Hi. Just bought an F150 4WD Auto truck with 180,000 miles... very lite (barely noticeable) slipping on takeoff otherwise it ran well.

Drove it into the mountains, with significant climbing in 4WD for firewood and it performed very well for two hours and then started leaking (alot) of tranny fluid out of the rubber bung plug under the bell housing -dip stick said empty- and would not move (totally slipping).

Added some tranny fluid and easily drove back to cottage home where she sits. Buts it is not leaking now?

Any suggestions on possible remedies?. I can't afford to get caught up in the bush.

Many thanks.

MIDAS

F-150 transmissions are very tough--I've seen people really neglect them and they keep on going. You may have just had a boil over situation, where you were hauling a large load in the mountains in the summer heat. The rubber plug is for access to the drain plug in the torque converter. There may also be a breather or overflow tube under the bell housing.

I would drain and clean the pan, change the filter, drain the torque converter, and refill with Mobil 1 Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF. It may allow the transmission to run up to 50 degrees F. cooler, which is huge. Here's an even better alternative approach to changing the fluid:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-5.html#post552241

You should notice a substantial improvement in performance and it should eliminate boil over. I would also install, if you don't have one, a supplemental transmission cooler--easy job.

Texas Grease Monkey:

Thanks very much... I'll get on that with high expectations!

Are there "bands" that I should get tightened in a Ford tranny?

MIDAS

That would be great if there are; however, I doubt you'll find that on your truck. That was characteristic of older cars and trucks. Call you local Ford "Truck City" dealer and inquire.