Flushing out and replacing fluids
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Flushing out and replacing fluids
I have a 1992 F150 5.0L XLT 2wd that has been sitting for about 2 to 3 years. Which, if any, systems should I flush out completely and which systems should I just add fluids.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Ohio
Depending on how well it was maintained before and where it was stored, I'd do at least the oil change. It really all depends on what you want to do.
You could do transmission, coolant, then add in brake fluid, power steering fluid.
You could do transmission, coolant, then add in brake fluid, power steering fluid.
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New User
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Thanks, I really just want to get it running well and eventually try to get as much power as I can out of it, but that's going to be a lot later. I want it to be running well enough to be a daily driver not that I plan on making it my daily, that's just my goal.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
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I would change all the fluids and filters etc before driving it very much and definitely change the oil before driving it at all.
I would not flush the transmission though. Just drain the pan and torque converter if it has a plug. Then replace the filter.
The brake fluid might be something you could hold off on at first if they work, but I'd get to that at some point.
See if the differential is LS or not. If it is, I would change that too.
I would not just top off any fluids except for short term.
I would not flush the transmission though. Just drain the pan and torque converter if it has a plug. Then replace the filter.
The brake fluid might be something you could hold off on at first if they work, but I'd get to that at some point.
See if the differential is LS or not. If it is, I would change that too.
I would not just top off any fluids except for short term.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
I have a totally different view. I'd flush the transmission and not replace the filter.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Carnation, Wah
...and I'd do the brakes and coolant before driving it, and everything else after I made sure it ran well enough
that I really wanted to keep it.
But the short answer is that, as long as everything works, just put some fresh gas in and be gentle
with the brakes, as they may boil easily.
we're all different,
t
that I really wanted to keep it.
But the short answer is that, as long as everything works, just put some fresh gas in and be gentle
with the brakes, as they may boil easily.
we're all different,
t
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
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Almost no one recommends this. I'd rather leave the old fluid and not touch it.
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
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Why don't you do this with the engine, too?
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Lead Driver
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From: Ohio
I know with age the lubricity of the ATV goes away and you get shutter. So, not knowing the mileage or the maintenance of the truck, I would suggest a service to just make sure. I'm assuming you are just using a cooler line to change out the fluid only? Not having to deal with dropping the pan. Though even with my hatred of automatics, I've been able to service a few of mine though the years without issue. No leaks, no mess.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
The filter is more than a screen, but not a lot more. If there is enough junk in it that it needs to be replaced, the transmission has already failed.
I know of old mechanics that also say to never flush the trans. In my opinion, they are basing their claims on 1960's transmission technology. If that's what you want to follow, go for it.
I know of old mechanics that also say to never flush the trans. In my opinion, they are basing their claims on 1960's transmission technology. If that's what you want to follow, go for it.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
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You are really the fist person that I have ever really heard suggest never changing the filter. The filter is more than a screen and needs to be changed. It is an easy task, so I'm not sure why your are against changing the filter, but whatever works for you.
Since I first joined nearly 20 years ago, the general consensus on this forum has always been a fluid and filter change works best on these trucks
Another option is to try to let the system pump the fluid out from the hose under the radiator and keep adding though the dip stick tube.
The only shops I have ever been in that recommend a transmission flush have been the quick lube type places.
As they say there is more than one way to skin a cat, but I'll stick with what I know works. We've gotten hundreds of thousands of miles of service out of our vehicles this way.
Maybe flushes work great on the new designs.
Since I first joined nearly 20 years ago, the general consensus on this forum has always been a fluid and filter change works best on these trucks
Another option is to try to let the system pump the fluid out from the hose under the radiator and keep adding though the dip stick tube.
The only shops I have ever been in that recommend a transmission flush have been the quick lube type places.
As they say there is more than one way to skin a cat, but I'll stick with what I know works. We've gotten hundreds of thousands of miles of service out of our vehicles this way.
Maybe flushes work great on the new designs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Ohio
I understand the thought of the fact if the filter is clogged up, the transmission is basically worn out(all the clutch material is worn off). But for a few bucks and if you want to know what is really going on with it, so I would drop the pan and do a full service. You're in there, might as well for the few bucks it cost.
I remember hearing that once a transmission gets "xx" amount of miles, don't service it. You're apt to knock crap loose and screw it up. Leave a sleeping dog lie kinda thing.
Heck many new cars don't even have a way to add/check transmission fluid.
I remember hearing that once a transmission gets "xx" amount of miles, don't service it. You're apt to knock crap loose and screw it up. Leave a sleeping dog lie kinda thing.
Heck many new cars don't even have a way to add/check transmission fluid.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
I'm not against changing the filter, I just think it isn't worthwhile. If you want to change it, have at it. You won't hurt anything, but you will spend money that doesn't improve the trans. The old filter isn't hurting it unless the trans has already failed.
And I've had hundreds of thousands of miles of service using my methods.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
One of the transmissions I worked on when I was at Ford was the 5R5N in the Lincoln LS. It was the first automatic at Ford without a dipstick. You had to have the car in the air, remove a plug inside a standpipe in the pan, and add fluid to the trans through a fill plug to set the level. Many people said you couldn't check or add to that trans, they just didn't know how to do it, and it wasn't easy.