leaking trans fluid
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leaking trans fluid
I just got my 85 on the road after putting a M50D in it and now have a neusence problem in need to get resolved. There is transmission fluid coming out of my speedometer cable and dripping on my boot! HA-HA . There must be a simple reason for this. I did not notice a crankcase vent on the trans when i had it out, so i suppose it vented through the shifter. I put a Hurst shifter on it so i wonder if thats the problem.
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From: Eatonville, WA
You may need new o-rings on the speedo cable adapter at the transmission. The oil leaks into the cable and the cable acts as an auger running the oil up to the speedo housing. This happens to Nissan 300ZX's too. Your problem sounds the same...
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Well I removed the fluid fill plug and no fluid came out, so if anything its low. There was also fluid on the trans and crossmember, so fluid is leaking out. I checked to see if the trans speedo adapter(speed sensor) from the new trans would bolt up to my speedo cable, but would not. So I called NPD, Bronco graveyard, atlas speedometer and Hurst, and came to the conclusion the transmission doesn't seem to be venting creating excess pressure causing it to leak.
So everyone knows the modifications I have performed so far,I have put freeze plugs in the shifter case, replaced the speedo cable with a replacement from LMC, reused the original speedo gear, put on a new/used tach cluster, greased the rear trans seals, cleaned out trans case with brake cleaner, scrubbed the trans case with Simple Green, filled with new ATF and put a new Hurst shifter on.
Were the old plastic plugs in the shifter case intended to be the vents or maybe he original sloppy shifter?
So everyone knows the modifications I have performed so far,I have put freeze plugs in the shifter case, replaced the speedo cable with a replacement from LMC, reused the original speedo gear, put on a new/used tach cluster, greased the rear trans seals, cleaned out trans case with brake cleaner, scrubbed the trans case with Simple Green, filled with new ATF and put a new Hurst shifter on.
Were the old plastic plugs in the shifter case intended to be the vents or maybe he original sloppy shifter?
Last edited by Terpfords; Jan 11, 2010 at 05:19 PM. Reason: additional questions
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Anyone have any thoughts on getting a vent on this style transmission. If the plastic plugs are a potential problem because of excess fluid loss then it should be higher on the transmission. I checked the shifter today and it is a contained unit with a rubber gasket between the shifter and shifter cover sealing the transmission. Maybe if I could get a vent of some sort high on the transmission so fluid will not be able to escape?
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Well I installed a vent in the top of the transmission to no avail. I put the speed sensor adapter in front of the speedometer cable like was originally on the 88 I took it off of and the leak stopped. Seems the M50D needs that or the tail shaft acts as a pump if the speed sensor is not in place.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Atlantic Canada
The trans has all new seals, and the metal plugs in the top cover. It doesn't leak a drop otherwise.
I was sure it was a venting problem, but I see above in this thread that a vent did not fix the problem.
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Can anybody direct me to a part number or picture of this speed sensor adapter?
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From: St Albert, Alberta
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From: Atlantic Canada
Thanks for pointing that out. The transmission end of my cable is definitely different, so maybe I'll need a cable as well. I must go read some more on this.
I was looking at the speedo cable page below, but I don't think the pictures are all accurate...
https://shop.broncograveyard.com/Spe.../products/843/
I'll also have to measure mine. I see some of them are almost 8ft long, and I'm pretty sure mine is not.
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Matthew,
Thanks for pointing that out. The transmission end of my cable is definitely different, so maybe I'll need a cable as well. I must go read some more on this.
I was looking at the speedo cable page below, but I don't think the pictures are all accurate...
https://shop.broncograveyard.com/Spe.../products/843/
I'll also have to measure mine. I see some of them are almost 8ft long, and I'm pretty sure mine is not.
Thanks for pointing that out. The transmission end of my cable is definitely different, so maybe I'll need a cable as well. I must go read some more on this.
I was looking at the speedo cable page below, but I don't think the pictures are all accurate...
https://shop.broncograveyard.com/Spe.../products/843/
I'll also have to measure mine. I see some of them are almost 8ft long, and I'm pretty sure mine is not.
I believe this is the guy you need .
https://shop.broncograveyard.com/86-...uctinfo/31685/
This is a one piece cable I think the stock ones in your truck are 2 piece. This will make it a once piece cable as the later trucks used up until they quit using speedometer cables.
Do away with your 2 Piece cable and get a one piece one.
You will have to remove yours and measure it. I'm pretty sure you will have to pull the gauge cluster to get at the connector at the back.
Rock Auto has a good selection speedo cables They are under interior parts. Check different year trucks up in to the 90's to find what you need the lengths are listed. You want Cruise Control application cables.
Below are pics of the cable ends W/Cruise and W/O Cruise
The Cruise cable end just plugs in to the speed sensor. No tools needed. Same for removal it just pulls out.
With Out Cruise Control
With Cruise Control
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