Transmission Fluid Pouring Out

[daniel_3312]

Hey guys cool site! I have this 1993 Ford Explorer Limited in which I love. Three months ago i had the transmission replaced and the mechanic did a terrible job i must add. Every Since you cant even drop all the way to 1st gear before the shifter like bottoms out and wont go any futher which I hated but lived with. But a week ago my wife drove to the store and when she pulled up you could see fluid pouring out. It leaked all the fluid out within an hour. And yesterday i filled it back up and soon as i started the engine it started gushing out again. it appears to be coming from maybe on top of the bell housing or in that general area. I checked the transmission cooler lines and they seem to be tight and not leaking at all. Any ideals what i may need to check out?


Thanks...


Daniel

 

[wood1]

Hey Daniel, welcome to the site. If the fluid is coming from inside the bell housing it's very likely that you have blown the torque converter seal. This would suggest that there was a problem with the bushing inside of the bell housing.

Was it a rebuild, used, or what? Any warranty?

 

[bruces]

Wow, what a coincidence. I'm having the exact same problem with my '91. It had a tranmission rebuild several years ago, but probably has < 5000 miles on it. Tranny shop estimates 1800-2200 to repair (says it's burnt). I was just going to post asking for suggestions on what to do with the Exploder - I don't think I want to put the money into another transmission rebuild. Was thinking of selling for parts, or maybe donating it. On the other hand, if I could find a used one for a reasonable price I might consider swapping it out.

Any recommendations? Anyone interested in buying a '91 Eddie Bauer for parts?

Cheers...Bruce

 

[bruces]

Sorry, wasn't trying to hijack the thread.

I would see if a local transmission shop will do a free inspection and estimate. Hopefully, if it is just the seal as suggested above, it won't need a rebuild.

...Bruce

 

[410Fortune]

the front pump seal on the A4LD automatic can be a nightmare if the rebuilder/installer does not follow a few simple steps.

In both cases I would have the transmission shop drop the transmission again and replace the seal properly. You should try searching this site for "front pump seal" and similar...you can read for days!!

Research is your friend when finding somebody to rebuild your Ford v6 automatic, they are not a simple transmission to rebuild properly, short cuts should not be taken, all updates should be performed, they should be very familiar with this family of automatics and able to back up their work with a good warranty and reputation.

 

[timbos91]

i had the same problem but i fixed that and did a 5spd swap its not that hard did it all on a saturday

 

[wood1]

T5 is nice but a good working auto is where it's at (IMO). If it is the front seal it's really a simple fix. Pull the trans, order a bell housing with a newly installed and machined bushing (exchange), install it using the proper pump alignment tools and Bob's your uncle.
Read this. It explains it in detail. The drain back hole in the pump should be enlarged to 5/16 to reduce pressure on the seal.

http://www.precision-technologies.com/_wsn/page2.html

I would be leary of any transmission shop that simply tells you that you need a new transmission and all you really need is a bushing.

Read Frankentranny and you will see what has to be done to the pump and bushing to make it sturdy.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146953

Glacier's rebuild thread is also required reading. Both are invaluable. Read them both and you will be able to speak A4LD with the best of them.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137972

E-mail Omega and Precision for a price on the bell housing with a new bushing w/seal.

ptechllp@bellsouth.net

info@omegamachine.com

 

[daniel_3312]

I had bought the transmission locally for 400 dollars used with a 30 day warranty. it always shifted good until the inicdent lol. Well thanks for all the help and either way it will drive again I'm just hoping its not so hard on the pocketbook.