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        General >> Problems >> Auto Fluid Loss
        
(Message started by: adam on Mar 28^th, 2008, 5:14pm)

Title: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by adam on Mar 28^th, 2008, 5:14pm

I changed the ATF and filter on my 2.3 about 6 months ago, we use it as a second car so it has only done about 4,000 miles since the change. Anyway, driving merrily along the motorway today noticed white smoke coming from the rear and a smell of oil. A nice clean smell, not a dirty oil burning smell. Slowed down and then noticed the O/D light flashing on and off. Pulled over and popped the bonnet to be met by a plume of white smoke coming from the back of the engine.
I left the car to cool for a while, as i was nearly home, it limped back home.
Threw it up on the ramps and noticed gear oil all over the G/box pan. Checked the bolts were all tight, no problems.
I suspect the ATF had leaked onto the exhaust, hence the smoke.
So, my problem is where is it leaking from?
Is there any common/usual place these Auto Boxes leak?
I can't see anything obvious!
I had a quick check of the cooler pipes and they seem intact as well.
Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by TiberiuS on Mar 28^th, 2008, 7:36pm

Now this is strange Adam, I once had exactly the same thing with mine. One (hot) day in August a couple of years back, just came off of the motorway. At the roundabout at the end of the sliproad it missed a gear and then started pouring plumes of white smoke from under the bonnet. Fearing a blown gasket or something worse I pulled over and let it cool for a while, lifted the bonnet...all coolant ok, no signs except for some oil on the manifold downpipes and the smell of ATF.

Maybe it came from one of the cooler pipes and splattered on the sump? As you mention the cooler pipes are a common problem.

Regards, Bruce.

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by solarpanel on Mar 28^th, 2008, 9:14pm

poss it could be front input shaft oil seal has let go

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by adam on Mar 28^th, 2008, 10:25pm

Thanks Bruce and solarpanel for your great advice.
It's still up on the ramps at the moment, so i've just had another look at it. After cleaning the excess ATF i'm still non the wiser of the origins of this one.
It's not showing itself on tick over , so will have to bang it on the rear stands and hopefully that should put the box under enough stress to show its weakness.
Solarpanel, have you changed the input seal before? Do i need to drop the G/box or can i do it in situ?
I noticed that even changing the cooler pipes is going to be fun! If it's the pipes i might look at repair instead of replace.
I can't even blame the wife for this one as i was driving it at the time. ::)
I'd still be interested to see if any else has had anything similar as Bruce and I.

Thanks

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by Stixy on Mar 28^th, 2008, 10:49pm

I have had it happen on several Fords its the Front input shaft/torque convertor seal .

But the seal leaking is the effect of the problem not the cause its caused by a sticking valve in the automaic transmision valve block bought on by high ATF temp

If you are lucky it wont leak again after its cooled down

Fit a bigger ATF oil cooler

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by adam on Mar 28^th, 2008, 11:17pm

Thanks Stixy, it's a good point you make and i agree with you. Fitting a bigger oil cooler would do the job, but we don't tow or put the box under unnecessary hardship, so i thought the standard cooler should be upto the job, or maybe not if the front seal has popped }{

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by Stixy on Mar 28^th, 2008, 11:25pm

I dont tow with mine :)

The standard oil cooler is ok for a new autobox with new bearings and low fricton but or an older auto i dont belive they are up to the job

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by adam on Mar 28^th, 2008, 11:52pm

What size cooler would you recommend fitting as a retrofit then stixy?
Thanks

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by Stixy on Mar 29^th, 2008, 9:34am

I buy and fit these from the States

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=320111366347

Even with the shipping its still cheaper than buying one here

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by adam on Mar 29^th, 2008, 10:35pm

After an unsuccessful mornining trying to locate the fluid loss, took the Scorp off the ramps and gave her a blast on the motorway for about 25 miles.
No problems at all? Topped up with 0.5 litre of dexron 3 and drove around town for half an hour as well.
Still no further leaks or problems. Thanks to Stixy i will be ordering a new larger cooler from the States to prevent any reoccurrence.
Thanks Stixy once again for your expert help. ;) Adam

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by TTPmaverick on Mar 30^th, 2008, 9:26pm

yep i had it on a older ford its was the gear fluid overheating and coming out of the dip stick and on to the exhaust manifold

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by pat on Apr 3^rd, 2008, 7:15pm

just check that your engine oil level hasn't gone UP. If it has, it's probably the throttle sensor diaphragm gone, in which case it can suck the fluid out the box up the vacuum pipe and deposit it in the engine.

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by Tompion on Apr 3^rd, 2008, 11:25pm

on 04/03/08 at 19:15:36, pat wrote:

I think only the 12v has one of those

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by pat on Apr 7^th, 2008, 7:33pm

Oops! :-[ I missed the 2.3 bit. I shall write out 100 times - Read posts thoroughly before offering wisdom(?).
Alternatively - Before operating mouth, engage brain. :-X
Thanks Tompion. Sorry Adam, you can stop looking for it now....

Title: Re: Auto Fluid Loss
Post by Tompion on Apr 7^th, 2008, 11:45pm

;D ;D