Group,

Is burned trans fluid (1993 E4OD) a sign of trans failure, or just old fluid? In other words once the fluid is burned, does that mean internal damage or just needing a change? Once the fluid is burned is the trans past the point of no return?

Thanks.
Gary

 

Burned fluid is burned because it got hot enough to smoke gaskets. I'm no expert but I'd just drop the pan, change the filter, and put fresh fluid in it. Either way start saving money a rebuild is unavoidable.

 

Burnt fluid is a sign that your transmission got very hot at some point. Hot enough to do real damage, maybe. It really depends on how hot and for how long. I would also change the fluid out ASAP. I would invest in a transmission cooler if your truck is not equiped even more so if you tow with it. A trans temp guage is not a bad idea either. If your transmission is working fine now there might not be any damage and it could last years longer or it could crap out tomorrow. You should notice improved shifting with new fluid.

 

Thanks for the comments and tips so far. Here's my original question from a previous post:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/tr...-question.html

 

Drain the torque converter too - in fact, you may want to go get the tranny flushed with a fluid exchange machine.

 

remove the pan and see how much clutch material is sitting on the bottom. Usually once fluid gets that hot those clutches deteriorate pretty fast. If the pan isnt too dirty inside and their is no drivability issues you may be OK for a while but I agree with the above posts...start saving.

 

I'll know more about the condition of the trans after the engine is done and I get it back on the road.

But do any of you think there's any way the trans could have bound up, causing the engine damage (spun rod bearing)? Cruise control didn't let go until the truck was slowed from 75 to about 35. In other words, does the E4OD have the same locking function as the AOD had/has - a mechanical, not fluid, connection? If so, and if this connection didn't release (for whatever reason), that would be like driving a manual gearbox and keeping your foot deep on the accelerator while braking hard and not pulling it out of gear - which WOULD damage the engine.