Hey everyone. So I am in the process of changing all the drivetrain fluids on the truck over two weekends. Last weekend I did the engine oil and the transmission fluid (via the drain plug like I do every year or so, I have the filter done every 2nd or 3rd change.), next weekend I am looking to do the differentials and transfer case. ATF was still a deep red, seems the cooler is doing its job and even in hot weather at high speeds on the interstate it keeps it around 200F or less, most of the time 170-190F, normally 20-30F cooler than the antifreeze. While doing an inspection under the truck looking for leaks I found a couple this time... One of which I had some real concerns about.
Noticed starting where the two rubber plugs are (located on the bottom between the engine and transmission) an oily film that extends from between those plugs and the metal bottom of the bellhousing (as in liquid getting trapped there, not sure it would make it through if it was coming from above within the case) ranging to all the way back to the front of the transmission pan and up toward the pan gasket. No drops anywhere and when I took off the bellhousing inspection cover the torque converter and gears are completely dry but a very small amount of reddish fluid (not even adding up to an actual drop) on the back of the cover. I run my fingers in there and while the inside of the bell housing has a film too and unable to feel around for an actual bead of fluid, I can't get enough of it out of there to sample what it is via smell or visual. Telling the difference between oil and ATF on this car if the fluid was diluted would be difficult if both fluids are new as I use Royal Purple in the engine. I am hoping this is not a pump seal or O-ring but taking the film into account are there any other items such as the dipstick seal or overflow which might account for this and then fluid could end up via the airflow seeping behind the cover? Not sure if the leak is really internal in this case but maybe the other way around? I just did two long range and fast 6 hour trips between NY and VA and a bunch of 2 hour ones over the last two months I don't recall this being there last time I did the last oil change.
Also not sure if related but when I went to change the fluid it only took 4 quarts and even then it was slightly over on the hot mark and remains there now. When I did the work the frame was level on four jackstands at the same height placed under the frame rails, but inevitably puts the truck on a slight nose up angle as it naturally sits nose low. I believe the trans was also slightly over before the change.
Thanks for any tips on this.
Noticed starting where the two rubber plugs are (located on the bottom between the engine and transmission) an oily film that extends from between those plugs and the metal bottom of the bellhousing (as in liquid getting trapped there, not sure it would make it through if it was coming from above within the case) ranging to all the way back to the front of the transmission pan and up toward the pan gasket. No drops anywhere and when I took off the bellhousing inspection cover the torque converter and gears are completely dry but a very small amount of reddish fluid (not even adding up to an actual drop) on the back of the cover. I run my fingers in there and while the inside of the bell housing has a film too and unable to feel around for an actual bead of fluid, I can't get enough of it out of there to sample what it is via smell or visual. Telling the difference between oil and ATF on this car if the fluid was diluted would be difficult if both fluids are new as I use Royal Purple in the engine. I am hoping this is not a pump seal or O-ring but taking the film into account are there any other items such as the dipstick seal or overflow which might account for this and then fluid could end up via the airflow seeping behind the cover? Not sure if the leak is really internal in this case but maybe the other way around? I just did two long range and fast 6 hour trips between NY and VA and a bunch of 2 hour ones over the last two months I don't recall this being there last time I did the last oil change.
Also not sure if related but when I went to change the fluid it only took 4 quarts and even then it was slightly over on the hot mark and remains there now. When I did the work the frame was level on four jackstands at the same height placed under the frame rails, but inevitably puts the truck on a slight nose up angle as it naturally sits nose low. I believe the trans was also slightly over before the change.
Thanks for any tips on this.
