Shifter leaking from handle but only in high range

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by RainmakerTrucking, Sep 20, 2024.

  1. RainmakerTrucking

    RainmakerTrucking Bobtail Member

    2
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    Sep 20, 2024
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    I have an old 1981 international with a 9 speed Eaton transmission with a crappy shifter. I got a replacement shifter from a friend’s 18 speed with a range selector and a gear split switch. I figured I could swap it out and only connect the range selector lines no problem but now I get air leaking out from the shifter knob but only in high range. The range piston moves just fine though. The old shifter didn’t leak at all, it just had an awkward selector switch and a trashed boot that let exhaust in the cab. Any idea why it would only leak in high range and only from the handle?
    Thanks
     
    Flat Earth Trucker Thanks this.
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  3. Inderjit

    Inderjit Heavy Load Member

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    Sep 17, 2017
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    The shifter may need a seal kit as they do wear out. If you carefully pry the metal cap off you will find two torx head screws under it. If they are loose the shifter can leak.
     
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  4. MRMTRANS

    MRMTRANS Medium Load Member

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    Apr 28, 2015
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    Just guessing....the splitter valve hole for high side not plugged?
     
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  5. FLHT

    FLHT Road Train Member

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    Aug 2, 2014
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    Exhaust fumes in cab ... May want to fix that ..
     
    Flat Earth Trucker Thanks this.
  6. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Marion Texas
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    Three position “splitter” knob may not work on a trans that only needs two positions. Try plugging the “od” or splitter port. But most have to have air going to them to even work. Best thing to do is just get an old school range selector valve on stick and put a fancy glitter ball on top.
     
    Oxbow and Star Rider Thank this.
  7. RainmakerTrucking

    RainmakerTrucking Bobtail Member

    2
    1
    Sep 20, 2024
    0
    I took apart the head and didn’t find any problems but when I put it back together it now leaks in both ranges. So I decided to combine the parts that work from both shifters and got something to work. It’s not great but it’ll drive. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
     
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