Manual Tranny Cover Leak?

[mrkartoom]

Hi new member here looking for some advice. Hopefully this subject has not been beat to death or posted in the wrong section.

The 5-speed manual on my 2002 Ranger 4.0 4x4 was getting very notchy at 168k mi, so I decided to change the fluid to see if that would help. Drained the original and filled it with Mercon V, which I understand replaces Mercon ATF. Before draining I noticed the top and side of the transmission is wet on the outside. I assumed it had a vent and it maybe spewed a bit, but I guess these have no vent. It looks like it is coming from around the the area the shifter enters the top. Regardless ever since I filled it I have been getting a very strong odor from the Mercon V while driving. In fact the cab of my truck smells like it now and I think the odor may be coming up through the floorboard through the shift. Previously it was only sort of intermittent, but now pretty steady.

I never see anything on the ground. Just pulled the fill plug and it it still full to the top. I never had a smell before from the tranny, but the old stuff was not stinky like the Mercon V. Is this a common leak area or problem, and anyone know what is needed to fix it?

Thanks

 

[shane96ranger]

If I had to make a guess, I'd say it's the 3 plugs up in the shifter housing. Here's a post by Nathan showing exactly what I'm talking about. It comes from the factory with rubber plugs in it which harden over time and start to leak. Some people silicone them in, I had freeze plugs put in mine to keep them from leaking. Anyway, here's Nathan's post: (It's the very top post that contains the pics and explanation)

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92909