Trans fluid drain vs. flush?
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Tri-Cities, WA
Trans fluid drain vs. flush?
Getting mixed reviews from some other sources, so I figured I'd ask over here as well...
The truck has 128k miles on it, and I want to change the trans fluid before our upcoming towing extravaganza. Should I fork over the $$ to take it to a trans shop for a flush, or just do the usual drain/filter/gasket? I've only had the truck a few months, and the current fluid appears OK but I want to know it's good before we head out. Any tips for a DIY job on this particular trans?
The truck has 128k miles on it, and I want to change the trans fluid before our upcoming towing extravaganza. Should I fork over the $$ to take it to a trans shop for a flush, or just do the usual drain/filter/gasket? I've only had the truck a few months, and the current fluid appears OK but I want to know it's good before we head out. Any tips for a DIY job on this particular trans?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
The general consensus is that the drain and filter change is a better bet because the flush can dislodge gunk build up in the valve bodies and other transmission components. On older transmission this gunk settles into places where it doesn't cause any apparent problems, but can start causing problems when you flush it out and into parts of the transmission. I have seen several people on this forum testify that their tranny's were running great, they got a flush, and had to rebuild 5k miles later. I think a drain is you're safer bet. Just my personal opinion.
-Chris
-Chris
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Originally Posted by quicklook2
you have to drain the torque convertor at the same time or you are wasting your time.
-Chris
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Lakewood, Ohio
you would be suprised at how many forum members said they just drained the pan and put in a filter.
so now i always post to do the convertor also.
i think it holds more than 8 guarts, all i know is that it comes out like forever in an e4od.
in his post he said "just usual drain pan and filter gasket" which made me want to question if he knew to do convertor also.
so now i always post to do the convertor also.
i think it holds more than 8 guarts, all i know is that it comes out like forever in an e4od.
in his post he said "just usual drain pan and filter gasket" which made me want to question if he knew to do convertor also.
Last edited by quicklook2; Jul 10, 2007 at 02:14 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: In a house ..or garage ?
The dirty fluid is in the bottom of pan behind the filter.The converter spins so fast the fluid is well mixed and sent to the pan and filter. I never drain a converter unless Im pulling the tranny .And yes its a good idea to drain the converter but as long as you drop the pan and change the filter it will be fine . All the fluid in the converter is well filtered unless the converter is trashed.I recomend a drain plug to be installed in the pan at this time and drain and fill the pan twice a year . Change the filter every 3 and it will last nearly forever.
Pat
ps. don,t flush unless you have enough money saved for a new tranny.
Pat ps. don,t flush unless you have enough money saved for a new tranny.
Last edited by GRAVEYARDSHIFT; Jul 10, 2007 at 03:56 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
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From: Lakewood, Ohio
all the fluid could be filtered and not be any good anymore.
burnt or old it needs to be completely replaced.
burnt or old it needs to be completely replaced.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: In a house ..or garage ?
If the fluid is burnt your wasting your time changing it any how. And describe not any good anymore please.
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Junior User
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From: In a house ..or garage ?
From 40 years personal transmission service experience . 
If it smells burnt it means the bands are going or gone.A filter change helps return the pressures back to normal increasing life . Fluid gets dark because its doing its job holding contaminates , it don't all have to be drained at once . Use my method like I stated and it always will be super clean . But If you want to do the converter to thats fine . I never do . your choice. Pat
ps. I always use lucas additive in high milers that are very worn .
If it smells burnt it means the bands are going or gone.A filter change helps return the pressures back to normal increasing life . Fluid gets dark because its doing its job holding contaminates , it don't all have to be drained at once . Use my method like I stated and it always will be super clean . But If you want to do the converter to thats fine . I never do . your choice. Pat ps. I always use lucas additive in high milers that are very worn .
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: In a house ..or garage ?
Originally Posted by quicklook2
i just do not agree with you on many of your points.
if a forum member does it your way i do not think they will be very happy.
if a forum member does it your way i do not think they will be very happy.
Pat
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Joined: Dec 2003
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I like the idea of changing the fluid in the converter as well, but some converters don't have drain plugs.
I've been flushing the the trans cooler by running a whole can of brake cleaner through the cooler after disconnecting both cooler lines then blowing it dry from both directions with an air nozzle.
I've been flushing the the trans cooler by running a whole can of brake cleaner through the cooler after disconnecting both cooler lines then blowing it dry from both directions with an air nozzle.
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