Causes of Burnt Fluid

CAUSES OF BURNT FLUID

Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating which has three primary causes.

1. Internal clutch slippage, usually caused by low line pressure, inadequate clutch apply pressure, or clutch seal failure.
2. A result of restricted fluid flow through the main and auxiliary cooler. This condition is usually the result of a faulty or improperly installed drainback valve, a damaged oil cooler, or severe restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris or kinked lines.
3. Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not properly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer towing or similar high load operation will overheat the transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling system, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to handle heavy loads.