E4OD leaks, but only on cold start up???

[ridieseldon]

I'm a long time reader of this forum, but this will be my first post. I'm having some issues with my E4OD in my 97 F250 with the 7.3 Powerstroke. I've had the truck about two and a half years now, and it is now approaching 195k miles. The prior owner claims he rebuilt the tranny at approx. 150k. My problem is that now that the weather is getting cooler here in the northeast, the transmission fluid leaks out in a noticeable dribble upon cold start-up (if temperatures are below about 40 degrees). Once the truck is warm, or the outside air temperature is above 50, there's no more leaking of consequence. Last winter I was adding a quart of tranny fluid, or more, per week (approx 200 miles). I added less than a quart all summer. So, any ideas on what the problem may be? Any and all ideas will be appreciated!

[Matt P]

Is it leaking around the pan?

[ryandamo]

the fluid has a higher viscosity when its cold, causing higher pressures, once it warms up and thins out the pressure decreases

[adfields]

Where is it leaking from? Pan, lines, front, back?

[ridieseldon]

The leak appears to be at the bellhousing end. Nothing from the pan or lines. Thanks for your replies. Keep them coming!

[ryandamo]

torque converter leaking? maybee input shaft seal too, take inspection cover off the torque converter and see if you see anything with a flashlight. might even be a really small crack

[adfields]

Well that says the trans needs to come out to fix it. Could be front seal, pump O-ring, or some cracked hard parts up in there. My guess would be front seal can't hold the extra pressure the pump gears (which are right behind that seal) are making when the fluid is cold and thick.

[ridieseldon]

thanks for your responses. I was hoping for some sort of miracle, because I really don't want to have to take the tranny out. Should have done it when the weather was warmer, but then it wasn't leaking!

[adfields]

You could try some of that trans stop leak stuff and maybe make it to spring.

[Matt P]

Sounds like the front pump seal needs to be replaced, you will have to pull the trans to fix it. I wouldnt use stop leak though, that stuff just sounds like a recipe for clogging stuff up