Gunk on Dipstick

[bellsharbor]

I am finding some kind of stuff on the end of the transmission dipstick that looks like small pieces of dirt. I pull some up every time I check the transmission oil. I only have 6K miles on the coach and am thinking I should take it into a dealer to have it checked. Has anyone else experienced this?

[RoyM]

It might be debris left by the manufacturing process. Have a competent transmission shop change the oil and filter, they should be able to spot any potential problems.

[baraff]

I have heard this is a common problem, especially with the Ford V10 engine. The gunk is most likely rust from the inside of the dipstick tube; when you pull the stick out it drags some rust with it.
This is usually caused by condensation, short trips and the engine not warming up fully. I have heard its not harmful to the transmission. Maybe some Ford guys can offer some more explanation.

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff I have heard this is a common problem, especially with the Ford V10 engine. The gunk is most likely rust from the inside of the dipstick tube; when you pull the stick out it drags some rust with it. This is usually caused by condensation, short trips and the engine not warming up fully. I have heard its not harmful to the transmission. Maybe some Ford guys can offer some more explanation.

Exactly. I have confirmed this with Ford the first time I noticed it.

[Stillwater]

Take it to a dealer and have them check it out. There could be other issues besides what has been suggested. The important part here is to make sure it is documented and you get a copy in your hand. If an issue does arise later on you can show your concern at an earlier date when the transmission had 6k miles. If there is that much sludge a s suggested I would say the trans needs to be looked at very closely and if you have condensation issues already at 6K miles then there may be other problems.

[falcor]

I've owned 2 v10's and both did this. Never had any trouble from either.

[TXiceman]

Have the dealer check and document the issue. Personally, I would have them drop the pan, change the filter and replace ALL of the fluid, including the torque converter fluid. If it is the dip stick tube, Ford needs to replace this as well.

Ken

[bellsharbor]

Thanks everyone for your replies---I appreciate it. Happy Travels--John

[Roger G]

Same problem here. Purchased a 2007 Southwind in December that only had 2600 miles and when I pulled the tans dipstick the first time there was a rust ball about half way down which I cleaned but every time I pulled the dipstick there would be sludge in the fluid on the dipstick. I took it to my local ford dealer and had the trans fluid and filter changed, when they pulled the pan there was nothing on the pan magnet , the filter, nor in the fluid. After refilling the sludge was still on the dipstick just as before so the rust is in the tube. Only way to fix will be to replace the tube which I plan to do when I get time but probably will happen again due to condensation and infrequent use. The inside of the tube is bare unpainted metal so the is nothing the prevent corrosion, I don't want to paint the inside because paint flakes in the tranny can't be good either. I have thought about gas tank liner like used on new motorcycle tanks, any thoughts?

[ga traveler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger G Same problem here. Purchased a 2007 Southwind in December that only had 2600 miles and when I pulled the tans dipstick the first time there was a rust ball about half way down which I cleaned but every time I pulled the dipstick there would be sludge in the fluid on the dipstick. I took it to my local ford dealer and had the trans fluid and filter changed, when they pulled the pan there was nothing on the pan magnet , the filter, nor in the fluid. After refilling the sludge was still on the dipstick just as before so the rust is in the tube. Only way to fix will be to replace the tube which I plan to do when I get time but probably will happen again due to condensation and infrequent use. The inside of the tube is bare unpainted metal so the is nothing the prevent corrosion, I don't want to paint the inside because paint flakes in the tranny can't be good either. I have thought about gas tank liner like used on new motorcycle tanks, any thoughts?

Powder coating is tough and woud stay on. Also chrome plateing would not rust and woud last.

[gary peterso]

I cleaned mine with a wire brush and long wire, took tube off and cleaned it.Work for me.

[smeg99]

I had gunk on my transmission dipstick. It turned out to be magnetic and came from rusting inside the dipstick tube. The Ford dealer said they have seen it before and they figured it was caused by condensation inside the long tube. They recommended a flush and filter change. They also swabbed the inside on the tube. Cost me $450. I figured this should be a warranty item but they said no only the tube would be covered if they could not clean it.

I figure that the tube should not rust and since it did and the rusting caused an early flush, Ford should pay for everything. I wonder if a stainless steel tube could be bought or made?

[Shellback1]

I noticed it on my Ford v-10 last year. I had changed the tranny fluid and filter at 28k miles. It now has 41k on it and it is dark brown and looks like fine coffee grinds. Cleaning the dip stick several times while checking lessens the amount you see. I figured it was from the dip stick tube, now I know.
Thanks