be a little lower than it was when I changed the fluid.

After I little investigation, it appears that I have a small leak coming from the area around the bottom of the radiator. After doing some research, my best guess would be it's coming from the tranny fluid cooling hoses or hose.

What I don't understand is, how is it that I've never had a leak in this car until after I change the fluid? Only thing I touched was the drain bolt. Which got me thinking, is it possible that a drain bolt could be too tight and could lead to some pressure issues with the fluid, causing it to leak?

Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

The trans fluid pressure will not depend on the tightness of the drain bolt. I'll guess that the fluid pressure increased, because you have fresh fluid in the system.

You will have to fix/replace the leaking cooling lines, and you should be set. I'm not sure if they are just hoses or have an o-ring seal, because I only owned manual transmission vehicles.

 

Those lines harden w/ age and heat. Replace both lines.

It may have been leaking before but at a slow rate.

Occasionally, the fittings where ATF enters and leaves radiator can develop leaks. This is usually a corrosion driven problem.

good luck

 

I appreciate the response. Now I'm just hoping this things are easy to change without removing the entire bumper.

 

Please be sure to get hose that is rated for trans use....regular fuel line will not hold.

Never done this on a 4th gen, I have done this on a 3rd and 5th gen. Pretty sure all you will have to do is remove the splash shield.