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A Few Random Problems

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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 10:41 PM
  #1  
Becca_78's Avatar
Becca_78
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From: North Carolina
Exclamation A Few Random Problems

Hey guys! My truck is experiencing a few problems and I’m just wondering if they are related in any way. The truck was driven earlier today with no problems. First off, I was not driving the truck, my dad was, so if the descriptions are a little vague, I’m sorry. It’s a 1991 with a 2.3L engine.
From what I understand:
1. There was transmission fluid leaking out of the bottom in a steady stream; it was leaking out almost as fast as it was being added.
2. Some type of fluid was spraying out into the engine compartment. I think he said it was power steering fluid.
3. The engine was smoking. Also, an hour later, it was still too hot to touch.
4. There is no coolant in the overflow bottle. I filled it up 3 days ago. My dad said the needle didn’t indicate overheating, but the reservoir is clearly empty.
5. There was mention of the brakes not working right as well.
Everything happened at once, which I think is weird unless they are all related.
Someone please help!!!!
Thanks,
Rebecca
 
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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 11:12 PM
  #2  
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Old93junk
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From: McKenzie River
Wow,............First off do not let your dad drive it anymore!
1. Trans. leak as you describe may be the filler tube has come loose.
2. Go look where the fluid is coming from and describe it to us.
3. Related to no.4 in all likelihood.
4. Wait until it cools completely, open the radiator, check how much coolant is in it, Gages are notoriously inaccurate, it was most likely overheating.
5. Need more info, were the brakes "pulsing" or simply failing?
Gather more info and let us know, Pictures help! I would NOT drive the truck anymore until repairs are made.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2009 | 07:16 PM
  #3  
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Becca_78
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From: North Carolina
Thanks for the reply!

The radiator had coolant in it even though the overflow bottle was empty. I don't think it's leaking out because I don't smell any. The oil looks fine and smells like oil and there was no sign of it in the transmission fluid. I bought a new radiator cap today to see if that helps.

I think the major problem is the transmission. I need to pinpoint where the leak is coming from. The truck starts and idles fine, it just won't move since there is no fluid in it.

Hopefully, I can get it fixed this weekend.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2009 | 10:54 AM
  #4  
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96ironman
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So, what happened?
 
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Old Aug 13, 2009 | 04:58 PM
  #5  
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Wow...hard to believe so many unrelated problems could happen at once! I once had a car with a bad trans fluid leak which was spraying back on the exhaust system while on the road causing serious smoking...also, depending on where it was coming out and how fast, getting trans fluid on your brakes would definitely cause some problems in the braking department.

You did not mention if you had checked the power steering fluid level since the engine cooled down. If it is OK, there may not be a problem there, though it may be a good idea to check the power steering lines once the engine compartment is cleaned up enough to see a leak.

How many miles on your truck and any idea if there was ever any major engine or transmission work done?

Obviously the transmission leak is the main thing first off, though definitely make sure the brakes have not been coated in fluid (could even be the rear, if on the freeway while the trans was leaking...)

Good luck!
 
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