E40D trans. switch to Synthetic?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
E40D trans. switch to Synthetic?
I have a 96 E150 w/E40D tranny, I am going to do a fluid and filter change. Was looking for advise on possibly changing over to synthetic. The van has 285,000+ miles and Tranny was rebuilt at about 100,000 miles. I thought I read somewhere not to switch with high milage trannys.
Any thoughts, recommendations?
Any thoughts, recommendations?
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,723
Likes: 2,648
From: SE Florida
You can switch to synthetic with no problems. New fluid will help extend the life of the trans. If you don't work the trans real hard there isn't much benefit to synthetic over dino.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Mark is of course correct. Also, if you change the fluid regularly (and aren't running it very hard) then there is virtually no gain from synthetic.
The benefit from synthetic is increased fluid life at higher operating temperatures (like when towing) and longer intervals between changes.
The benefit from synthetic is increased fluid life at higher operating temperatures (like when towing) and longer intervals between changes.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
I'm torn, the extended fluid life of course is still a plus. I generally have my van loaded with 500-1000lbs of gear and this is gradually changing but most of the miles to date are hwy miles running up and down the east coast VA-North western NJ. so some mountains. (for you Colorado people, big hills) But I run about 7 hours non stop. very rarely pulling a very small trailer a little 4x6 enclosed trailer.
I have been reading a thread elsewhere about adding a external filter using regular oil filters. My purpose in all this is to get as many miles out of the van as possible. Given the price of new vans and the fact that I tend to be hard on the interior in the back where all the gear is loaded. I can't see spending the money on a new van when this one is still strong and I want to keep it that way.
I have been reading a thread elsewhere about adding a external filter using regular oil filters. My purpose in all this is to get as many miles out of the van as possible. Given the price of new vans and the fact that I tend to be hard on the interior in the back where all the gear is loaded. I can't see spending the money on a new van when this one is still strong and I want to keep it that way.
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Skip the external filter. Engine's and transmissions are very different and oil doesn't have the same function in either application. The only thing that could be in the oil for such a filter to remove would come out of the transmission itself. And if that were the case, you would have a bigger problem than dirty fluid.
If you want to extend the life of the transmission, install an additional cooler and change the fluid regularly. That is the proven method.
If you want to extend the life of the transmission, install an additional cooler and change the fluid regularly. That is the proven method.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Skip the external filter. Engine's and transmissions are very different and oil doesn't have the same function in either application. The only thing that could be in the oil for such a filter to remove would come out of the transmission itself. And if that were the case, you would have a bigger problem than dirty fluid.
If you want to extend the life of the transmission, install an additional cooler and change the fluid regularly. That is the proven method.
If you want to extend the life of the transmission, install an additional cooler and change the fluid regularly. That is the proven method.
Just change the fluid more often and stick with dino fluid. Why risk messing up the way the trans is with synthetic?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
I stuck with Regular. Not gonna mess with it. I change regularly and usually everyother one is a full flush.
Yeah first one was a mess and it was still a mess after 2 rebuilds. finally demanded they assign someone else to it and it's been great since. 185,000 (ALmost) miles since rebuild.
Yeah first one was a mess and it was still a mess after 2 rebuilds. finally demanded they assign someone else to it and it's been great since. 185,000 (ALmost) miles since rebuild.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Good to hear. My miles were 90% hwy. but I often carried loads up to 3K lbs. I always added a drain plug to the pan during the first fluid/filter change. After that it got a complete drain (converter and pan) every 50-60K with a filter change added in every other time. Good luck with this one, it sounds like they got it right!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craniac
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
5
Jul 28, 2015 12:25 PM
ww4bounder
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
7
Sep 29, 2004 03:55 PM
