Should I Flush The Trans
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 230
Likes: 2
From: Michigan
Should I Flush The Trans
I got my tank a few months ago. I have no idea if the trans fluid has ever been changed. looks like it sat for while before I bought it. Had 265k on it when I bought it. I know some cars there is problems when you change the trans fluid after so long of neglect. I want to flush it to start with a clean slate but l´m new to Ford Super Duty Trucks so I´m at a lost.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 8,304
Likes: 28
From: Salem, VA
If you are worried about it then grab a new filter (From Ford or get a Motorcraft at least) and change it. If the fluid looks terrible then go from there but if it looks fine then just fill it back up and be on your way 
The best part about doing the filter is you can check the magnet when you have the pan off and look for large parts and clean the small particles while you're in there.
The best part about doing the filter is you can check the magnet when you have the pan off and look for large parts and clean the small particles while you're in there.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
It can get dicey changing the trans fluid at your mileage but if you do I agree with Apocalypse, get an OEM filter. The Ford part number for your vehicle should be YC3Z7A098BA.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 8,304
Likes: 28
From: Salem, VA
Another thing that you can do and I've done this many times:
Drop the pan and drain the fluid into a CLEAN CLEAN MINT MINT MINT pan
Change the filter
Clean the pan to where it is spotless
Clean that magnet like there is no tomorrow
Change that filter
..........Put the old fluid back in
You're basically doing a clean and inspect of the transmission without the risk of adding detergents to the system and knocking muck into the valve body
Remember, you can NEVER be to **** when you clean, never ever ever.
Drop the pan and drain the fluid into a CLEAN CLEAN MINT MINT MINT pan
Change the filter
Clean the pan to where it is spotless
Clean that magnet like there is no tomorrow
Change that filter
..........Put the old fluid back in
You're basically doing a clean and inspect of the transmission without the risk of adding detergents to the system and knocking muck into the valve body
Remember, you can NEVER be to **** when you clean, never ever ever.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I completely disagree. There's nothing dicey about putting fresh fluid into a 4R100 trans.
Fresh fluid doesn't cause a 4R100 to fail. If anything it will help with longevity.
If the trans fails after a trans fluid change, then the trans was already on its way out.
Stewart
Fresh fluid doesn't cause a 4R100 to fail. If anything it will help with longevity.
If the trans fails after a trans fluid change, then the trans was already on its way out.
Stewart
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,478
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From: Rothesay, New Brunswick
Originally Posted by Stewart_H
I completely disagree. There's nothing dicey about putting fresh fluid into a 4R100 trans.
Fresh fluid doesn't cause a 4R100 to fail. If anything it will help with longevity.
If the trans fails after a trans fluid change, then the trans was already on its way out.
Stewart
Fresh fluid doesn't cause a 4R100 to fail. If anything it will help with longevity.
If the trans fails after a trans fluid change, then the trans was already on its way out.
Stewart
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
I completely disagree. There's nothing dicey about putting fresh fluid into a 4R100 trans.
Fresh fluid doesn't cause a 4R100 to fail. If anything it will help with longevity.
If the trans fails after a trans fluid change, then the trans was already on its way out.
Stewart
Fresh fluid doesn't cause a 4R100 to fail. If anything it will help with longevity.
If the trans fails after a trans fluid change, then the trans was already on its way out.
Stewart
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
fluid changes do not cause transmissions to fail, worn out transmissions parts cause transmissions to fail. pretty much the end of the story.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,722
Likes: 2,648
From: SE Florida
If the trans is working fine new fluid can only help it.
Here's how to do it: Changing ATF Fluid in a E4OD and 4R100 transmission - Ford-Trucks.com
I don't recommend changing the filter. You can, but it isn't necessary. If there is enough junk in the filter that it needs changing, the trans has already failed.
A new filter is a waste of money. But it's not MY money...
I totally disagree. It's a myth that changing fluid in an old trans will cause it to fail.
And as to changing the filter, a new filter is a waste of money. But it's not MY money...
Now there's a major waste of time and effort! All that work, and still have the old fluid.
And as for the new filter, a new filter is a waste of money. But it's not MY money...
EXACTLY!!!!!
That's an old internet myth. It isn't true.
