That’s it
Saving a Ford Explorer PTU - can the old thick fluid be removed
- Thread starter 308guru
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2024
- Messages
- 120
Put Amsoil 250w severe gear lube in it. That thin stuff is burning up.
Maybe try warming the unit up with a heat gun? I would not put any kind of solvent in there without a drain plug as you're not going to get it all back out.
I would just plan on changing it multiple times.
I would just plan on changing it multiple times.
Glad my Ford F250 does not have a PTU. Sounds like a PIA.
The drain/fill seems to be doing some cleaning. Since doing so the first fluid exchange the car has ~400 miles on it. I was able to extract 400ml again and it was nasty already. Grey in color and seemingly thicker than the gear oil I refilled with. I should have taken some pictures but will next time.
My plan is to buy a jug of 75W-140 and keep doing the drain/fill routine until I see improvement in how the removed fluid is looking. I’m also thinking about trying the HP Differential Life Cleaner. I’ll keep the post updated with progress.
My plan is to buy a jug of 75W-140 and keep doing the drain/fill routine until I see improvement in how the removed fluid is looking. I’m also thinking about trying the HP Differential Life Cleaner. I’ll keep the post updated with progress.
Auto RX might be an option for this along with the fresh gear oil.
Dilution is the solution.
I would not do solvent. Unless you want to chance the seals. I took apart the PTU in the 2005 Ford Escape I put an engine in. The fluid was nasty, and the bearings/gears were not as good as I would like. I think my PTU had 5 or 6 seals. 
But things were good enough to put in new seals all around. I also cleaned the gears etc when apart.
Getting a used PTU is always an option if you if things don't work with the existing one. Dilution is the solution.
But things were good enough to put in new seals all around. I also cleaned the gears etc when apart.
Getting a used PTU is always an option if you if things don't work with the existing one. Dilution is the solution.
I had a Ford Taurus X 2008 a while ago that had the same issue. I drilled a 9/16" hole and tapped threads and added a drain. Then I accessed the vent on the top of the PUT and dug out as much goop as I could with long cotton swabs.
Then I ran 24 oz of engine flush for a couple of trips around the block, drained out the concoction and refilled with Schaeffer's 75W-140 that is used in Harley gear cases. Ran great for the 2 years after that until I sold the vehicle.
Then I ran 24 oz of engine flush for a couple of trips around the block, drained out the concoction and refilled with Schaeffer's 75W-140 that is used in Harley gear cases. Ran great for the 2 years after that until I sold the vehicle.
