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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

SCARED....help

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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 12:05 PM
  #1  
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SCARED....help

I planned on dropping my tranny pan today and replacing the screen and then putting on a new pan gasket and topping her off with fresh tranny fluid in the pan only. I don't want to flush out my TC or anything. My truck is running and shifting great, I've read some posts on here that say NOT to change the fluid in an older Truck and transmission (its an 82 F-150 with a C6) because it will most likely break up the particules in the TC and in the fluid and cause my tranny to then leak OR the new fluid will cause the old particles to break free and start clogging up the valves in my tranny. I want to change the screen but now I'm scared to even touch it, its perfect right now, should I just let it be?. My fluid isn't black, but it isn't nice and red either. Please respond with opinions soon cause I'm ready to do her now.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 01:08 PM
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Go for it! There is also a drain for the TC. Some also disconnect cooler line at trans to flush out the lines. (don't remember which is return line). Then while you're at it might as well adjust intermediate band.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 01:24 PM
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If it ain't broke why try to fix it mate?????? ........leave a sleeping dog lie, etc., ya know....
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by 80F100man
If it ain't broke why try to fix it mate?????? ........leave a sleeping dog lie, etc., ya know....
Preventative maitenance is one thing. It's good to do that type of thing.

Modification for the sake of modification, (IE replacing a external voltage regulator for no reason) is another altogether.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 02:44 PM
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I have had 2 trannys 'go out' after changing trans. filter at high mileage .... so I tend to say don't f**k with something that's workin' ok
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 02:56 PM
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I use to rebuild transmissions in the dealership In the 90's. I would definately not change the fluid especially since it hasn't been done at regular intervals. Seen to many that started shifting wierd after that,either won't downshift or problems on upshift and at different temps. If that happens you will probably have to remove the valvebody and disasemble it and clean and possibly polish the valves.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by truckn97
I use to rebuild transmissions in the dealership In the 90's. I would definately not change the fluid especially since it hasn't been done at regular intervals. Seen to many that started shifting wierd after that,either won't downshift or problems on upshift and at different temps. If that happens you will probably have to remove the valvebody and disasemble it and clean and possibly polish the valves.
I agree, if it hasn't been changed in it's regular service intervals.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 05:18 PM
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hey

Yeah, I talked to a few local guys who gave me the same advice..LEAVE IT ALONE if everything is in working order!. ANd it is shifting perectly, I was told to maybe throw a little LUCAS tranny stabalizer in there if I wanted, but I don't even know If I'll do that, everything is A OK, I just love the truck and want the drivetrain to last as long as possible. Thanks everyone for the input!!!!
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 07:18 PM
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I don't know. I personally would do it.

I like doing PM on a car/truck and would not be "scared" because someone else had a problem with their vehicle.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 08:06 PM
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Thats odd, I've never had a problem after doing a filter/fluid change on an older vehicle with an auto. It was one of the first things I did when I got this truck...when it still had a C6. 5 gears are better than 3.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 08:17 PM
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What happenes if the fluid hasn't been changed properly, when the new fluid is put in it, it breaks varnish and crud loose and causes problems.

If the fluid has never been changed, I wouldnt touch it unless a problem develops, but if it's had routine matinance done to it like it should, then keep changing that fluid.

My two cents.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Sycostang67
Thats odd, I've never had a problem after doing a filter/fluid change on an older vehicle with an auto. It was one of the first things I did when I got this truck...when it still had a C6. 5 gears are better than 3.
I never had a problem either. If the fluid is dark, mine would shift even better after I changed it. But I have to admit, I don't mess with the fluid unless I start having tranny problems.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 11:19 PM
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I agree with 81-f150-explorer,If it has been done before or regularly then it would be a good idea to change it ( But only if you know for sure) If you happen to have one that the trans. has never been serviced, The new fluid cleans so well I've seen Varnish be deposited right into the shift valves and I have had to take apart many trans. because of not shifting when cold or won't downshift when coming to a stop.Or won't take off in first gear.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2008 | 05:36 AM
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i've always done mine. regardless of age, milage, or brand. i've killed plenty of trannys, but none were due to a fluid change

if your only changing the fluid in the pan, and not the TQ, your only getting about 40% of the oil in the tranny, and if changing that much of the fluid will cause it to gum up and stop working. maybe we shouldn't top up the auto trannies when thier low...... heck, if their that dirty, how long is it going to last anyway???
 
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Old Jul 3, 2008 | 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by theonlybull
....and if changing that much of the fluid will cause it to gum up and stop working. maybe we shouldn't top up the auto trannies when thier low...... heck, if their that dirty, how long is it going to last anyway???
Well, that's just it really. If the tranny is dirty, changing the fluid can speed up faliure, due to deposits being broke loose and clogging it, however it's just a matter of time before it fails anyway due to dirt and fluid breakdown.

It's a catch 22. Danged if you do, danged if you dont.

I've seen places like Jiffy Lube offer Transmission "flushes". Perhaps that would be an option?
 
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