Leaking fluid from bellhousing while bleeding clutch

[Seahawk]

After replacing the slave cylinder on a 88 2.9 4wd we were bleeding the clutch system and fluid began leaking from the lower vent in the bellhousing.

What could this be? Bad slave cylinder? Improper install? The trans had to be drained and filled but the viscosity of the fluid that is leaking seems more like brake fluid than the thicker gear oil in the trans.



Edit: I also replaced the rear main seal but I am positive that isn't the culprit.

 

[Shran]

IMO it could be one of two things. Leaking slave cylinder, or the hydraulic line isn't pushed in to the slave all the way and it's leaking right there.

 

[Seahawk]

I'm pretty sure it's not the hydraulic line as it would leak at the fitting and not inside the bellhousing and down from the vent at the bottom.

I guess it is the slave cylinder but why the hell would it be leaking? It's brand new and I put it in by the book. I am not looking forward to taking everything back apart to find out...

 

[pcollins]

smell it.

 

[Shran]

I've seen them bad right out of the box before... where did you get it at?

 

[Seahawk]

I've seen them bad right out of the box before... where did you get it at?

The owner of the truck picked it up at Advance Auto I believe. I guess it could be a bad one from the start.

 

[kevinsranger]

The owner of the truck picked it up at Advance Auto I believe. I guess it could be a bad one from the start.

sorry to hear, that really sucks, get a replacement from napa or where ever, but make sure you get the one with the blue silicone boot, not the regular rubber, they seem to last longer for some reason

 

[Seahawk]

Yea it does suck! I read similar stories on other forums and people suggest getting a Motorcraft part from Ford rather than taking chances with the parts stores. I do understand that NAPA's parts are generally a bit higher quality, but I think I'm just going to have my buddy pick it up from the Ford dealer and be done with it. Also, I'm going to have him get a refund for the leaking one and fill out a labor reimbursement claim.

Any ideas on what the book labor time is on this job or where I can find a copy of a labor guide?

Ben

 

[kevinsranger]

Yea it does suck! I read similar stories on other forums and people suggest getting a Motorcraft part from Ford rather than taking chances with the parts stores. I do understand that NAPA's parts are generally a bit higher quality, but I think I'm just going to have my buddy pick it up from the Ford dealer and be done with it. Also, I'm going to have him get a refund for the leaking one and fill out a labor reimbursement claim.

Any ideas on what the book labor time is on this job or where I can find a copy of a labor guide?

Ben

i'm not sure about that, i only did one on a 2006, so the exhaust bolts and everything else came off relatively easy, i dont remember the amount of time i spent because i worked on it here and there for a few days while my friend was recovering from surgery, so i didnt need to rush, i would say maybe 4-5 hours?