91 Explorer Tranny problem/question
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91 Explorer Tranny problem/question
Hi, I have a 91 Ford Explorer with 293k. About a month and a half ago I had a trans fluid change. It was shifting a little funny and it would not go into gear right away, sometimes there was a 10 second hesitation when cold. I had to take it about a 3-4 times to have the trans fluid topped up. There didn't appear to be any leaks. For the last 3 weeks it worked great, until yesterday when it was extremely hot and I drove about a hundred km. When I got back to the office there was a huge puddle of trans fluid under it and the bottom was soaked. I lost over a litre. Had it checked and the mechanic says it is the front pump seal. He claims it has nothing to do with the trans fluid change since they used a T-Tech machine and it would have likely went anyways, regardless of the fluid change.
My question is "if they incorrectly used the T-tech machine could that have put undue high pressure and blown this seal? I'm pretty sure they only could hook up one trans line. Normally they hook up two.
It sure seems suspicious that the leak started after the fluid change. If you need more info please contact me.
Thanks Dwight
My question is "if they incorrectly used the T-tech machine could that have put undue high pressure and blown this seal? I'm pretty sure they only could hook up one trans line. Normally they hook up two.
It sure seems suspicious that the leak started after the fluid change. If you need more info please contact me.
Thanks Dwight
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 566
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From: SC
I very much doubt it. Many, many people have changed their transmission fluid and soon after had problems that didn't exist before.
The reason supposedly is because trans fluid is much like 10 weight oil with a LOT of detergent additives. Like motor oil, the additives tend to decay and become ineffective over time. When you change it, the strong fresh dose of detergent additive tends to clean gunk that has built up over time. When it causes problems, it usually shows up as the trans slipping or not going into gear. I wouldn't think the front pump seal starting to leak purely from a fluid change is out of the question. A4LD's are known to have fairly "sensitive" front seals anyway.
The fluid changing problem is morte common than you might think. I know of one good local mechanic who will often refuse to change trans fluid if there's evidence that it is WAY overdue for a change. He's been working on cars for 40 years. You can believe he learned about this problem the hard way. "You changed my fluid last week and now the transmission doesn't work! It must be your fault somehow."
The reason supposedly is because trans fluid is much like 10 weight oil with a LOT of detergent additives. Like motor oil, the additives tend to decay and become ineffective over time. When you change it, the strong fresh dose of detergent additive tends to clean gunk that has built up over time. When it causes problems, it usually shows up as the trans slipping or not going into gear. I wouldn't think the front pump seal starting to leak purely from a fluid change is out of the question. A4LD's are known to have fairly "sensitive" front seals anyway.
The fluid changing problem is morte common than you might think. I know of one good local mechanic who will often refuse to change trans fluid if there's evidence that it is WAY overdue for a change. He's been working on cars for 40 years. You can believe he learned about this problem the hard way. "You changed my fluid last week and now the transmission doesn't work! It must be your fault somehow."
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Kenabeek, Ontario
I have heard it possible that new filter could be the correct part number, but the pick-up on the bottom of the filter may be an incorrect length, and either starves the transmission for oil, working the pump for oil, or picks up to much sediment from the pan. Can't say this is your problem, but a certified ford mechanic told me that this is more common than people realize. hard to detect, and no-one will admit to it.
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sure it can happen
I had the same thing happen on my rebuilt a4ld on my '92 after a fluid flush.
Started leaking from the front seal anytime it got hot and was in reverse.
This was a year ago.
Rick
Started leaking from the front seal anytime it got hot and was in reverse.
This was a year ago.
Rick
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 530
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From: Harrisonburg, VA
I had a 91 explorer 4x4 w/ 125,000 miles and took it off road (nothing serious I could've had it in 2wd) anyways, the transmission got hot and pumped most of the fluid out if not all of it and would not move. Had it towed home and my neighbor thats a ford mechanic filled it up with fluid and drove it around and got under it and you could see it dripping from the front pump seal. Didn't have the money to fix it so I kept an eye on the fluid and kept driving it, finally got the fluid changed and the shop was supposed to change the pump seal also but they didn't do it and said the pan was leaking and thats where the problem was. It was better but the pump seal still leaked though. I would never have another 91-94 explorer all the ones I've seen around here that has miles on them regardless of auto/manual has either had transmission work done or is needing it. I sold it to my brother so I could buy an f150 and now the problems it had have gotten worse.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Central WI
My 91 did the same thing got hot and leaked from the front seal. No leak when cool, so I put a big tranny cooler in-line with the stock one and no more problems. The engine even runs cooler since the tranny fluid is cooler.
Quig
Quig
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 530
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From: Harrisonburg, VA
Thats some good ideas, I'm gonna recommend that to my brother, he's taking it in the shop tommorrow to get the head gasket, varius leaks, and when you come to a stop and go to take off again it cuts off, all looked at. I have no idea what the last problem is.
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Thanks to all for the great info and comments. I think I found the problem. I was told by a trans mechanic that the 91 Explorer transmission has a couple problems 1) the front pump seal can turn a little so that means it might be loose. 2) is the front pump oil return hole is too small ( bad design). So when the trans gets hot the oil can not return properly/quick enough and pressure can build up causing a severe fluid leak loss from the loose front pump seal. The leak be a result of problem 1) or 2) or both.
I am having the front pump seal replaced and the oil return hole enlarged. After that it is going on the block. Any one interested in a good used Explorer?
I am having the front pump seal replaced and the oil return hole enlarged. After that it is going on the block. Any one interested in a good used Explorer?
