External Transmission Filter Housing Leaking? - Diesel Forum

novimustang · 10-13-2009, 05:53 PM

This might seem like a stupid post but I replaced my entire external transmission filter housing not long ago, and I was under the truck changing the oil today and I noticed it (the ext. trans filter housing) was leaking. Not terribly, but pretty significantly. I added about 1.5qts of fluid and it still wasn't full (that's all the SP I had lying around) so I decided to take the cup off and take a look at everything. The filter was in straight and everything looked fine so I put it back on and this time I used a Snap-On 1/2" cordless impact to get it pretty darn tight. I started the truck and laid underneath it and watched the cup and slowly but surely it's still seeping every so slightly.

From what I can tell, the cup appears to be a bevel fit like AN fittings but did Ford leave out some kind of gasket or o-ring? Low tranny fluid isn't good for any tranny but especially not one towing 15,000lbs! I mean I can't get it much tighter without getting ridiculous, and that was my problem in the first place - the old one was on so tight I couldn't get it off (which I STILL can't even on a bench vise).

Anyway any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

69cj · 10-13-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novimustang

This might seem like a stupid post but I replaced my entire external transmission filter housing not long ago, and I was under the truck changing the oil today and I noticed it (the ext. trans filter housing) was leaking. Not terribly, but pretty significantly. I added about 1.5qts of fluid and it still wasn't full (that's all the SP I had lying around) so I decided to take the cup off and take a look at everything. The filter was in straight and everything looked fine so I put it back on and this time I used a Snap-On 1/2" cordless impact to get it pretty darn tight. I started the truck and laid underneath it and watched the cup and slowly but surely it's still seeping every so slightly.

From what I can tell, the cup appears to be a bevel fit like AN fittings but did Ford leave out some kind of gasket or o-ring? Low tranny fluid isn't good for any tranny but especially not one towing 15,000lbs! I mean I can't get it much tighter without getting ridiculous, and that was my problem in the first place - the old one was on so tight I couldn't get it off (which I STILL can't even on a bench vise).

Anyway any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

There should be an O ring and you should not have to torque the hell out of the housing. The O ring does the sealing not the threads.

novimustang · 10-14-2009, 12:43 AM

That's so weird, cause like I said I bought a complete unit from Ford that came with everything, the housing, cup, filter, everything all assembled together. So apparently that o-ring is separate and doesn't even come in the new "complete assembly" kit? That makes no sense but whatever, I guess I'll call the dealer tomorrow and see if they can find it, cause I sure need it.

Thanks brother

pkzochow · 10-14-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novimustang

That's so weird, cause like I said I bought a complete unit from Ford that came with everything, the housing, cup, filter, everything all assembled together. So apparently that o-ring is separate and doesn't even come in the new "complete assembly" kit? That makes no sense but whatever, I guess I'll call the dealer tomorrow and see if they can find it, cause I sure need it.

Thanks brother

The O Ring should be there, if not it was missed in production. I used to work for the company that made the filters. There were a lot of issues with the threads on those so don't tighten it down to much or you will wreck the threads and have to buy another new one.

novimustang · 10-14-2009, 03:42 PM

Thanks guys, yeah I called my Ford dealer and they were cool about it, offering to warranty out the entire assembly but I ended up just paying $5 for an o-ring cause I don't want to wait for them to order another kit.

Sucks though that my "complete assembly" wasn't so complete.

dwelch1 · 10-14-2009, 05:22 PM

would you happen to have the part # for the o-ring?? I am going to change my fluid soon and was wondering if I should replace the o-ring also??

johnmart · 10-14-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwelch1

would you happen to have the part # for the o-ring?? I am going to change my fluid soon and was wondering if I should replace the o-ring also??

Every filter I have bought had a new o-ring with it.

dwelch1 · 10-14-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnmart

Every filter I have bought had a new o-ring with it.

Not in the MC FT-145 box that I have? I bought two filters new in box, neither had o-rings with them??

69cj · 10-14-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnmart

Every filter I have bought had a new o-ring with it.

The Motorcraft FT-145 filter does not come with a new O ring. They are re-useable if you don't dammage them. Mine is on the 3rd change and no problems. Some A/M filters come with new O rings. New O ring at dealer is approx. 5 bucks.

novimustang · 10-15-2009, 02:46 PM

The Ford part number for the o-ring seal is 3C3Z-7J126-AA, and cost me $5, though I think the dealer said they marked it down for me, given my situation.

BTW I did FINALLY get my old cup off (from the entire unit that I took off a while ago) by getting it in a bench vise and using brute force cybernetics and a BFH! Man, NO WAY would I have ever gotten that thing off on the truck. And the filter was pretty dark, so I'm glad I took the time to change the whole thing out, despite the minor hassle.