EXACTLY!!!!!
EXACTLY!!!!!
Here's how to do it: Changing ATF Fluid in a E4OD and 4R100 transmission - Ford-Trucks.com
I don't recommend changing the filter. You can, but it isn't necessary. If there is enough junk in the filter that it needs changing, the trans has already failed.
It can get dicey changing the trans fluid at your mileage but if you do I agree with Apocalypse, get an OEM filter. The Ford part number for your vehicle should be YC3Z7A098BA.
And as to changing the filter, a new filter is a waste of money. But it's not MY money...
Another thing that you can do and I've done this many times:
Drop the pan and drain the fluid into a CLEAN CLEAN MINT MINT MINT pan
Change the filter
Clean the pan to where it is spotless
Clean that magnet like there is no tomorrow
Change that filter
..........Put the old fluid back in
You're basically doing a clean and inspect of the transmission without the risk of adding detergents to the system and knocking muck into the valve body Remember, you can NEVER be to **** when you clean, never ever ever.
Drop the pan and drain the fluid into a CLEAN CLEAN MINT MINT MINT pan
Change the filter
Clean the pan to where it is spotless
Clean that magnet like there is no tomorrow
Change that filter
..........Put the old fluid back in
You're basically doing a clean and inspect of the transmission without the risk of adding detergents to the system and knocking muck into the valve body
Remember, you can NEVER be to **** when you clean, never ever ever.And as for the new filter, a new filter is a waste of money. But it's not MY money...
I completely disagree. There's nothing dicey about putting fresh fluid into a 4R100 trans.
Fresh fluid doesn't cause a 4R100 to fail. If anything it will help with longevity.
If the trans fails after a trans fluid change, then the trans was already on its way out.
Stewart
Fresh fluid doesn't cause a 4R100 to fail. If anything it will help with longevity.
If the trans fails after a trans fluid change, then the trans was already on its way out.
Stewart
EXACTLY!!!!!
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Transmissions get blown soon after a flush all the time. What happens is that people ignore the trans until it starts having problems. Then they get the fluid flushed hoping that the problem will go away. It won't go away, because it's already failed. New fluid won't save it, and it dies. It would have died without the flush, too.
If the trans is in good shape a flush can only help extend the life of the trans. If it's already damaged a flush won't repair it, but it won't kill it, either.
If the trans is in good shape a flush can only help extend the life of the trans. If it's already damaged a flush won't repair it, but it won't kill it, either.
That's an old wive's tale that does not have a shred of truth to it. Old crud in a clutch CANNOT keep it going. If the clutch is that bad it's already failed.
Its been kind of "an Old Wives tale" that if its never been done, never do it...because what supposedly happens is the new fluid will go and stir up all the old deposits and sediments in the transmission and cause hell within the valve body and shift mech, ect.
What I really think happens is "dude #1" starts to feel a slip or a hiccup in his transmission, says "ya know its been awhile, I outta get dat fluid changed", has it serviced, and then 2K later his trans is shot for the original reason it was acting up in the first place, having nothing to do with the health of the fluid
What I really think happens is "dude #1" starts to feel a slip or a hiccup in his transmission, says "ya know its been awhile, I outta get dat fluid changed", has it serviced, and then 2K later his trans is shot for the original reason it was acting up in the first place, having nothing to do with the health of the fluid
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Well, I see in searching for old posts by Mark, he beat me to the post reply click by seconds. 
Thanks, @Mark Kovalsky
Stewart
Thanks, @Mark Kovalsky
Stewart
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 8,304
Likes: 28
From: Salem, VA
The ONLY reason I replace the filters when I drop the pans (and I like to drop them for inspection) is they are usually pretty inexpensive, you get to replace the o-rings and you know that if there is a failure then any parts found in the filter are from the failure and not from before the fluid was changed.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 230
Likes: 2
From: Michigan
I really appreciate all of you guys help.
I do not have any issues with the trans at all. I will go ahead and flush and fill the tranny asap. Next will be those pesky Spark Plugs... I think I will have a professional do them first.
I do not have any issues with the trans at all. I will go ahead and flush and fill the tranny asap. Next will be those pesky Spark Plugs... I think I will have a professional do them first.