Transmission leaks when towing

[looper]

This is probably not the place for this post but I'm curious if anyone has experienced this. My tow vehicle is a 2002 Ford 250, 7.3 Powerstroke diesel. I'm towing a 7000 travel trailer. The problem is sometimes, not always, I blow transmission fluid while towing and it leaks out when I stop. The transmission is not overheating, if the gauge is working correctly. I have had the transmission serviced regularly and talked to several dealership service reps about this and they all say nothing appears to be wrong. The leak seemed to have stopped for a period of time and then it started back again today. I'm not positive but I think it has always done this in the hot summer months. I camp more in the cooler months so that may explain the intermittent problem. Any ideas what I'm dealing with before I head to ANOTHER transmission shop?

[DiskDoctr]

looper wrote:
This sounds exactly what's happening with mine. It's most obvious when backing into my driveway which is a slight uphill. It has only "blown" fluid once that I am aware of because there was fluid on the front of my TT. I use the recommended Mercon fluid and

Which Mercon are you using? Ford changed their recommendation to Mercon V a few years back.

When backing up a steep or hard push, many folks will put their transfer case into 4LO to give better control and not make the transmission complain. Downside is the steering limits in 4WD.

Some guys are working on an override switch to permit 2LO (4LO, but leave front hubs unlocked) for situations just like this.

Hope you found what you needed on the other forum. I tried to PM you, but you have it turned off.

[falconbrother]

My motorhome had a vent tube on the transmission and when pulling a long mountain pull it would spray some on my toad. The first time it freaked me out. After I learned what it was I ignored it. It was a GM turbo 400 bolted to a 454 V8.

[looper]

lenr wrote:
My son has a 2002 F-350 dually 7.3 diesel. His transmission only leaks when he backs the trailer up a hill after towing home on a hot day--I believe it is the rear seal. That is the famous Ford 4R100 transmission which is not famous for reliability, as opposed to the 7.3 engine. Other son lost his at 100,000 mi. First son decided that it was cheaper to fill the fluid occasionally than pay for a complete rebuild before it goes out completely--has been running this way for over 50,000 mi. Most Ford transmissions are not hurt by overfilling--they just blow it out the breather--still best to properly fill. As said above, need to find out where the fluid is coming out. Best advice would come from an independent, non-chain, transmission shop.

This sounds exactly what's happening with mine. It's most obvious when backing into my driveway which is a slight uphill. It has only "blown" fluid once that I am aware of because there was fluid on the front of my TT. I use the recommended Mercon fluid and I'm sure it's not overfilled. After these responses and about an hour over on the power stroke forum I think it's time to go to that independent trans shop and be prepared for what's to come. The 6.0 cooler may be a consideration at that time. Thanks to all.

[colliehauler]

A lot of people upgrade to the 6.0 transmission cooler that is larger and fits well. Heat was a problem with those transmission when towing.

[lenr]

My son has a 2002 F-350 dually 7.3 diesel. His transmission only leaks when he backs the trailer up a hill after towing home on a hot day--I believe it is the rear seal. That is the famous Ford 4R100 transmission which is not famous for reliability, as opposed to the 7.3 engine. Other son lost his at 100,000 mi. First son decided that it was cheaper to fill the fluid occasionally than pay for a complete rebuild before it goes out completely--has been running this way for over 50,000 mi. Most Ford transmissions are not hurt by overfilling--they just blow it out the breather--still best to properly fill. As said above, need to find out where the fluid is coming out. Best advice would come from an independent, non-chain, transmission shop.

[drmopar]

It may be that when you tow, the trans fluid get very hot, even though your temps read normal. Some fluids will start to foam and leak out the vent. Is your fluid top grade? Is the cooler blocked with bugs and dirt? If the leak appears near "Bell Housing" case, more than likely, vent. Most often if the TC or front pump seal is the problem, it will leak all the time. I suggest changing trans fluid and filter to highest grade. Ford does require a different fluid. You may also have to add a better/bigger trans cooler.

[DiskDoctr]

You'll be much more likely to get better help here

It's where many knowledgeable Ford owners and pros post.

[marcsbigfoot20b]

First off leaking from where ?

Vent tube? Maybe your TC is not locking up.

Hard to determine without knowing where the leak is.

[1320Fastback]

Sounds overfilled to me.