Transmission Leak - stream or nothing!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Transmission Leak - stream or nothing!
Have a 1997 F250 4WD truck which leaves a trail of transmission
fluid when stressed carrying a big load (horses & trailer) up a
pretty steep hill. Seems to be coming from a "pan?" right behind the
oil pan (from out of what appears to be a drainage hole). Has
only done it twice - both on warm days when the engine is hot.
This can't be normal can it?
fluid when stressed carrying a big load (horses & trailer) up a
pretty steep hill. Seems to be coming from a "pan?" right behind the
oil pan (from out of what appears to be a drainage hole). Has
only done it twice - both on warm days when the engine is hot.
This can't be normal can it?
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 798
Likes: 0
No, it isn't normal.
I think your seeing it coming out of the hole in the torque converter inspection plate. It kind of looks like a small pan between the engine oil pan, and the transmission pan. If so, then it is leaking from the transmission front seal. This leaks constantly when the seal is bad. But sometimes leaks when the transmission is getting too hot under load.
Since it isn't leaking constantly.......you probably need to take a look at a few things.
1. Take a look at the color of the fluid at the dip stick. Is it a nice red, or a burned brown? Does it smell burned? If so.....you definetly got it too hot, and will need to change the fluid and flush the trans. fluid cooling system. The fluid loses some of it's lubricating properties if it gets hot enough to change it's color. I'd be looking for a bigger fluid cooler to start with to keep the temperatures down. And either perform the torque converter lock-up mod; or find a multi-clutch HD torque converter that won't slip as much.....thus eliminating a big source of heat.
A search on the TC lock mod, and transmission coolers will give you some insight. Hope this helps
I think your seeing it coming out of the hole in the torque converter inspection plate. It kind of looks like a small pan between the engine oil pan, and the transmission pan. If so, then it is leaking from the transmission front seal. This leaks constantly when the seal is bad. But sometimes leaks when the transmission is getting too hot under load.
Since it isn't leaking constantly.......you probably need to take a look at a few things.
1. Take a look at the color of the fluid at the dip stick. Is it a nice red, or a burned brown? Does it smell burned? If so.....you definetly got it too hot, and will need to change the fluid and flush the trans. fluid cooling system. The fluid loses some of it's lubricating properties if it gets hot enough to change it's color. I'd be looking for a bigger fluid cooler to start with to keep the temperatures down. And either perform the torque converter lock-up mod; or find a multi-clutch HD torque converter that won't slip as much.....thus eliminating a big source of heat.
A search on the TC lock mod, and transmission coolers will give you some insight. Hope this helps
Last edited by touchofgrey; May 9, 2005 at 07:38 PM. Reason: correction
New User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I have the same truck exactly and just started having the same problem from the same place. My fluid is in good shape but thanks to those who replied as it takes a load off my mind that it isnt likely a bigger problem.
