67 trans issue

Car53whereRU · 05-04-2008, 07:33 PM

I have a 67 Custom 500 with 289 / Automatic Trans that runs and drives great. The problem is that when you first start the engine when cold transmission fluid will pour from the vent tube on the right side of the trans case. If you start and immediately place the trans in drive or reverse until the fluid warms for 5 minutes or so there is no leak. Once the fluid warms you can place in park or neutral with no leak as well. Other than this the transmission works great, shifts good and does not slip. The fluid is clean, bright red, type "F", not overfilled and does not smell burnt. There are no other leaks or noises. I have had this car for about a year and purchased it from the original owner's family but have no idea when the trans was last serviced though records / stickers show that the car was regularly serviced by the local ford dealer. Also the car sat for about two years before I purchased it and was driven only 50 miles or so. Has anyone ever seen this problem or have any idea what the problem may be....Thanks for any help you may be able to provide...Car53

MBDiagMan · 05-05-2008, 04:30 PM

Have you checked the fluid level AFTER the transmission is at operating temperature? Operating temperature is reached after about 15 to 20 miles.

Also, are you SURE that this transmission takes type F? The C4 came along in '64. I think that type F was only for the air cooled transmissions of earlier years. I would suggest that you do some research and CONFIRM the exact fluid you should be using.

Car53whereRU · 05-05-2008, 06:58 PM

Thank You for responding to my post. Because of the "cold start leak issue" I have paid close attention to the fluid level. The fluid level before starting and cold shows above the full mark. Immediately after starting the the transmission slips like the fluid is low but will begin to move the car almost immediately. Once the car has been driven several miles to bring everything to proper temp the fluid level is right on the full mark. Also the transmission dipstick is stamped "use type "F" only". I have also checked the stick to see if it may be the wrong stick but do not believe this to be the case. It is almost like the torque convertor is leaking down into the case when the car sits for several days. I should also add that the leak problem does not occur when the car is driven daily, but only when it sits for several days to a week or so between uses. Thanks again for your thoughts and I look forward to any additional ideas that you may have...Car53

jonmark1985 · 05-05-2008, 07:48 PM

The leak around your tourqe converter is probably the "front pump seal". I'd consider looking to see if your vent tube is plugged up at the top of the transmission.

Car53whereRU · 05-05-2008, 08:04 PM

Thanks for your input. There does not look to be a leak from the torque converter unless it is internal. the fluid level rising above full after the car sits for several days is the reason that I question a internal leak. The vent tube is open and is the location of the leak. I have cleaned the entire underside of the engine, chassis and driveline so that it could be repainted and undercoated. I can find only one vent tube on the right side of the trans case that dumps just above the crossmember.

jonmark1985 · 05-05-2008, 08:25 PM

You're right there is only one vent tube on the transmission.

Do you think the cooler lines could be plugged up? I'm not really sure though.