transmission fluid E450

[ecusick]

In checking fluid levels after the rig has sat since last Fall, I find the tranny fluid is sort of gunky looking on the dip stick. Almost like it's gotten "gritty" Any ideas as to what it could be? I'm probably going to try to get it to my Ford service before heading offf next week. The vehicle only has  10,000 on it and I've done all service done as required.

 

[Dave W]

Yes, get it to your dealer ASAP!!!

The transmission in an '06 E450 is probably a 5R110W which is a pretty good unit. It is very fussy about the kind of transmission fluid though. It must be Ford's Motorcraft Mercon SP. Anything else - cause for concern, regardless of anyone's recommendations. If it doesn't smell burnt nor deep brown, possibly a hot flush, new internal screen and exterior filter along with fresh fluid will hopefully fix the gritty problems. If not - you might hopefully qualify for the Ford extended warranty on their diesel powered vehicles.

Let us know what happens!!!

 

[John Canfield]

My recommendation is to have a trusted mechanic look at the fluid.  I think there is a risk of a dealer/garage taking advantage of this scenario and telling you the fluid and/or filter needs to be changed (or??)  Another idea is to have the fluid tested - do a Google for oil analysis.  You will get a small vial and instructions on how to get a sample.  You mail the fluid off and then receive a report back listing many parameters and a normal range (sort of like a blood test report.)

Oil (or fluid) analysis is more valuable for trending and not a one-shot diagnostic, but it would be valuable nonetheless.  If something was dramatically wrong (like indicating high levels of metal), you would know something is not right.

 

[ecusick]

Thanks guys. Great input! I'll let you know what the Ford mechanic says. hopefully, a flush, and new filter and the proper fluid will be the fix!

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Don't panic yet. Gunky fluid on the dipstick is often just moisture (condensation) mixed with the oil on the stick. It looks really awful, but you can often just wipe it away, though it may take several wipings to get all the gunk from the dipstick tube. Have somebody sample the oil in the tranny itself and get it analyzed to be sure, but I'm betting it will be fine.

 

[Dave W]

Don't panic yet. Gunky fluid on the dipstick is often just moisture (condensation) mixed with the oil on the stick. It looks really awful, but you can often just wipe it away, though it may take several wipings to get all the gunk from the dipstick tube. Have somebody sample the oil in the tranny itself and get it analyzed to be sure, but I'm betting it will be fine.

I hope that the transmission is sealed from the atmosphere better then that and that if there was moisture, the heat of the oil had 'boiled' it off. I just yesterday changed the  transmission filter (exterior filter- the inner one is just a screen) on my F350 which is not only the TV for my Titanium, but also acts as a daily driver. Quite frankly I was surprised as to how sludgy/gunky/gritty the filter was - and I know for sure that it has been at least 25,000 since change and possibly never (at 64K). My recommendation is still to get to a dealer and have it checked as a rebuild is in the neighborhood of $3-5000 plus this vehicle might still be under Ford's extended warranty for diesel powered vehicles if it is failing