I was wanting to just let some of my transmission fluid out and replace some of it with Lucas, then fill the rest with new fluid. I had read on a forum somewhere about using the "drain plug" from the torque converter I believe it was. Here is a picture of what I removed....



What's weird to me was that after removing this bolt, nothing came out. There seemed to be what looked like a dark liquid leaking from somewhere above the housing. However, when I check the dipstick, the fluid is above the hash marks.

Is what I'm doing even right?

The transmission is sticking when shifting between 1st and 2nd. And I have to let the rpm's go back down to at least 1500 rpm before it will shift.

To boot, I don't even think it's making it into overdrive. When driving at 55 on flat surfaces, it averages 2400-2600 rpm. Does that sounds about right?

I know that the correct way to do it is to drop the pan and replace filter and all. I just wanted to see if this would straighten it out for the time being. Perhaps I could siphon some out?

Thanks in advance! I'm pretty green at this.

 

fill transmission to proper level with correct fluid, check owner's manual for proper specifications.

The proper level is determined by looking at the dip stick. When the transmission is cold the fluid should be between the holes. When the transmission is at operating temperature the fluid should be on the hatch portion of the dip stick. Don't overfill.

That's not the torque converter drain plug. It might be a bolt holding on the cover plate. Remove cover plate, rotate torque converter to locate the drain plug, find good school in you local for class on auto repair, buy proper service manual for your vehicle, not just the haynes type manual.

 

what rig are you working on? year, motor would help.

dont use Lucas. i recommend droping the pan and replaceing the filter also. dont half *** the job otherwise you will have more issues.

 

It's a 88 Bronco 2 with a 2.9 V6 and the A4LD tranny. I went back to the autoparts store and am going to drop the pan and replace the filter and gasket. Might as well do it right.

I've heard some for and some against Lucas. Is there any particular reason not to use it?

 

it could get rid of particles that are actually keeping the tranny alive and working. best to just use the proper grade ATF and be done with it

also check fluid level with engine running.

 

You're wanting to post on the Bronco2 forums, not the big Broncos

Bronco II - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Also, the way I feel about additives.. logically, if they were that awesome, Ford's shelves would be stocked with them. I've only found one additive I'll use and that's Marvel Mystery Oil, and that's only for cleaning a seriously sludged motor. Even when I do this I know I'll spend months fixing leaks caused by the cleaning, sometimes it isn't worth the trouble.

I don't even like Seafoam for anything but cleaning my throttlebody, and that's just with a rag. I think the vacuum line + seafoam method is complete placebo and it does absolutely nothing..


anyways, like I said, it's logical. Oil is formulated to work the best it can with your motor, it's in EVERYONE's best interests (oil mfr, engine mfr, etc). The same goes for PS fluid, transmission fluid, etc. You can clean something (marvel, seafoam) but you have to be really careful and know what you're doing.
You can also thicken oil to slow down leaks (lucas, etc) but it's not magic and doesn't do much more. It might increase oil pressure at your pump in tranny or engine, but so would a thicker oil, and even with increased pressure, it's probably reducing the volume of the fluid being moved.

 

@ Kemicalburns, I think I'll do it that way. I've had a lot of people tell me that the gunk in it can keep it going.

@ ErrorS, I didn't even notice the forum. I'll report it and see if a mod will move it for me.

Looks like it'll be a day or two before I get to do this because of the weather. When I do, I'll take pics and make a follow up thread. I know it helps me a lot to be able to see the actual parts to be able to do something right!

 

Moved to Bronco II forum

 

My $.02 USD......

I think Lucas is a GREAT product, when used in CONJUNCTION with a fresh fluid/filter change...NOT as a liquid cure all....Period...

Again, if you choose to go with some Lucas with a fresh change...Do it...

Simply swap the 1qt? or however much, for the same amount of ATF....Otherwise, you'll be overfilling it....


Goodluck...

 

The way I feel about additives.. logically, if they were that BAD, Ford wouldn't sell any more new cars.

Why would Ford stock an additive extending the life of the vehicle past the end of life 100k design mark?

BTW, Ford does have additives, all be it they are geared towards vehicle neglected by lack of additive use to clean out carbon, for example.

 

yep, which is why they sell nothing but junk oil, brakes, filters, etc, right?