Transfer case leak

[KWAWD]

I've just noticed I have what looks to be a leak from the transfer cases drain plug, (see pic). Its a viscous oil, mostly clear with a slight yellow tinge. Its not ATF or engine oil. In the pic theres a drop hanging from the plug.

I've no idea how long its been leaking, but the car was sitting for a month without being used and theres oil on the floor. Looks like about a table spoonful.
I cant see where else it could be coming from.

Question: what would happen if there was insufficient oil in the TC? I mean, can the TC or VCU lockup from stress? Would there be any signs of excessive wear or failure?

[Magna diver]

Insufficient oil will most certainly lead to transfer case internals being damaged. As to whether it will lock up is anyone's guess but it is a possibility. From memory the case only holds half a litre of oil so one needs to monitor the oil level & fix any leaks before potential damage occurs.

[KWAWD]

Insufficient oil will most certainly lead to transfer case internals being damaged. As to whether it will lock up is anyone's guess but it is a possibility. From memory the case only holds half a litre of oil so one needs to monitor the oil level & fix any leaks before potential damage occurs.

0.62 L, which is not much. I know that the patch on the ground has accumulated over a period of 4 weeks from an obviously slow drip. I dont know how long the drip has been going before that but for various reasons I'm going to assume 3 months.

The amount of oil I found looks like a little less than a 1/3rd of a coke can, so maybe nearly 100ml over 4 weeks. (I dont know how fast that stuff evaporates, hopefully extremely slowly). So over 3 months thats 3x100, would be 300ml, or 0.3L, or half the flipping oil. Thats also assuming that driving doesnt speed up the leak, otherwise it could be worse.

How can I know if the TC is damaged? What are the signs going to be?

Anyhow, I need to fill it, would someone recommend a product?
The manual states hypoid gear oil SAE GL-5 SAE 90.

I see Penrite have a "Pro Gear Oil Full Synthetic 75W-90 GL5/GL6/MT1" will that do?
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Pro...5-Litre/342314

[leadfoot6]

It needs to be oil suitable for use in Limited Slip Differentials.

This is suitable:

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Pro...l-1-Litre/1109

For confirmation see this thread, which details a rear diff and transfer case oil change for AWD Magnas(just like mine - and yours):

https://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/sh...t=89114&page=1

[KWAWD]

It needs to be oil suitable for use in Limited Slip Differentials.

This is suitable:

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Pro...l-1-Litre/1109
O
For confirmation see this thread, which details a rear diff and transfer case oil change for AWD Magnas(just like mine - and yours):

https://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/sh...t=89114&page=1

I remember that thread. I dont believe you need LSD oil in tne TC, (or the rear diff either) as the diff is a sealed VCU.
Just normal gear oil should be fine. I think theres another thread on this.

My challenge today is I dont want to drive the car and now have to find some appropriate oil and a mobile lube service...
I'm in Docklands and cant find much so far...

[zero]

I would definitely be adding the appropriate friction modifier to the rear diff..... from memory mine is a Nulon product.

EDIT.......... NO, MORE LIKELY WAS MITSU DIAQUEEN.

[fuel]

I don't quite see any leaking around the drainplug however I can see something on the end of the output shaft shield. I am not sure if it is the same deal with the later AWD Mitsubishis, but the earlier stuff including my E39A Galant VR-4 is prone to leaking transfer case fluid through the yolk of the driveshaft as there is a frost plug in there that leaks over time. Fluid then trickles out and accumulates around the tin shield then leaks out at the edge where you can see darker sand/dirt sticking to the edge of yours. Mitsubishi performed a recall on the early vehicles because the dry transfer case would lock up and cause the vehicle to suddenly lose control. The fix was to replace the yolk with a revised type with no frost plug.

[KWAWD]

I don't quite see any leaking around the drainplug however I can see something on the end of the output shaft shield. I am not sure if it is the same deal with the later AWD Mitsubishis, but the earlier stuff including my E39A Galant VR-4 is prone to leaking transfer case fluid through the yolk of the driveshaft as there is a frost plug in there that leaks over time. Fluid then trickles out and accumulates around the tin shield then leaks out at the edge where you can see darker sand/dirt sticking to the edge of yours. Mitsubishi performed a recall on the early vehicles because the dry transfer case would lock up and cause the vehicle to suddenly lose control. The fix was to replace the yolk with a revised type with no frost plug.

Wow, thats interesting info. I dk what that dark burnt looking oil is that we can see in my pic. I just assumed blow back from somewhere. I'll watch it. See my next post about my issue.

[KWAWD]

Well the drain plug was loose, could turn it with my fingers.

I've drained and filled the case, which was a real challenge as I have no facilities for this work. I'm in Docklands and would you believe there isnt much here in the way of auto shops. I''ve ended up buying Penrite Pro Gear Full Synthetic 75W-90 which is API GL-5 spec and SAE 90 compliant. Its for diffs, transaxles and gear boxes and has friction modifiers in it for LSD's, which I didnt want but there was nothing else.
If anyone thinks this oil is not good for the TC, please say so. I was more concerned about the low fluid level.

As to the level, I measured 450ml coming out with some still draining slowly out. I gave it about 5 minutes drainage. The stuff that came out was a nasty gray colour too.
This is much better than I hoped as I dont think any damage would have been done with 450ml in there, correct me if you disagree.

I've filled it until overflow, waited a few minutes and filled again until it seemed full, level with the inlet port. Approx 550 ml so i presume that amount plus whatever was left inside is 620ml. This should be ok until I can get it to Mal for a service, I hope.

I had to use a shifter to tighten the drain bolt as none of my handyman sockets fit, but made sure it is tight.

[edit - correcting numbers]