raski

As far as the fluid goes when cold, when I do a pan drop, I will fill a cold transmission to a little below the line which borders add and safe. When the transmission warms up, fluid expands and I find the level is at are very close to the proper level.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

A vacuum tester will tell you what the vacuum is or isn't at, but it won't tell you where a leak is.
Transmission fluid does expand when it gets hot which is why you check it hot.
However it also gets pumped all through the transmission as you drive but drains some back in to the pan when it's shut off.
So it's a good idea to get it warmed up, drive it a little to run it through all the gears, then put it in park (on level ground) and check the fluid.
If the MAF sensor looked as bad as you say, I would change it.
Keep adding coolant to the reservoir cold (keep it at 1/2 full and mark the level). It will eventually settle down and stop dropping if the problem is air in the system; or it will just keep dropping which would indicate a leak.
Once it's settled out, how much it drops every day you drive it will tell you how serious a leak it is.

DI1974

When I pulled the dipstick cold it scared the crap out of me!! I have always been really aware of where my fluid levels are and it never looked like that!! With the driving issues I've been worried about doing more harm by driving it too far and getting it really warm.

I wish I had taken photos, although I think the hot wires would have been really hard to see anyhow, but they just looked corroded to me. My dad purchased this truck years ago with less than 20,000 miles on it (first owner). He rarely drove it and gave it to me 6 years ago when I moved back to CA. At that time it had a little less than 50,000 miles and although it had service done occasionally (get ready to cringe) I don't think enough was ever done!! and now it has 170,000 miles on it!

Yesterday I was told that NOBODY every pulled the MAF to clean it which probably explains why I'm seeing what looks like corrosion.

So- I am leaving for work in a little bit this morning and will mark the radiator fluid reservoir and Monday when I have time (I work all weekend) will drive it more to get a better transmission fluid reading.

Also, I just asked someone else -- when I was looking online a couple months ago - I ran across the black light ink for different systems to find leaks. I already have a black light thanks to my dogs! Is that a decent way to find a leak? Also, I'm hoping someone can't point me in a good direction of purchasing a new MAF sensor. Prices are everywhere online and I don't mind paying more - I just want something that a good majority feels is reliable.

As always,

Thanks!

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

Motorcraft brand parts are Ford parts. Quite often worth the extra money.

DI1974

Perfect! Thanks. It’s hard to discern where to buy when 50 internet suppliers pop up!! I just need reputable and reliable - not cheap.

raski

Rockauto is my go to source for parts. Oem and aftermarket parts galore. Look on the net for the five percent off your order coupon number. Prices are hard to beat. Make sure your parts ship from same warehouse or you will have two seperate freight charges.

DI1974

Awesome!! Thank you! I worked all weekend but will start researching parts this week.