Hi all,
I have a 2005 F250 crew 4x4 with the 5.4 V8 and 3.73 rear. 66000 miles. Recently I have upgraded to a box trailer from my open car hauler. The new trailer fully loaded is about 6000lbs. When unhooking a couple weeks ago after coming home from the track I noticed fluid spots on the bumper and the front of the trailer. There was also the smell of burnt fluid, although I could not determine where it was coming from. I had the diff pinion seal replaced last year and the diff was refilled with new fluid and the proper Ford LSD additive. It does not appear that the diff is leaking. My other thought is somehow it is transmission oil. I did once before have transmission oil "overflow" when towing my car on I-81 in Virginia in the hills. Is is possible I am overheating the trans oil and need to go to a bigger trans cooler? If so, has anyone fitted an aftemarket cooler with the 5.4L V8? Is it possible to be blowing out trans oil if it gets too hot?
The truck seems to do fine with the trailer and towed it nicely. Trans shifts smooth. I am very unnerved by the fluid spatter and would like some opinions or to see if anyone else has experienced this.
Yes, I am considering a diesel upgrade but would rather keep this truck as I really like it (and it's paid for).

Thanks for any help.

Jeff

 

Have you checked the dipstick for your transmission? Does the fluid smell burnt? I can't remember if there is a blowoff type hose or not. I would crawl under the truck and seee if you can find a leak.

 

I have had tranny fluid blow out the filler tube before from being too hot but that was in my old '92 250 diesel..... and the remaining fluid really did smell burnt!

PS - you could really see that it blew out.... red oil everywhere in engine compartment.

 

My vote is for either an incorrect, over filled tranny that has now puked some excess fluid out the top of the trans or a seal in there somewhere that got hot enough to allow some fluid by.