PTU

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glockcoma

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Found it
http://www.hendonpub.com/resources/article_archive/results/details?id=5858
"Power Takeoff Units

The power takeoff unit (PTU) has been a service concern on some PI Utilities. There may be an excessive oil smell when driving, the AWD may not work properly, or the PTU housing may be cracked, leaking or noisy. The cause of the PTU damage is the excessive torque loading of the idler gear, which causes the bearing to walk (move) into the housing.
In January 2014, a Full Face Thrust Washer, FFTW, was introduced. This new washer was designed to prevent the idler bearing from walking into the aluminum case. In October 2015, a second change was made, in this case a loose-fit idler bearing. In dynamometer tests, this bearing design change showed a twice life improvement over the FFTW design.
In June 2016, a third change was made. In this case, a new bearing design, one without drawn cups, was installed. This eliminated the walk mode of damage. Dyno testing shows a three to four times improvement over the FFTW design. For both the PI Utility and PI Sedan, the PTU is covered under the limited powertrain warranty. All Ford Police Interceptors come standard with a five-year/100,000-mile Extended Service Plan for the powertrain."
 

luigisho

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Great thanks. Hopefully the later models are rid of the failures . He also said they haven't seen any failures for the last couple of years and recommended to not bother changing the oil for that reason .
Not change it now or ever? I don't trust lifetime claims for lubricants
 

MHW100

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Found it
http://www.hendonpub.com/resources/article_archive/results/details?id=5858
"Power Takeoff Units

The power takeoff unit (PTU) has been a service concern on some PI Utilities. There may be an excessive oil smell when driving, the AWD may not work properly, or the PTU housing may be cracked, leaking or noisy. The cause of the PTU damage is the excessive torque loading of the idler gear, which causes the bearing to walk (move) into the housing.
In January 2014, a Full Face Thrust Washer, FFTW, was introduced. This new washer was designed to prevent the idler bearing from walking into the aluminum case. In October 2015, a second change was made, in this case a loose-fit idler bearing. In dynamometer tests, this bearing design change showed a twice life improvement over the FFTW design.
In June 2016, a third change was made. In this case, a new bearing design, one without drawn cups, was installed. This eliminated the walk mode of damage. Dyno testing shows a three to four times improvement over the FFTW design. For both the PI Utility and PI Sedan, the PTU is covered under the limited powertrain warranty. All Ford Police Interceptors come standard with a five-year/100,000-mile Extended Service Plan for the powertrain."
Thanks .
 

luigisho

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I don't know if I would put my faith in that. You don't need it now, but I would put it in the preventive mix down the road.
 

MHW100

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I don't know if I would put my faith in that. You don't need it now, but I would put it in the preventive mix down the road.
I was debating changing it at such low miles given its a 18 with 6k on it but was concerned because I'm the second owner . I have no reason to believe he abused it but who knows .
 

SHOdded

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If it's any help, PTUs do breakin like engines do after they first roll off the lot. So it is advisable to replace the fluid after 6 months/5K miles to get any metal shavings out of there. Normally, the plug (magnetic) will catch quite a bit of this breakin material, but if you want surety, you want new fluid in there after that period of time/use.
 

MHW100

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If it's any help, PTUs do breakin like engines do after they first roll off the lot. So it is advisable to replace the fluid after 6 months/5K miles to get any metal shavings out of there. Normally, the plug (magnetic) will catch quite a bit of this breakin material, but if you want surety, you want new fluid in there after that period of time/use.
Thank you. I didn't realize a ptu was like that. Probably should do the ptu, RDU and granny then .
 

SHOdded

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The nice thing is there is no clutch pack material to deal with when changing either PTU or RDU fluid. Even though the RDU is controlled by a clutch pack ATC, that ATC is self-contained (Mercon LV I think was mentioned).

Definitely a good idea to swapout all drivetrain fluids now.
 

Rayme20

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I ordered the newest ptu, ebay said it will fit my car, it has some wires and hoses that the old one didn't have, any idea how it fits, or does it, I am guessing I ordered the new one with the added cooling, etc, I had 80k miles on the first one
 

Rayme20

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Okay got the new ptu installed, and normal driving it is fine, but if I put it half throttle or more from less than 20 mph, the car shutters before taking off, anyone have any clue what may be happening?
 

Rayme20

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It kinda seems like it's not awd for a second or so, or the traction control kicks on even though it's not on, etc.
 

SHOdded

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Check trans fluid level, may be low. MIGHT have drained fluid for ptu R&R, if so could easily be below acceptable levels. Bring it to top of hashmarks or a smidge above. Can you post a copy of the invoice (personal details redacted) so we can see exactly what was done?
 

Rayme20

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No invoice as it was a master Mopar mechanic that did it on his own time unfortunately:(
 

glockcoma

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Definitely sounds like low trans fluid.
Dip stick is a pita to get to. Have to remove the air cleaner box.
 

Rayme20

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It shutters way before the shift, would it still be trans fluid?
 

Rayme20

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You guys were right the dang thing was bone dry, it took 3.5 quarts running like a champ guys thanks for the advice, the mechanic said he filled it that's why I didn't think that's what it would be... Much appreciated!!!
 
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