I hate to ask in fear of I know the answer already. I have a 2000 7.3 with the stock tranny and 129k, never towed until I purchased it in May. My girlfriend was learning how to backup and after about 25+ minutes of fwd, reverse and retrying multiple times I noticed an oil drip and moderately constant drip of tranny fluid out of what looks like a drain - there is a beveled cover with a little hole in it that is machined in and looks like it would normally be for overflow.

My question is this - does this mean the transmission is shot? OR just the oil heated up and I should then immediately change the oil (I have printed instructions on how to [from fte] but I am just nervous as hell) - was thinking that adding fresh oil will get me a little more life out of the tranny. IF the oil over heated - how long does it take to cool down - I need to move it as the trailer (4k trailer) is blocking my shop but too nervous to even turn the key. Thanks for the time and effort.

Jason

 

It's likely fine, slow maneuvering especially in reverse can allow ATF to push past the pump seal on the front of the transmission. Many times, after it cools down, it reseals and is fine for most people.

 

Yep what Alan said. The seal got warm and flexible, then she puked!

 

Thanks fellas - always makes me feel better when experienced folks provide input. Will go out and move it now and then try and do transmission fluid change tomorrow (I have been trying to get this done, just too scared, lol...) But if I get in trouble will certainly be posting.

 

I puked all the tranny fluid out of a V-10 once pulling my blown up truck back from the The Dalles Or... Filled it back up and as far as I know that truck is still on the road.

Front seal...

Should be fine. Check the fluid level (when warm) and go from there.

 

What havent you broke in an unusual way haha

 

I took a picture of the oil and it looks horrible. I remember someone telling me that if it is brown it is burnt? Does this look as bad as I think, I have good clean oil on the right.

 

Yep, time to change it. Smell it too.

 

Wow, yeah that got pretty burned.

 

One more question.


How did your wife feel about you pooring transmission fluid in her storage containers

 

Reverse has a higher line pressure, so between that, and the heat, the seal leaks.

Like they said, time for a flush, which you can find the instructions for here Changing ATF Fluid in a E4OD and 4R100 transmission .: Articles Mark is a former Ford trans guy and knows his stuff. Very easy to do with two people.

 

Next time you do extended backing up, pull the plug/connection on the front vacuum solenoid that operates the front hubs. Put the transfer case in 4x4low and the front hubs will not lock. This will help the trans stay cooler.

 

I did not know this. Good info Rick, thanks.

 

I do this when I back my TT into my shop. Some times it takes a while to get it in the right place.

 

The vacuum solenoid is on the passenger side fender correct?