Just bought 95 F-350,PSD, auto trans, 200k miles. Tranny works ok but concerned about changing the filter and fluid. I told a trany repair guy nearby and explained that the truck had 200k and i did not know whether it had ever been serviced lately or fluid changed. He said don't change fluid, because if it does have 200k on it the new clean fluid will cause almost immeadiate failure. He indicated that trannys run for long miles without service often fail when oil is finally changed. He suggested leave it alone. Is this good advice or is he full of #@&%.

I don't want to take chances or abuse my equipment, i need absolute reliability.

Anyone out there got any advise for me.

 

This time your mechanic is telling you the truth. This is definitely a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". The problem of breaking loose deposits and diluting the varnish exists in the clutch packs, seals, valve body, and within the torque converter

 

Now im scared. My truck has 62,000 miles and i just changed out all the old fluid to Amsoil Synthetic ATF. The last time the tranny was serviced was at the 51,000 miles marker but with a pan drop/clean & refill only, not a complete flush.

So far ive covered just over 200 miles with no probs, should i put on a tranny filter asap incase there is carbon buildup??

 

Well, i think do not have to worry about carbon build up in the tranny, but i think you should be fine.

 

DON'T DO THE FLUCH CRAP EITHER!

 

What is FLUCH? Please forgive this newby!

 

Sorry, that's supposed to be FLUSH!

 

Bubba, are you inventing words again?

 

I was carbonated! Sorry.

 

I think
i would try and get some history on the truck and its records and if that doesn't work you still have the old smell and color test either way your going to have to take a chance change it or not and cross your fingers good luck

 

So, pardon my ignorance, but I have heard this about old oil in transmissions, and have also heard that it is an old wive's (husband's ) tale. In fact, I once had a Turbo 400 that was slipping and a shop suggested changing the fluid and it fixed it. Never had trouble again as long as I owned the car.

I've rebuilt three different transmissions, including an E4OD, and I can't think of a single reason why it would be better NOT to change the fluid. I can only think of reasons why it would be imperative to change it.

If someone really knows why you shouldn't, please enlighten me.

John.

 

I guess there are different opinions about this one but i will give you my 1 experience that makes up my mind reguarding a neglected tranny.

Chevy 700R4, I bought it used with 80000 miles, it was an 89 model and I was 18(28 now) and was not smart enough to check service records and bought it anyway.. at about 120000 miles I decided to change the ATF because after i checked it once it was really in bad shape.... About 4 weeks later on a trip to Carlsbad NM from Abilene TX it crapped out on me, All i had was 1 gear. The truck and tranny ran fine up untill that point and i dismiss coincidence. I asked the tranny shop that rebuilt it for me ($1500) why it failed and was asked if the tranny was serviced regularly. Of course i told them no but that i had just drained and reserviced it.. They told me the detergent in the new fluid had eaten away at the burnt transmission fluid deposits that were actually keeping everything sealed. I don't see any reason for them to lie because they were doing the rebuild regardless of the reason for failure. Anyway thats my longwinded opinion on the matter. Either maintain it frequently(service intervals) or leave it alone in my book. By the way guys that 89 chevy silverado w/350 and rebuilt 700r4 is now on 220000 miles. I sold it to my dad. Chevy used to make good trucks, now I have the best, see signature!!!!!

 

DONT FLUSH IT FOR SURE.had 74000 miles on tranny had dealer flush change the whole deal by 76,000 tranny dead.talked to amco cause I was going to kill the dealer they said that you DO NOT flush high milage auto trans.just dont do it.and for those who may ask the dealer did not take care of me.3000 dollars latter had a new tranny.
Note: no fluid or filter changes for the whole 74,000.
another note:Me and auto trannies dont get along next truck 6 speed.
final note:02 psd with chip 4 inch exhast ats turbo custom intake some high flow bull crap muffler and a 6 inch tip.Tranny has a shift valve and deeper pan

 

Gypsy, couple of contradictions. You bought a truck almost 10 years old with 200K miles. TO complicate it further there doesn't seem to be much maintanance data on the trans. You can't get the level of reliability you seem to want with that scenario, sorry. Me, I would sample the ATF fluid. If it wasn't burned up I would let it ride, do nothing. Any trans with 200K on it could fail any time. When it does get it fixed. If you want that "absolute reliability" go ahead and get it rebuilt at some place like BTS or Suncoast.
I have changed the ATF fluid out in cars and trucks with high miles, never had the first problem.