They don't leak when there's no oil in them. All joking aside that
symptom sounds like mine when the gasket leaked and dumped the fluid.
Check the fluid as per the manual and smell the oil for a burned smell
and look at the color it should be more red than brown. If its burned
you might be in trouble but change the filter kit and the oil and try
again.
Tony 85 GL automatic "Westfailure"