Transmission Overheated

[Jrzfly]

I have a 24' 4x4 Class C RV I run on the beach. The motor is a 93 Ford 460. The Tranny/motor got hot from running in 4 wheel High for to long in some soft sand. When I made it off the beach and stopped my tranni fluid dumped out. I let it cool down for an hour, started it up and no fluid was leaking or coming out under pressure. I put 3 gallons of fluid in and drove home with lots of traffic lights for 1 1/2 hrs with no problems. Transmission shifted smooth. I have researched and read this is a common problem with this motor. Should I have the seal looked at or is this something that resets itself or dumps fluid on purpose.

[Jrzfly]

Thanks for all the responses! This forum is always helpful.

[garyhaupt]

From my experience with my 94 460, and transmission overheating...it 'vented'. Probably you should have it flushed properly and new filters installed. Then have all your lines checked to see if anything is bent. That was my culprit. I'd vote for a temp gauge and either a larger cooler or a secondary. That's stuffs all cheap compared to having to replace the tranny.


Gary Haupt

[Jrzfly]

Luckily it dumped fluid on pavement.

[BurbMan]

No reason the trans should get hot just from running in the sand unless you didn't air down the tires to 15 psi.

In addition to a bigger cooler, you should also consider a trans temp gauge so you can keep an eye on temps from the cockpit and give it a rest before it overheats to the point of puking fluid.

Lucky the ranger didn't give you a summons for dumping hazardous materials on the beach LOL.

[j-d]

I really miss the "Good Old 460" but the fact is the V10 cooling system is far better.

I'd guess the torque converter couldn't lock, or stayed in slippage mode, and that's what overheated the fluid. Since fluid circulates throughout, the whole transmission got hot.

Does your fluid appear dark/smell burned? If so, you've got to drain it and replace. 1993 "may" still have a torque converter drain plug. If so, you can get a good replacement (high % of the fluid) by dropping the pan and draining the converter.

Upgrade the transmission cooler for sure.

[the_bear_II]

I borrowed a friend's F250 with the same motor and trans to tow my 38ft 5th wheel when my truck was out of commission. I ended up in stop and go traffic in 85 degree heat and after about a half hour I started to smell hot anti freeze and saw that the temp gauge was way too high. I pulled off into a parking lot and when I shut down the engine not only was the anti-freeze boiling out but there was transmission fluid boiling out. I let everything cool down and put in a couple of quarts of fluid in the tranny. Some anti freeze to get the levels up and headed down the road. The traffic had cleared. Everything was great, no more problems with overheating or boil over. MY friend has never had the problem since.

[DavidP]

Yes, sounds like the pump seal. I would fix it sooner than later. I would also suggest you install the biggest cooler you can fit and run a good synthetic fluid like Amsoil or Mobil 1 ATF. This will allow much cooler operation and potentially eliminate the chance of blowing this seal again.

[Jrzfly]

In front of the bell housing

[DavidP]

Where did the fluid dump from? Did it come from the vent? Aside from the vent there should be no where else fluid can leak or "dump" from except a gasket failure or pump seal. This sounds like the pump seal near the front of the bell housing failing. The only fix is replace seal if this is where the leak is from.