Transmission failure
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Transmission failure
2001, V10, 4R100, 4x4
I'm out of town (live in Fredericksburg, VA I'm in Gatlinburg, TN), and after a spell of very steep driving the transmission started leaking pretty bad from the bell housing (I'm not towing anything). I'm hearing front pump seal, maybe also the pump, maybe also the torque converter. Worst case being a junked transmission.
It was driving pretty good right up until the cloud of burned transmission fluid.
What are your thoughts? Anyone have this happen? Should I expect a new seal, or cringe because the shop is likely to call with bad news?
I'm out of town (live in Fredericksburg, VA I'm in Gatlinburg, TN), and after a spell of very steep driving the transmission started leaking pretty bad from the bell housing (I'm not towing anything). I'm hearing front pump seal, maybe also the pump, maybe also the torque converter. Worst case being a junked transmission.
It was driving pretty good right up until the cloud of burned transmission fluid.
What are your thoughts? Anyone have this happen? Should I expect a new seal, or cringe because the shop is likely to call with bad news?
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Media PA
The front seal on these 4R100s harden up over time and use, reducing their sealing ability. A good hard run can get the seal overheated and then it will leak fluid out the bottom of the bell housing. Many times after it cools back down the leaky seal will be fine and seal just fine again, but will most likely leak again when overheated again. There is a new and improved Viton seal that is more flexible and seals better, unfortunately the trans has to come out to swap this simple front seal out.
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From: Media PA
Good luck, I hope that yours takes up once cooled back down and gets you home without any more issues.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Northern California
Let it cool down, refill with mercon V and it will likely be just fine, Pump seals puke when they over heat.
If you havent already done so install a larger cooler, The f250 6.0 trans cooler is a easy bolt in swap with the only “mods” being some 3/8 to 1/2” hose adapters.
personally i like a mechanical trans temp gage but if you have some form of scan tool/ programer you can get trans temps off that as well.
If you havent already done so install a larger cooler, The f250 6.0 trans cooler is a easy bolt in swap with the only “mods” being some 3/8 to 1/2” hose adapters.
personally i like a mechanical trans temp gage but if you have some form of scan tool/ programer you can get trans temps off that as well.
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
I don't have a recommendation on which gauge. When you do get one, install the sender in the test port on the driver's side of the trans, towards the front of the trans. It is just above the pan. It has a black hex head plug in it from the factory. The thread is 1/8: NPT dryseal, which means DO NOT USE THREAD SEALANT! That can get into the trans and plug solenoids and stick valves.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 353
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From: Central VA
I had a similar experience about 4 years ago down on the OBX. The beach sand was deep and soft and I ended up with the same puking scenario. Long story short, let it cool, put in fluid, and it straightened out. When I got home at the end of the week I installed the 6.0 cooler. That was about 100k miles ago. Hopefully your situation will have a similar outcome.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,110
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From: Rock Hill, SC
My seal went after returning home with the boat that day. This was a few months after purchasing my X. My transmission was about 8 years old per the replacement receipt from the previous owner, and said to have a different seal material, which had a shorter lifespan. After mine cooled down it still leaked from cold start up the next day. I had it towed to a Ford dealer and had the transmission replaced, which was supposed to have a pump seal of better material, and expected longevity.
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Well y'all have saved me from spending $1500 this weekend. I'm going to install a trans cooler for 6.0 and a trans temp gauge. A friend recommended a BTS valve body. In your opinion is that worth it? I'm thinking maybe only consider that if I have to replace the front pump seal.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by FioreFire
Well y'all have saved me from spending $1500 this weekend. I'm going to install a trans cooler for 6.0 and a trans temp gauge. A friend recommended a BTS valve body. In your opinion is that worth it? I'm thinking maybe only consider that if I have to replace the front pump seal.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
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From: TN
BTS has not replied to 2 of my emails regarding transmission work. I know he's a good builder, but is that normal?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by thor363
BTS has not replied to 2 of my emails regarding transmission work. I know he's a good builder, but is that normal?
Good alternatives are the John Woods valve body and the Factory Tech Valve body. Factory Tech is now owned by Dieselsite. They're easy to get ahold of and you can't beat the customer service. I've run each of them in 3 customer vehicles and while I like the BTS best because of what Brian puts into it, I'd I had to buy today, I'd get the Factory Tech/Dieselsite.