727 pink foam

[70 Charger RT]

Hi gang.  When I started up the 69 Charger yesterday, pink foam started running (running not dripping) out of the 727 bellhousing.  I just bought the car in December and it has an external tranny cooler mounted in front of an aluminum rad.  He said the trans was recently rebuilt.  There is no tranny cooler inside the rad.  I can't figure out how the water could get into the trans.    The previous owner has told me that the trans slips in first gear.  I haven't had a chance to take it out on the road yet to test drive it.  I checked the trans dip stick and yes it is pink foam inside.  The only thing I can think I should do to pull the trans and go through it and install new seals and clutches (especially the front pump seal).  Anyone had experience with this problem?  Could it be condensation?  The car has been inside a non-heated garage since December.  Thanks,

[Plumcrazy]

Sounds like the transmission is overfilled, aerated trans fluid will look pink.  You may have the wrong dipstick/tube combination.

[is_it_EVER_done?]

Test to see if the trans fluid has water in it by touching the dipstick to a hot exhaust manifold. Any water will sizzle, while plain trans fluid will just spread out with no "activity" (this same trick works for engine oil also).

If you have water in it, you will end up rebuilding it as it will cause trans failure fairly quickly. There is nothing you can do to stop the damage.

I'm guessing that the new radiator and trans cooler were installed due to a failure of the stock unit which may have contaminated the trans fluid prior to the installation of the new components. And no, condensation can't cause the fluid to be pink and foamy.

[bordin34]

Test to see if the trans fluid has water in it by touching the dipstick to a hot exhaust manifold. Any water will sizzle, while plain trans fluid will just spread out with no "activity" (this same trick works for engine oil also).

If you have water in it, you will end up rebuilding it as it will cause trans failure fairly quickly. There is nothing you can do to stop the damage.

I'm guessing that the new radiator and trans cooler were installed due to a failure of the stock unit which may have contaminated the trans fluid prior to the installation of the new components. And no, condensation can't cause the fluid to be pink and foamy.

I was pouring fluid in with my engine running and some spilt, when it hit the exhaust maifold there was a lot of smoke so I dont think that will work

[bill440rt]

Pink foam sounds like water in the trans to me. If so, plan on an overhaul.

Be careful with the hot manifold trick. Trans fluid is EXTREMELY flammable, don't ask me how I know.

[lazarus]

 I think if the seals in the drums fail you'll get a foamy condition. Good time to rip that baby out and do some upgrades.

[Brad]

Fluid level is one cause. the foam is probably aireation of the fluid. If trans is not over full then it is probably the front pump. If the pump was not replaced with the overhaul it could be internally sucking air. Worst case would be that it was sucking air from somewhere else, like the case itself.