Factory 80 series winch problems

[edmrx7]

Hi guys,

My first post.

I'm in Canada, and I've recently imported a 91 VX-LTD 80 series. I love the diesel motor in this truck, and it's been a really reliable truck so far.

It came with the factory Toyota winch. I had an opportunity to use it this last weekend, and now it appears to be leaking. (?)

It's a red, ATF like fluid. I wasn't aware that these winches had fluid in them?

I can't find anywhere to check the amount of fluid in it, or even how to add to it.

If anyone can shed some light on this, that would be cool. I don't have any manuals for it, and i could be entirely off base. Maybe the fluid came from somewhere else? (I did get under there and pull some shields off and take a good look, everything looks dry... but I've been known to be wrong once before. )

Thanks in advance!

 

[fj80toyman]

I don't know if the winch you have is hydraulic or not, but there are certainly other things up there that could leak red ATF.

Theres power steering and the lines, the cooler, etc. ...Or the transmission cooling lines as they either go into the lower part of the radiator or the cooler in front of the radiator.

Best thing to do is to clean things up with a pressure washer and then watch things carefully as the engine runs. Turn the steering wheel back and forth and check for leaks there. Actually at first, check the power steering reservoir to make sure it's got fluid in it.

Good luck. Dan.

... and ... welcome...

 

[Japan4X4]

There is a plug on the right hand side, should be towards the rear of the side plate about half way up. Fill till it runs out. Use ATF.

 

[Tapage]

Ar you sure it's the winch .. ? not common failure on those winches .. where it's the leak ?

Welcome !

Pics of your rig are apreciated ..

 

[T.Stanford]

I'm wondering if it's a transmission cooler line or cooler itself that's leaking and the location of the leak makes it "look like" the winch is leaking. Tony