Drivetrain Auto Trans Fluid Leaking Onto Exhaust

[007]

Dealer serviced car 800 miles ago, topped up fluids. I'm informed of white smoke from under the car. See what looks like trans fluid on x pipe and headers. Find the trans fluid cap not properly seated. Fluid level looks high also. Car drives fine.

Took it back to Ford. They said the level was too high. Set the level correctly, cleaned up the spilt fluid all free of charge and told me to "try it". Got on it a little on the way home and when I got home I could smell burning and when I opened the hood there was white smoke coming from the passenger side of the engine bay. Right near the trans fluid dipstick. But this time it was still properly seated.

Any ideas what it is? Sound familiar? I have an entire manual drivetrain ready to replace the stock automatic. I dont want to waste time trying to fix anything thats going to be replaced shortly, but I wouldnt want to leave something broken that could damage the new stuff. Does the T3650 trans retain the same style fill fluid port as the auto, or is that all coming out with the 4r70w?

Thanks

 

[007]

Wheres wmburns when you need him?

 

[wmburns]

Does the T3650 trans retain the same style fill fluid port as the auto, or is that all coming out with the 4r70w?

A manual transmission does not have a dip stick. So the dip stick will be gone.

Are you sure this isn't a coolant leak? Otherwise IMO you haven't given it enough time for the spilled automatic trans fluid to "burn off".

 

[007]

A manual transmission does not have a dip stick. So the dip stick will be gone.

Are you sure this isn't a coolant leak? Otherwise IMO you haven't given it enough time for the spilled automatic trans fluid to "burn off".

Thanks for the reply!

The mechanic at the dealership said he cleaned up the spill, but I guess it could still be burning off. It was smoking worse than ever after driving back 10 mins from the dealer though. It could be a coolant leak. It makes white smoke when it burns. I dont have a pool of fluid under the car when its been parked. I think I'll take it back to the dealer again (I'm crap at this kind of stuff).

 

[Rusty67]

Did you check the dip stick where it seats to the trans ? I think there is an o-ring on the dipstick tube, maybe the o-ring split and its leaking fluid. I had this happen on my old v6 but it wasn't smoking like you are talking about. Also, check the trans cooler fittings just to be sure.

Like you said, no puddle under the car after being run and parked over night, that would tend to mean no trans fluid leak.

Try to get under there with a flashlight, coolant will usually leave a white-ish deposit where it dries. Check your coolant level while you are at it. I don't know the mod motors like the pushrods but are there freeze plugs that can go bad and leak coolant out on the block or the heads ?