Differential vent pushing out fluid
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4wd Low
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 14
Likes: 6
Differential vent pushing out fluid
So I took the '54 to a car show yesterday. First time getting it up to interstate speeds (65-70mph). Drove fine. But when I got there, I found differential fluid pooled up on top of the gas tank and dripping down. Quite a bit of it. The vent on the differential has a tube that is routed on top of the tank. It's a 9" rear, and like I said, first time really driving it much faster than 50. I had filled it (level with the bottom of the drain plug) a few months ago with no issues until now. On the positive side, not much better place to have a mechanical issue than at a car show LOL. Lots of help and advice. Consensus was don't take it back on the interstate and drive back at a lower speed. It drove OK on the way home. I waited an hour or so to try to take the plug out, but it was still a warm and I couldn't get the plug out. I'll try again today now that everything is cold.
But my question is, what do you think could cause it to push fluid out the vent?
But my question is, what do you think could cause it to push fluid out the vent?
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
Any chance you have mixed two types of gear oil, or have water contamination, causing foaming? What is the color of the puked out oil?
If it was still hot an hour after parking, it may be getting too hot. Heat expansion could be the culprit. Have you installed new gears? Any chance they're too tight?
If it was still hot an hour after parking, it may be getting too hot. Heat expansion could be the culprit. Have you installed new gears? Any chance they're too tight?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,074
Likes: 101
From: Marana, Arizona
It's been a while since I've been into the 9 inch Ford axle so I don't remember for sure if it has a baffle or deflector that keeps direct oil flow off the vent port. My non Ford drop out style axle has one and why it came to mind. Higher speeds will definitely sling more oil than low speeds. Higher speeds will generate more heat and the oil will expand accordingly.
Sounds like the oil level is at the bottom of the fill plug as it should be. Changing pinion angle affects that especially like on my lifted 4x4 but I wouldn't think a slight change would be enough to be a problem.
If you don't find anything obvious maybe make sure the oil isn't slinging directly at your vent. Good luck with it. I hope it's a simple and inexpensive fix.
Sounds like the oil level is at the bottom of the fill plug as it should be. Changing pinion angle affects that especially like on my lifted 4x4 but I wouldn't think a slight change would be enough to be a problem.
If you don't find anything obvious maybe make sure the oil isn't slinging directly at your vent. Good luck with it. I hope it's a simple and inexpensive fix.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jun 2023
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Likes: 6
It's possible there were two types of fluid because I don't know what was in there. The fluid was gray and smelled like rear differential fluid (no burned smell or anything like that). I haven't made any changes to the gears.
I'm going to take it over to the mechanic this week and get it on a lift so we can get to it better. I've already head-butted the axle under there once - the axle won LOL.
I'm going to take it over to the mechanic this week and get it on a lift so we can get to it better. I've already head-butted the axle under there once - the axle won LOL.
Any chance you have mixed two types of gear oil, or have water contamination, causing foaming? What is the color of the puked out oil?
If it was still hot an hour after parking, it may be getting too hot. Heat expansion could be the culprit. Have you installed new gears? Any chance they're too tight?
If it was still hot an hour after parking, it may be getting too hot. Heat expansion could be the culprit. Have you installed new gears? Any chance they're too tight?
5th Wheeling
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 28
Likes: 12
I have seen some problems over the years with some diff's pushing fluid up and making a mess. Fluid changes didn't make a difference.The fix I have is to install an inline fuel filter, one of the metal ones, on the high side of the hose. It will collect any gear oil and let it run back down after sitting for a while.
Joe
Joe
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4wd Low
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 14
Likes: 6
Joe,
Thanks for the great suggestion - I'm going to try to add a fuel filter to the line as you mentioned. I was at a car show last weekend, and a couple of friends out there suggested something similar - so I think you're on to something. Thanks!
Thanks for the great suggestion - I'm going to try to add a fuel filter to the line as you mentioned. I was at a car show last weekend, and a couple of friends out there suggested something similar - so I think you're on to something. Thanks!
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apkmurphy
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