The transmission front pump seal has given up. It started last September as we finished our great Wisconsin/Minnesota/South Dakota run. As I backed into the drive we realized Pumpkin was hemorrhaging transmission fluid. I topped it off and was took it to Petit Jean this last March and had no problem. But, then upon returning from Carter Caves in April, it happened again.
If we're lucky, it is only the seal for about $600. If we're unlucky, it could mean a complete rebuild for about $2000. Either way, I've ordered a transmission temperature gauge so I can keep tabs on Pumpkin's transmission temperature. From everything I've read, this is a common problem for a hard working transmission and now that we're towing Coors, Pumpkin has to work that much harder. If I can keep the transmission temperature down, it should help keep the seal intact. I'll just have to let it cool down now and then.
Guess we'll tow Coors down to Stephen's new house in Oklahoma next weekend for a trial run. If it does well, we'll start planning our next trip - maybe to the East Coast. It's too danged hot right now, so we're probably looking at shortly after Labor Day.
