I encounter a surprisingly large number of overfilled transfer cases. Im not talking about a trickle, either; Im talking about you pull the fill plug and it starts gluging because the level is higher than the top of the fill plug. Whats interesting is they are also almost always leaking from the rear output seal as well which you would think equals a possible low fluid condition. I mean, if you see a diff leaking its going to be low unless the owner is aware and keeps it full. No, these units seem to manage to be leaking fluid like a Detroit diesel yet be overfull. Its so common that when I see a leaking transfer case, I EXPECT to drain the fluid out to a more reasonable level rather than needing to fill it.
I have not figured out why this is, though I have a few pet theories.
1. Wizards
2. People are filling them at really odd angles (truck tipped on the nose?)
3. Its bleeding in from the transmission somehow.
The third makes the most sense to me. Its the only logical explanation, but I dont know the mechanism of how that would work. As far as I know, the rear output seal (if it was a 2WD trans) is just splash lubed, usually. I dont know why it would be any different with a t-case adapter. But, I sure Im missing something and Im way of base here.
Any other possible ideas?
I have not figured out why this is, though I have a few pet theories.
1. Wizards
2. People are filling them at really odd angles (truck tipped on the nose?)
3. Its bleeding in from the transmission somehow.
The third makes the most sense to me. Its the only logical explanation, but I dont know the mechanism of how that would work. As far as I know, the rear output seal (if it was a 2WD trans) is just splash lubed, usually. I dont know why it would be any different with a t-case adapter. But, I sure Im missing something and Im way of base here.
Any other possible ideas?