89 F250 tranny leaks - Ford Forums

Planefreak · 10-04-2009, 12:35

I have a 89 F250 with the 7.5 liter engine, 3 speed automatic transmission, and 4 wheel drive, and it leaks fluid from the transmission. It started last year when I towed a boat to the lake. About 2 miles out of town, after the engine heated up, the fluid starting coming out. It dripped onto the exhaust and created a very large noticeable plume of smoke behind the truck. I ended up replacing the filter and gasket which I thought had fixed the problem. It worked great for about a month until I went to use it a month ago. This time it leaked but it shot out of the transmission and was relatively loud.

The fluid appears about 8" back from where the engine and tranny connect and I can't see where it is leaking from. I checked all the fluid coolant lines and found no issues. Someone told me there is a valve on the transmission somewhere that is supposed to open if the tranny has too much fluid in it. I'm not sure if that's true or where that would be located.

Please help! I don't want to mess up my truck and need to get this fixed.
Thanks, Travis

**rtg143** · 10-04-2009, 12:49

There is a vent on the top of the transmission. If the fluid is to high, it will expand when hot and flow out of it or the dipstick tube. Check the fluid when it's almost to hot to touch the tip of the stick. It should then be in the normal range. Does it look like it's coming from above the trans?

Planefreak · 10-04-2009, 13:31

I've done that. The fluid wasn't even on the dipstick. Last time I filled it took around 8 quarts and was fine for a while then it started leaking again after I drove it for a few weeks.

I can't really tell if it's coming from the top or not. It doesn't drip down on the transmission but I can't see any places that it is leaking so I think it is coming from the top of the transmission.

**rtg143** · 10-04-2009, 13:40

That's a tough one. I'd have to look at it close myself to be of any help there. Maybe someone else will post an answer. Good luck. Sorry I couldn't help.

Planefreak · 10-04-2009, 15:13

Thank you for trying though.

**rtg143** · 10-04-2009, 16:17

I seem to recall some vehicles had a vent that had problems and had to be replaced. I don't think yours was one but maybe if you call Ford and ask them if there was an updated vent for yours.