I have a 93 explorer automatic that I use as my driveway plow rig. One time Last year and tonight it has puked transmission oil from what looks like the bell housing area. Plowing is murder on it when we get larger storms so it does get pretty hot. Any ideas where it is coming from? Thanks.

 

Sounds like it could be the front pump seal.

 

Yeah, the front pump of shaft seal. Its not too big a deal to get it fixed, but if the trans fluid gets low, it can burn out your clutches, which is a big deal.

 

Put a cooler on it, also check that the fluid isn't coming from the dip-stick tube if it's getting hot enough it may just be over-flowing the tube and running down.

 

If it was the front pump shaft seal would it leak all the time or just When really hot? Would probably need to drop the transmission?

 

Usually leaks constant but it's not unheard of, older transmissions used to have venting on the top, but can't recall if newer ones still do? If it does this could be your problem as well. call and ask a dealer or transmission repair shop, they should be able to tell you if there's a vent. And yes to the transmission drop for seal replacement.

 

It only seems to leak after getting really hot, at least I haven't noticed it leaking When cold.

 

That's pretty typical. My old 93 would do the same thing when it overheated. As soon as the transmission cooled back down, the seal would "heal" itself and go back to working properly.

Bottom line, you're overworking the transmission and cooking the fluid causing the pump shaft seal to relieve the pressure. Installing the largest cooler you can stuff in there is the best thing you can do, short of not using it as a plow vehicle.

 

I'll have to see what I can find for a bigger cheap cooler.

 

i am not sure about the 93..but i was working on a 91 a4ld today..and there is what looks to be a vent tube near the bell housing..it could be where yours is puking fluid. the older transmission's would do it when hot from what i think was clutch piston seals getting bad and leaky..then quit when cooled off...but i am just a old mechanic and no a4ld expert for sure

 

Do you have to pull the transmission out to see it?

Does anyone know which side of the radiator is the in side for the hot fluid?