brown tranny fluid
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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brown tranny fluid
whats up fellas, I just bought a 83 f-150 4x4 with a 302 and auto transmission, I checked the tanny fluid and it was brownish in color, water?, I'm going to replace my 4 speed tranny in my 86 4x4 which has a 300 i6 to this auto and was wondering if the fly wheel and torque converter would fit, also will the starter work the 83 has box on top of the wheel well on the driver side. Is this part of the ignition? thanx fellas
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 284
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From: Beaverton, Oregon
I can't answer your fit questions, but the fluid sounds like it's burnt to me. Smell it...does it smell like burnt plastic?
If the fluid is burnt, or contains any fiberous material the tranny needs a rebuild due to slipping or worn out clutches. I'd take it in to a tranny shop and have them go through it...it may still be a "good" transmission but in need of a rebuild.
I always advise my friends who are having auto trannies rebuilt to have them install a shift-kit of some kind to firm up the shifts...trannies last longer with those kits in them as the clutches are put under less stress.
Also think about a transmission cooler...even if you only tow every now and then. Every 20 degrees cooler you can keep your tranny will double its life.
Dan Martin
86 F350 Crewcab Dually
If the fluid is burnt, or contains any fiberous material the tranny needs a rebuild due to slipping or worn out clutches. I'd take it in to a tranny shop and have them go through it...it may still be a "good" transmission but in need of a rebuild.
I always advise my friends who are having auto trannies rebuilt to have them install a shift-kit of some kind to firm up the shifts...trannies last longer with those kits in them as the clutches are put under less stress.
Also think about a transmission cooler...even if you only tow every now and then. Every 20 degrees cooler you can keep your tranny will double its life.
Dan Martin
86 F350 Crewcab Dually
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Texas
Re: brown tranny fluid
I talked with a guy that owns a tranny shop and he said that the oil that is in the tranny is just like motor oil except it has a red dye. This red dye goes away when the tranny is overheated or the oil gets really old.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
A 302 flywheel will not fit a 300 six. The 302 has a weight on it, the 300 six doesn't. If you find a 300 six flexplate, there's a good chance the torque convertor will bolt up, though I can't guarentee it. Does the parts truck run and drive? I think I would change the fluid and filter, and test drive it before I spent all that effort putting it in the other truck. Brown fluid means neglect and abuse. See how much stuff is in the bottom of the tranny pan.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 550
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From: Effingham,IL USA
the box on the wheel well is your ignition module. i carry a good spare in my toolbox just in case mine fails. they are easy to change if they go out on you somewhere. the trans fluid and filter need changed if the fluid isnt red. that doesnt mean the trans needs rebuilt right now. if it still shifts good and doesnt slip i wouldnt worry about it just change fluid.
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one thing alot of people neglect is the tranny filter inside the pan changing the fluid helps but thats like changing your oil and just reusuing the oil filter.........
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Originally posted by blueovalonly
one thing alot of people neglect is the tranny filter inside the pan changing the fluid helps but thats like changing your oil and just reusuing the oil filter.........
one thing alot of people neglect is the tranny filter inside the pan changing the fluid helps but thats like changing your oil and just reusuing the oil filter.........
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