BIG MISTAKE
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 148
Likes: 24
From: San Antonio, TX
BIG MISTAKE
In my haste late yesterday to finally take the truck out and while checking fluid levels, I accidentally put radiator coolant in the braking Transmission. No need to tell me how stupid that was, I promise you, I have beat myself up mercilessly!!. Obviously, I need to drain the trans, would just like thoughts on me just draining it or taking it to a shop and letting them flush it with cooler line flushing machine? wasn't very much put into the transmission before I realized my error, but enough I suspect to potentially cause issues if not corrected. Thank you all for your wisdom and patience with a rookie.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,777
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
"...in the braking Transmission..." ??
First of all, we have done similar things - or will in the future. Welcome to the club!
Second, where exactly did you put coolant?
Third, if it's in the transmission I wouldn't drive it anywhere or even start it. Drain and flush with new fluid.
First of all, we have done similar things - or will in the future. Welcome to the club!
Second, where exactly did you put coolant?
Third, if it's in the transmission I wouldn't drive it anywhere or even start it. Drain and flush with new fluid.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 148
Likes: 24
From: San Antonio, TX
Thank you for your kind words. I put it in the transmission dipstick funnel. Certainly haven't driven it but the truck was running when I put it in. Truck ran for about 1-2 minuets before I realize the mistake.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 952
Likes: 346
From: Newton Illinois
You could tow it to a shop but what I would do is flush it myself,simply remove the transmission cooler return line, slip on some clear tubing and put it in a bucket, start it up and let it run until you see any air coming out, then stop and refill and repeat until you see nothing but clean fluid come out, then drop the pan and replace the filter and more oil and you are done. I would use the cheapest compatible fluid I could find for the flushing stage.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 148
Likes: 24
From: San Antonio, TX
All, I am nothing more than a spectator on this site right now because I simply don't have any where near the experience that many of you have. I do however look forward tot he day were I can "give" information to this wonderful site of incredibly knowledgeable and helpful people. Again, thank you all for the kind words and not pointing out the fact that I made such a blunder, you have no idea how much I appreciate it. Based of the advice given, I am going to try and flush it myself adhering to the collective wisdom given.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,297
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Did you add like a quart of coolant, or a lot more? What transmission is this this? How long was it running with coolant in it?
Most converters have a drain plug, that can be accessed by removing a cover plate on the bottom of the bellhousing.
You can blow out the cooling lines by disconnecting them at the trans and draining, then blowing thru with air.
Depending on many things, coolant in the trans isn't going to do catastrophic damage, as long as you get most of it out early. Multiple oil changes are about all you can do, and just keep an eye on the fluid for signs of "milkshake".
Most converters have a drain plug, that can be accessed by removing a cover plate on the bottom of the bellhousing.
You can blow out the cooling lines by disconnecting them at the trans and draining, then blowing thru with air.
Depending on many things, coolant in the trans isn't going to do catastrophic damage, as long as you get most of it out early. Multiple oil changes are about all you can do, and just keep an eye on the fluid for signs of "milkshake".
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 148
Likes: 24
From: San Antonio, TX
Big Mistake
It was much less than a quart. the truck was running maybe 1-2 minuets before I realized what I did and turned it off. The trans is a 350. When you say multiple oil changes, are you referring to motor oil or trans oil changes looking for milkshake?
5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 30
Likes: 5
Running it in Park may be less of an issue than if you went thru Drive and Reverse...... a knowledgible transmission person could tell you that. If you drain all of the contaminated fluid from the Trans and in the TC; then I would change the Filter also before refilling it to flush. So there is $150. Then Drain all again and Refill/new Filter/Gasket..... there's another $150. note: TH350s are plentiful and less money than many others.
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