Biohazard

So the trans was leaving two separate wet spots on the sheet of cardboard I was using to catch drips. Got under there last night with the drop light and here's what I found:

Every single one of the oil pan bolt heads had bright red fluid hanging from them. As if the pan gasket was seeping all the way around. I put a socket on 'em and they all easily moved about an 1/8 turn. I didn't turn them in too much past that because we know that's not how you do cork gaskets. Only time and a fresh sheet of cardboard will tell if that solves that.

Second drip source was much easier to sort out. I still haven't run a speedo cable so, with nothing screwed in there, the speedometer drive output seeped a bit.

After all that. I put all the wheels back on and lowered her back to the floor. With a complete and serviced brake system, I decided to fire up the engine, put her in gear, and see if the brakes would hold the car in place. The claims adjuster says they'll pay to rebuild the studs, the electrical, and the sheet rock at the back wall...just kidding. Car held its place despite what felt like an assload of torque during fast idle. Made me real happy to have those three systems all functioning at once (engine, trans, brakes). What felt even better was being behind the wheel while she was idling and manipulating the controls...especially, the throttle. For just a moment, it felt like I could roll her down the boulevard but the short piece of 6x6 I was perched on with no back support brought me quickly back to reality. All in all, it was a good night.