After 139,459 miles of selfless service, The Big Orange Ford began to show a hint of weakness. Here goes it; On monday, while towing an empty trailer (3800#) she seemed to be chugging, not long enough to assess the situtation before rapidly pulling the foot out of her and abandoning the whole operation. When we got stopped there was obvious fluid leakage coming from the trans, right near the t-case. So I d/c the trailer and head over to our go-to mechanic's shop, but on the way there, there seemed to be the same chugging, again, quick and faint. The go-to mechanic assesses the leak as a a blown gasket, drives her for a bit, and feels nothing wrong other than that. (I was with him, during that time she did run remarkably!). So I dismiss the chugging. I dismissed it too soon. Since monday, she has had intermitent spurts of this chugging, which seems to be the converter coming, or begining to come unlocked, usually at or about speeds of 45mph-60mph. (that's with a factory speedo and 38's.) It seems to only occur during light to no acceleration, mostly when under steady throttle and full lock up when approaching a low grade, just as slightly more strain is introduced. If at that point I lock the t/c up manually, let off, or get on the throttle it stops. It has probably happened 10 or so times since monday, and if it wasn't for the above stated occurrances I could say she's running like a top.
So, the conclusion to this is that I'm now thinking I'll soon be looking for a new t/c. What I'm lookin for by posting this novel is some input, and advice. Anyone have similar incidents or experience with these symptoms? Could what I'm calling the t/c trouble be related to a possible lack of fluid with the leak? How long does the current t/c have?......... Any way, thanks to all who read this massive post. Just trying to make peace with the fact that the ol girl may be havin her first bit of trouble
let's hope for the best
