2002 F 250 Diesel auto tranny advice ?

[Cap.Silver]

So my truck is 11 years old and have 95k miles on it - I pull work trailers frequently with it and .... Looking on my driveway I have figured I must have a leak or drip -it looks like rear seal (between engine and tranny)leak . What should I expect to pay for repair? should I have the tranny rebuild while removed ? Anybody have any advice ? other than buying new Chevy or Dodge  ( my wife didn't approved purchase of new truck or boat  )

[wildweeds]

I had the rear seal replaced in mine,and can't rightly remember what it cost,my leak was pretty bad though and my rig had 230K on it.THEN my tranny went gunnybag,I got a supposed "Brand new off the line tranny" as said by the ford dealer service manager that sceduled the work.Imagine my disappointment when I got home and started looking over the paperwork to find "Remanufactured".With just 95K on yours LEAVE IT BE.A supposed new one cost me 6K.Run it till it breaks and then worry about it.

[MagKarl]

You need to figure out where the leak is coming from.  It is engine oil, trans fluid, or fuel?  Check the top of your engine and the backs of the heads with a flashlight, the valley drains to the rear and runs down the bell housing.  If your trans front seal was bad you'd be losing a lot of trans fluid. 

[Sneaky]

You need to degrease the entire engine/tranny and then run it up and down the block until its hot again. Then, pinpoint the leak and you will be able to fix whats broken rather than throw money at it.  A little bit of oil can make a huge mess.

[huntnphool]

You need to degrease the entire engine/tranny and then run it up and down the block until its hot again. Then, pinpoint the leak and you will be able to fix whats broken rather than throw money at it.  A little bit of oil can make a huge mess.

+1, no need to panic, diagnose the real issue and then work up a plan. I can help if you decide to have the tranny rebuilt, shoot me a PM if you decide to go that route.

FWIW, I have not seen those 7.3's blow too many gaskets, I'm betting it something else. Are you sure its oil and not fuel? The fuel bowls need new O-rings after several years, but thats a easy fix too.

[Cap.Silver]

Thanks guys , I'll clean up the engine tomorrow and we'll go from there

[wildweeds]

My buddys 7.3 had a rear main seal and a dipstick tube issue on his,his was similar to mine,280K,his tranny also gave up at around the same time the rear main went haywire.

[buglebuster]

My 2000 had similar issue at 90k, i though oil at first untill i really started investigating. It turned outto be a gasket in the water seperator drain was bad and leaking fuel, $30 part 10min fix.

[Mudman]

Tran fluid smells not like oil or fuel so clean and re-check like said.  I just dumped my 01 after losing trans for second time.  95k I would consider a rebuild soon.  Ford dealer trans are junk, get quality aftermarket or rebuild with quality torque converter-billet at least.     I switched to cummins.     Do miss the ford.

[buglebuster]

  my auto tranny was strong when i sold it at 110k but i agree, dont go to ford. Go to a reputable tranny shop and have them rebuild it with upgraded parts. Will probably end up costing less for better tranny.

[huntnphool]

my auto tranny was strong when i sold it at 110k but i agree, dont go to ford. Go to a reputable tranny shop and have them rebuild it with upgraded parts. Will probably end up costing less for better tranny.

Like I said, if its the tranny I can hook you up.

[Cap.Silver]

I have cleaned the engine yesterday and will check under the hood tomorrow after today's trip .Thanks guys for all your answers

[fernsjd41]

I had the same thing happen on my 03 7.3 and it was the orings for the oil lines to the turbo..

[kenzmad]

Not sure if you you need a tranny rebuild but when i did it I went with Brians Truck Shop in arizona. 5K but an awesome tranny. Google them or look at ford truck enthusiasts forum and read about him.

[Cap.Silver]

Thanks Kenzmad, after washing it it appears the oring to the turbo and maybe one of the sleeves is loose - it looks like I don't need a rear seal yet 

[kenzmad]

Thanks Kenzmad, after washing it it appears the oring to the turbo and maybe one of the sleeves is loose - it looks like I don't need a rear seal yet 

Thats good news! Heck of alot cheaper than a tranny. Start the savings fund for a tranny though, fords stock ones are known to go out shortly after 90,000 miles

[Cap.Silver]

.....and I had such relaxing evening Kenzmad 

[coachcw]

a boost valve update may not be a bad idea  with 95 k

[wildweeds]

Mine didn't let go until 237K,my buddys didn't let go until 300K but ours are 97's

Thanks Kenzmad, after washing it it appears the oring to the turbo and maybe one of the sleeves is loose - it looks like I don't need a rear seal yet 

Thats good news! Heck of alot cheaper than a tranny. Start the savings fund for a tranny though, fords stock ones are known to go out shortly after 90,000 miles

[Jingles]

Shhhhhhhh all you guys talking about tranny problems between  90K and 180K he77 I just rolled 345K on mine and still no problems. Knock on wood.... Maybe the 350's have better trannys

[huntnphool]

Shhhhhhhh all you guys talking about tranny problems between  90K and 180K he77 I just rolled 345K on mine and still no problems. Knock on wood.... Maybe the 350's have better trannys

My Excusrsion (7.3L) is used to tow my boat a lot and has 360K+ on it now and no issues.

[wildweeds]

Mine is a 350 my buddys is a 250.I bought my truck used from wheat farmers that also had a trucking buisness,judging from the permanant stain of diesel fuel in the bed and the fifth wheel hitch,mine did a bunch of towing and load hauling long before I got it.

Shhhhhhhh all you guys talking about tranny problems between  90K and 180K he77 I just rolled 345K on mine and still no problems. Knock on wood.... Maybe the 350's have better trannys

[buglebuster]

You have nothing to worry about with your tranny probably for the whole time you own it unless you drive like a moron and have a chip/tuner.