[rprice]

I just got back from a short 5 hr. trip with the 5th wheel. I have a 2000 F-250, 7.3. I have full guages and watch them very closely. When backing in the drive this evening, I noticed a very small trail of fluid on the driveway. When I looked under the transmission area, I saw a dinner plate size spot of fluid on the drive as well. I only pulled up a couple of times to get the 5er straight and the temp. didn't get over 200*. Is something wrong now, or did it overheat for a sec and dump some fluid? Thanks, in advance, for any light you might shine my way.

 

[Richter69]

All that positioning heated up the fluid in the converter, when the crap factory seal gets excessivly hot it relaxes and allows the fluid to puke out. Most likely when it cools it will regain its seal and be ok. If not then its time to yank the converter and replace the seal with an aftermarket "black" seal.

 

[rprice]

Thank you much for giving your opinion on what might be the problem. I hope the first part of that is correct where it will/has regain its seal. Otherwise, is that something that would have to be done at the shop by pulling the tranny or is there another seal you might be talking about that is easy to get to by a do-it-your-selfer? Where would this fluid have been coming from if it "puked" it out?

 

[ponyboychris]

My last truck did that while pulling a 5'er on vacation in Wyoming last summer. Tranny fluid was streaming out of the front torque converter shield area underneath. Mine would not stop leaking after it cooled down. Had to tow it in and get the seal replaced at the local Ford shop. Seal was $12.00, labor was about $350. Luckily, I didn't fry the TC. Sorry for the potential bad news. Good luck.

 

[fordmastertech]

I don't know if your truck is a 4X4 but if it is use 4X4 low with the hubs unlocked or disconnect the ESOF solenoid wire harness on the passengers inner fender before putting it in low range. The low range will allow you to almost idle the engine when backing the trailer up hills. It and will put a lot less strain on the transmission and keep the fluid a lot cooler. I have a switch under the dash to disable the ESOF solenoid's vacuum to the hubs so I can get 4X2 low range.
FMT

 

[rprice]

Mine is 4 x 2. I did not notice any more fluid under the vehicle. Hopefully, the seal tightened back and stopped future leaks. If it happened once, it will probably happen again though. I will have to watch it closely. Again, I thank you all for your input and welcome any other ideas and suggestions. You guys are life-savers for me. I have fixed several potential problems due to the great advice on The Diesel stop.