Hi all, I have an E-350 with auto trans and 460 engine. I need help with transmission.
I am away from home and hope to make it back where I have tools to do the major work.
I drove up a very steep hill and the trans fluid leaked at the steep part, but only when pointed uphill. I did it a 2nd time and it only leaked at the steep part (I was not aware of this the first time or I would not have done it again). Fluid was dripping out pretty good at the bell of trans. No leaks when in drive or R when engine running and level.
I added fluid and tried to back uphill to get van out of this place and it worked fine for a min, but now just rolls downhill.
My question is can I just add fluid and get home? Any ideas on what the leak is? Any ideas on how long I can drive it, or if it will leak too much?
When I get home (150 miles) I can do any repair needed, Im just trying to get home now.
Any help appreciated. I know we will be guessing a lot.
Van is a 1995 Ford Cube Van, formerly a Ryder moving van. E-350 with the 460 engine, and 3 speed OD trans. I don't know any more detail on the trans. It should be heavy duty given it was a moving van. Van is probably 10-12,000lbs.

 

It is usually the torque converter hub seal that leaks. They usually leak when the torque converter gets too hot, such as climbing a steep grade. Once the converter cools the seal usually works again. If it runs without leaking you should be fine driving it home.

There is an aftermarket seal made from Viton that is a direct replacement. It works MUCH better than the original seal. While the converter is out you need to inspect the bushing. It can walk out a little bit and block passages that must remain open. Also inspect the end of the converter where the seal rides. If it has any damage it will continue to leak.

Your transmission is an E4OD, which is a four speed overdrive transmission. Ford never made a three speed overdrive. In the 50's and 60's there were three speed manuals with add on overdrive units, but I'll be that isn't what you have.

 

Thanks, Mark. So, it sounds like possibly I could just keep adding fluid as needed to get me back. It is 170 miles home on interstate. I need to drive around town a little (10-20 miles a few times) as I am on vacation, but am ready to not drive at all until headed home… thoughts?
I'm leaving it parked until I can talk to my mechanic too.
When I did drive it after the incident it shifted and drove, so is that good news?
aj

 

I'm almost certain you didn't harm the trans. You should be able to drive it home as long as you frequently check the fluid level. It is possible that it won't even lean any longer.

 

Good to hear that it is probably just the torque conv seal. I drove home fine, and just added trans fluid when needed. No issues. It has been parked. I have not worked on it yet. Is this a doable job for the home mechanic that has never dropped a tranny?
Also, I am not clear on your use of the term overdrive. Mine seems to have 4 forward gears. Some call that a 3 speed with overdrive, with OD being the 4th gear. OD also being a really stupid way to describe 4th gear.
So, when you say this is a 4-speed OD, do you mean it has 4 forward gears, or a 5? I only count 4 when driving (1-2-3-4), 3 shifts.
Is this the correct seal?
A4LD 4R44E transmission pump seal A4LD 4R44E transmission
or
http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/...-000026401.htm

 

It has four gear ratios. The highest ratio is 0.71:1, which is an overdrive ratio.

No, those are not the right seals. They are for an A4LD trans, yours is an E4OD.

 

Thanks, The 2nd link is the Viton part 4R100 E4OD transmission seal E4OD 4R100 transmission pump seal
it is listed as for E4OD 4R100
If not right, then what do I look for other than E4OD? - thanks

 

Replaced seal with the Vitton seal. Over 6,000 miles towing heavy so far and no issues.