weird transmission fluid leak...sometimes

[islandlp]

1999 powerstroke superduty ford srw flatbed

We pull a trailer with this truck and when its hot and pulling a good load, transmission fluid leaks from near the top of the bellhousing - the ford dealer told me that is "burping" fluid and that its no big deal just make sure i keep fluid in it. It only happens intermittently and only when its hot and we are pulling a heavy load. The transmission shifts good and show no performance issues. We changed the fluid and filter and everything looks fine - is there something I can do to stop this or is it "no big deal"? thanks!

 

[DaveBen]

islandlp. Smell the dip stick for burned fluid. If is smells normal, just keep an eye on it. I have never heard the burp theory. Sounds like typical Dealer BS. Maybe take it into a tranny shop.

Dave

 

[JLDickmon]

I thought about this for a second..
the burp theory makes sense if the unit is heating up the fluid sufficiently to make it escape (burp) from the vent..
in either case, I'm sure this will lead to transmission problems down the road (not that this trans needs any help in that category)...

let's advise you to install a transmission temp gauge and some kind of aftermarket cooler, either an add-on unit or maybe the 6.0 cooler, and go from there..

or call a transmission shop...

 

[KRISTOLSON]

I had a ranger that used to do that. It was the worst feeling ever the first time it happened! The vent dumps right onto the exhaust so all I saw was a huge cloud of white smoke in the rear view mirror. Thought I popped the engine. It never had any (other) tranny problems though As soon as it cooled down it was good to go.

Anyway, I am going with aftermarket cooler, final answer. Cheap and easy.

Or get a shift kit to keep that converter locked and avoid some heat buildup.

both are under 100 bucks

 

[clintusaf]

Happened to my Ranger too. My wife took it on a road trip and the problem worsened and it ran too low on fluid and was replaced with a reman $1300 later.