Hello, Hope this is the right place to ask...

I have a 2011 f-350 w/ the 6.2 gas and 6R140. The truck just crossed the 150,000-mile mark. Recently it started leaking fluid from the top of the transmission (vent/relief vale?) when the truck sat for a few hours and you start it up and put it in reverse. It will leak a decent amount of fluid, probably about 1 qt in a minute or two. The strange thing is, if I let it idle for a few minutes and put it in drive first, it won't leak. Also there the sound of the transmission/torque converter changes somewhat and sounds like its working harder, but this may or may not have been happening before the leak issue started. I did drop the pan to change out the filter hoping it would help but it didn't. Other than that I'm not having any problems

If anyone has any idea as to what may be causing this, i'd appreciate any input as i'm hoping to avoid a thousand dollar transmission shop bill.

Thanks

 

You'd be lucky to get outa there for a grand. More like 4-5K for an ATRA cert rebuild.
When you did the filter are you sure the old round seal came out with the old filter?
~8-9 Quarts If I remember, with just a pan drop,
Did you use Mercon LV?
Is it over full?
If the leak is coming out of the vent it's likely over full.

If all this checks out its time for a diagnostic check(s)
Line pressure checks. A pressure test is the best way to measure trans health. There is a procedure as well as a proper gauge that is needed.
Read the TCM pending and present codes?

Any history on this trans? Fluid & filter service intervals?

 

About 8 quarts for a pan drain and refill on the 6R140.

 

Thanks for your reply.
When I dropped the pan I did remove the o-ring for the filter and I did use Motorcraft Mercon LV and have it at the correct level. I don't have any history on the truck but I had it for three years without any issues. But since the manual states that the transmission should be serviced at 240,000km, there's a good chance that it hasn't been touched before.

The strange thing is if i start it and put it into reverse, it will leak like crazy. If i have it in reverse, let it sit for a few minutes and then start it again and put it in reverse, it wont leak a drop. Also sounds a lot different

Thanks again

 

It sounds like the torque converter is draining into the transmission when the engine is off. Is the fluid leaking out of the transmission vent? A torque converter will whine if it is low on fluid, it is supposed to remain full even with the engine off. Allowing the engine to idle before putting it in reverse may be allowing the oil pump to refill the converter. Most transmissions have a check valve in the valve body to keep the torque converter full. Just a guess, I have not seen a 6R140 do this yet.

 

Thanks for your reply. I am not 100% that it's coming out of the vent but haven't been able to confirm the exact location yet.

About the torque converter, shouldn't it also do the same in drive then, not only in reverse? If I start it up and drive away in drive it won't leak a drop.

Does someone know the cold fill level (with the engine not running) on the dipstick on a 6r140? If someone does I could confirm whether or not the TC is draining into the pan.

Thanks

 

Any updates yet?
Did you google this problem?

 

Yes, I googled it but not very successfully... Doesn't seem to be a very common issue.

What do you mean by updates?

 

Any updates to your problem is what I meant.
It's important to close the loop on these threads once you find the problem.
This way the next guy with the same problem can successfully use the search feature here.

Usually, if it's burping up fluid out of the vent its due to overheating or overfilling or both. This applies to most automatic transmissions.
I'd get it in to a reputable ATRA certified shop for a diagnostic look. The pressures and TCM(computer) need to be read.
It will only get worse and cost more if you let it go.

 

So I found a local guy who has a salvage 2016 f350 w/6.7. The truck only had 50,000km (30,000miles) before it was in an accident. He wants 5k Canadian for it. As far as I know, they still use the 6r140 in new trucks but is it the exact same thing in a 2011 gas vs a 2016 diesel? Does that seem like a better option than bringing the truck into a shop that's never heard of an issue like this and may just plug away at replacing components which aren't at fault for the issue??? Also, if I choose to go the salvage tranny route, does the tranny need to be programmed to the truck's computer or can they just be swapped?
Thanks again!

 

Before going to extremes I can save you some time & money, hopefully.
Basic troubleshooting starts the simple stuff working towards the complex. You are jumping right into the complex.

Have the trans examined by a certified ATRA (and good word of mouth) trans shop that deals with light to medium-duty trucks and is familiar with 6R140s. Don't rule out a Ford truck dealership with trained ATRA/FOMOCO trans guys. Yes, probably 100+/hour for diagnostics but hell $500 to solve it versus $5000 +time+frustration. Hell, you could have yours rebuilt like new for less or about the same money.

I change my ATF every 30-40K miles. Cheap insurance. Most people change engine oil religiously but neglect all other fluids. Transmissions are big hydraulic pumps with lots of heat and friction. Oil and filter changes every 30-60K miles will keep it alive much longer than one that's never serviced.

Have the line trans pressures checked and other standard diagnostics to find the root cause of your problem, Wouldnt you rather spend a couple of hours labor for some troubleshooting versus purchasing a wreck, swapping transmissions for 5K and wasting your time etc... when $300-400 bux might cure the problem.

Yes, all 16 250/350 and maybe the 450/550 use the 6R140. The gas and diesel have different shift points and likely have different programming parameters. I think they are the same internally. Your TCM might work fine. I don't know the exact TCM compatibilities between the 11 vs the 16 and if there is major difference between Gas vs Diesel. Call a large salvage yard and ask them for cross-reference info they should have that.

5K for a wrecked F350 with a good drivetrain is a good deal if the drivetrain wasnt affected by the impact. The engine alone is worth 5K.

 

Agreed 110%. I did my 6R140 at 31k miles as well as the transfer case. 6R140 filter change as well. I also used LubeGard's Platinum ATF additive as well. You maintain the additive package in the Mercon LV by dropping out 8 quarts and adding new in. The additive pack will never deplete by doing this.

 

Agreed 111%
I do the filter (Wix or Motorcraft) every other oil change.
Just pull the plug and add the 8-9 qts.
Simple to do with the pan plug. The pan gasket is reusable too at $35 a pop.

 

yep, I'm at 116%

I just wanted to change the original OEM filter with the break in material inside it. The factory gasket is reusable no doubt. Quality gasket. My OCD may prevent me from not changing it again at 60k when I drop the pan to check out the build up on the four high temp rare earth mags I placed on the bottom of the pan.

 

I'm having this EXACT issue on my '11 6.2

2019 for the start of the thread ain't THAT long ago....what was the outcome????

This problem is seemingly obscure but excellent tech for others if the fix is posted. I know *I* would sure love to know since I have the same problem!