Hi all,

New to the forum.

I have a 1995 Dodge Ram B2500 Van with the 5.2

When I got the van the transmission level was low, i.e. warmed up after driving ,measured via the dipstick when in neutral and it was way below the add mark.

After carefully monitoring it and adding a little at a time I brought it up to the full mark.

Months pass and I check it about once a month and all fine.

Then a little while ago I was on the highway on a warm day after 2 1/2 hours approx of 70mph driving an it spat a little bit of ATF out of the transmission, I noticed as I saw smoke out the rear view camera as it touched the exhaust pipe after it came out of the transmission, hence the smoke.

It has been fine since and the level still reads full.

Based on the above I have a question.

- When it says full when hot on the dispstick, how do I know the transmission is hot enough to test?, i.e does it have to be a during a high speed highway run? I never tow anything so can't really weigh the van down to warm up the transmission.

- Is it correct that the transmission spat out a little as on that particular day the level may have been a little too high and under the high temperature it just spat out a little?

- I don't have a transmission gauge so can't tell what temperature it is at to know if it is likely to spit any out again.

The fluid is clean and bright pink so not burned or ruined so I think everything is fine, just looking for a little guidance please guys.

Thanks

Alex

 

Hey Alex, this is not mentioned but was the engine up to temp and (running), on level ground and in neutral when you checked? Have you looked and can you tell us where the ATF "spat" from or signs of a leak?

 

Thanks for your reply.

Yes the transmission level was checked via the dipstick on level ground (couldnt tell if perfectly level but it looked flat) with the engine fully warmed up and with the transmission in Neutral.

- Another question, after driving around town for a least 30 mins etc, the engine is fully warmed ul and I have checked again then and the transmission level is still at max so is it possible I pit in a little too much as under those conditoons the trans is unlikely to be hot?

Thanks

Alex

 

Sorry yes it was coming from the top of the tranamission area next to the engine block.
I will try to get an upload a picture when I am next under the van.

Does the transmission have a vent hose where the fluid might come out of? (I think so)

Thanks

Alex

 

Yes it does. Another sign of the tranny being overfilled is bubbles on the dipstick when you pull it out. Normally it's considered warm enough if you take an average every day 5-10 mile drive, but if you just drove 20 miles down the highway at 75 MPH then that's too hot.

 

Thanks for the tips guys,

Good update, we took a trip of approx 400 miles and it was pretty warm and I was at 70mph on the highway for several hours in a row including some pretty good inclines where the engine would have had to work pretty darn hard to maintain 70 (aerodynamics of a brick moving through the air hehe with the hightop) and it didn't spew any oil or leak any etc so I think it was a simple case of me overfilling it as a new owner.

I will keep an eye on it but feel much better now

Thanks all