Damn - PTU puking again thru the vent...

MileHighV

New member
Well, here we go again...
This is my second PTU - the original started leaking @ 5k - nice golden drips of oil on the garage floor.
Original PTU was replaced by Ford with no questions asked - they said they had heard of the occasional issue.

Now, 25k later at my 30k oil change, I discovered black oil leaking down the PTU, dripping on the trans mount, and exhaust pipe.  Traced it back up to the vent tube as the source.  All the other hoses and wires in the area are covered also.  Looks like it has been doing it for a little bit, although I didn't notice it at the 25k oil change. 

So - I am in the process of returning to stock (stock tune & 2 bar MAP so far - changing the PPE pipes back to stock pipes tomorrow), and then off to the dealer for evaluation, and hopefully a new PTU.

Question for the forum - If they replace it again, does the warranty clock restart for the PTU (ie. - another 50k)?  I am beginning to be concerned for the longevity of the Powertrain.  Definitely will look into PTU oil changes every 25k, after reading other experiences...
 
The problem with under warranty work is the clock does not restart.  It is good till the warranty runs out.  So basically, if you have 3 yrs or 3 days remaining, that's all you get.  Out of pocket/Paid work actually has that 2 yr/unlimited mileage etc warranty attached to it.

Was the fluid thick at all, or simply black?  Since your SHO has the Perf Pack, I would monitor the temperature on an ongoing basis to see if maybe it is getting overheated on a regular basis.  How much clearance is there between the downpipes and the PTU, any different from stock downpipes?  Have them confirm that the temp sensor is working properly, if they don't change that out as well.

And make sure they doublecheck the fluid level in the new PTU before installation.
 
MileHighV said:
Question for the forum - If they replace it again, does the warranty clock restart for the PTU (ie. - another 50k)?  I am beginning to be concerned for the longevity of the Powertrain.  Definitely will look into PTU oil changes every 25k, after reading other experiences...
Ford replacement parts come with a 24 month warranty, so if they have to replace the PTU (for example), you're good for 24 months. 
 
I would also mention to inspect/replace the O-ring seals while in the intermediate area and best of luck to ya.  Z  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8JUL90DXgdiMDRVVDhUUE9DRlN5TlAxWW5FX1picnE5SlNj/view?usp=sharing
 
If you've got a 13PP then I thought the vent tube issue was/should already be addressed from the factory?  Perhaps on your replacement PTU they didn't hook up the vent hose? Or perhaps it isn't really leaking out the vent? I would definitely monitor temps if you can as mentioned above.  My PTU (Have a 13PP also) almost never goes over 188 and takes a long time to get there even when driving 70+ on the highway.
 
Interesting about the longer vent tube - anyone with a '13 PP able to get a pic of their stock vent tube location?  Mine is down low, between the engine and the firewall.  I can get to it, but definitely not up near the brake reservoir. 
Was the longer tube possibly a running change? 
Mine was delivered to the dealer in January '13, I bought it in June of '13.  Not sure of the build date.

Where are the coolant connections for the PTU cooler?  I need to check that too.

The fluid is still oily, not thick, and thankfully no other indications of problems. 
If I didn't do my own oil changes, I would have never known...
 
3 revisions? My first was basically at the PTU and the replacement sits right below the valve cover area.

sent from my speak n' spell using tin cans and string

 
AnotherGreenFusion said:
Even without the updated design can you just tighten the bolt on the vent?
I don't think there is a "bolt" to turn?  The old design was a pressed in cap/vent.  That said if you just seal it off well then I imagine building up pressure inside the PTU would lead to leaks "elsewhere" in the system around seals (possibly in to the trans) which wouldn't be a desirable outcome either.
 
Gotcha.  If we had a banjo bolt setup that would make sense but unfortunately I don't believe the earlier PTU's were.  I guess I will be honest and say I'm not sure if the 13+ PTU with a vent is like that or not?
 
A few pics from underneath after I removed the PPE pipes...


...also a pic of the vent - way down there - peeking out from under the hoses...
 
It does look like a seal issue at the transmission.  Maybe they did not do the job correctly last time, or the seal part has since been updated.
 
The PTU compression seal, Z?  I think the part number is 7T4Z-7086-A
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-4WD-FORD-LINCOLN-MERCURY-POWER-TAKE-OFF-CASE-COMPRESSION-SEAL-7T4Z-7086-A-/331818572335

Seal / Gasket
Outboard, Compression Seal
Location:Driver SideCallout Name: 7H469B

Pic from a Taurus X article on intermediate shaft seal replacement
DSCF1761a.jpg
 
Got the call from the dealer on Wednesday - PTU was leaking and will be replaced under powertrain warranty.
I should have it back Thursday.

Not sure if it was leaking at a seal, or thru the vent.
Hopefully I can get more info when I pick it up tomorrow.

 
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