Hello all, You probably remember me.. My 1991 Explorer XL 4wd was flooded/covered in at least 8ft of water for about 3hrs 9mnths ago.. I am just now getting it running.. I changed all the fluids. I didn't think that I had to drain transmission, I thought it was sealed... Anyway I tried to flush all of the strawberry milkshake fluid out. it took me about 24 qts and it still is pink... I also have a leak between the engine and trans.
The big question is:
1. Could running/driving with the water in the trans kill it..
2. Could the water have blown out the front seal ?
3. Could that be where all the fluid is coming from ?

The trans. still shifts good, until I lose too much fluid.
I have read some of the other threads about replacing the seal..
Can the seal be replaceed in a day ?
This transmission was just rebuilt right before the flood it only had about 1200 miles on it.. The seals where new..

I have the warranty on the trans.. I am sure they won't cover that..
I saw on some of the other threads they are charging $400 - $500 to change the Front seals...

Since the water you "steeped" your explorer in can contain any manner of contaminants, my first suggestion would be some form of overhaul. No telling what might be in the accumulator/band cylinders/clutch pistons. You might buy some time with a front seal and bushing, but this is a judgement call at best.

There is nothing on a vehicle that is truly "sealed". There is always the chance for some sort of "exchange" simply because physics is physics.

Any time you play submarine is a good time to change ALL the fluids (don't forget the brakes, OK?).

You can have the auto tranny power flushed and cleaned.

All axles, t case, and tranny have vent tubes, water can get in easier then you think.

Anyone have any idea if the water could have caused the seal to go bad ? I was thinking since the water is a lot heavier then the oil it would cause a higher pressure... which could blow the seal???

The water could wash dirt and grit into the bellhousing or the water, lacking lubricity, could destroy both the seal and bushing. Dirt is one of the biggest enemys of things mechanical...