Transmission Questions

J

jbuch

Registered
I have 96k miles, and I have no idea when the trans fluid was last changed. But I'm sure it has been way too long. :-(

I have heard that once you get to a certain point, it's better to just leave it sealed up and pray (while saving for a new trans just in case) than to change the fluid out.

How can I tell if I'm at that point? Is it something I can check myself, or something where I could take a sample and send it for an analysis?
Would slowly changing the fluid be any better? What I mean by that, is drain a quart, and then add a quart of new fluid, few days later (or maybe longer), same thing. After doing that 12 times or so, then drain the whole thing and fill the whole thing fresh.

Thanks in advance. I feel dumb asking, but I know it would be even more foolish not to, and watch my transmission grenade.
 
RE: Transmission Questions

I would just drop the pan and change the fluid and filter.
 
RE: Transmission Questions

What does your fluid look like? If it is still red(ish) you should change it to mercon V. If its brown (you could be in trouble if this happens since your transmission could be on its last breath), you should still change it, either way your transmission will be better of.
 
RE: Transmission Questions

To ease your mind, pull the dipstick and wipe with a white paper towel and examine the fluid. Bright red = good while dark burnt smelling brown = bad.

I don't buy the transmission failure due to changing fluid theory... but that's just my opinion. If it dies due to changing tranny fluid, it has been neglected a long time anyways and was gonna die slightly later if not sooner.

BTW - get a good transmission cooler!!! The #1 reason of transmission failure is heat.

A good indicator of the tranny can be had by personally dropping the pan and draining the TC. Inspect the pan, magnet, fluid and filter. Good and clean fluid with no residue likely means the transmission is in good condition and has been maintained. Dark brown burnt smelling fluid and gunk in the pan and filter means get your wallet ready.;)
 
RE: Transmission Questions

I would definitely change the fluid to Mercon V. In addition to dropping the pan, I'd also drain the fluid from the torque converter plug and by pumping it out via the cooler fitting as described below:

Remove the upper radiator transmission line fitting from the radiator fitting. Remove the radiator fitting that is threaded in the radiator. Install a new 5/16” inverted flare to 1/4" male NPT fitting into the radiator. Then install a flared fitting with a 3/8” hose barb into the inverted flare fitting. Use thread sealant between the two fittings. Push a hose over the barbed end and secure it with a hose clamp. Run the hose to the large container on the ground. Note: If you are using empty gallon water containers. Generally, you will get one full gallon and a 1/4 gallon of ATF out this way.

Start the engine and let the ATF pump into the pan. This process takes only a few minutes and requires two people. You may slightly rev the engine to activate the pump at a higher capacity, but do not exceed 1,200 rpm. Once the ATF fluid starts spitting or the flow rate slows significantly, stop the engine quickly. Failure to stop the engine could result in transmission damage as the pump sucks up air. Re-install the transmission line to the radiator fitting and discard the 3/8" ID hose. NOTE: Now is an excellent time to install an auxiliary transmission cooler.

Using the above methods will get the maximum amount of old fluid out of your tranny - I've done it that way several times - it's completely safe if done as described.

I'd also replace the 1/2 accumulator while you're in there - it's really easy. BlackIceLSC posted illustrated directions here: http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/496399

His directions also include the steps for the J-Mod, but you could do just the 1/2 if you're already happy with the way your car shifts.

John
[link:mark8.org/lodnca|NorCal Chapter Website]
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
 
RE: Transmission Questions

I've personally seen a fluid change finish off a tranny.
The new fluid has detergents in it.The old stuff, the detergents have degraded and aren't as potent.Then you put in fresh fluid and the detergents are strong. they can clean out all the debris if you will, from the bands and clutches and essentially clean away the gripping material.Making it slip.

I'm not saying "dont do it". Just be prepared to spend money on a rebuilt just in case.
 
RE: Transmission Questions

Thanks for the replies, I guess I'll have to save up some extra cash just in case. Does Dennis or Geno (or anyone else for that matter) sell rebuilt 'bulletproof' trannys? I thought Dennis sold J-modded/rebuilt transmissions, and figured Geno might also. I know Dan sells performance parts, but didn't remember hearing anything about transmissions. Just trying to get a plan set up in case she blows.
 
RE: Transmission Questions

Dennis does sell trannies that have the jmod done and they are beefed up. I think I remember seeing a link from Geno about selling a beefed up tranny from level ten transmissions. I went to there web site, looks good but they are pricey. not sure on the exact price from either one, I believe they are around 1600-2000.
 
RE: Transmission Questions

Keep in mind that for a good rebuild, you will probably pay around $2600 installed. That includes parts, and many shops are willing to let you order the parts you want if you know what you want.
 
RE: Transmission Questions

Jeff
when your trans goes out, get a new one from Dennis, or find a 98 trans with low miles, and we'll swap it in for ya ...
 
RE: Transmission Questions

Do you have to drain torque converter and radiator tranny line or one or the other,thanks.And also what is correct way of draining torque con.
 
RE: Transmission Questions

There is a small plug on the torque converter to remove and drain the fluid. You'll need to turn the crank to align the plug with the access hole in the bell housing. The access hole should have a rubber plug that removes for this purpose. This along with removing and draining the pan will remove 90%-95% of the fluid given enough 'drip' time. The OEM rubber pan gasket is reusable. I recommend teflon tape on the plug when reinstalling it in the torque converter. Also, be sure to clean and replace the magnet in the pan and replace the filter. And while you're at it, check the torque on the valve body bolts.
 
RE: Transmission Questions

Two last questions then im at it,how do you turn the crank and wheres the bolts for valve body ,thanks for your time dude
 
RE: Transmission Questions

got it it was easy thanks dude ,I have to try to do radiator flush the dealers in san diego gere wants over $100.00 no way
 
RE: Transmission Questions

Say driller im on way to get tranny pan for my 94 you said get one for a 96 am I correct please respond asap thanks
 
RE: Transmission Questions

Say driller im on way to get tranny pan for my 94 you said get one for a 96 am I correct please respond asap thanks
Click to expand...

You want the '96 'deep dish' model(with or without drain plug). This is from http://www.markviii.org/~1wykdmk8/partnumbers.html :

Newer Style Tranny Pan - F6AZ-7A194-A
Gasket for Newer Style Tranny Pan - F2VY-7A191-A
Tranny Filter for Newer Style Tranny Pan - F6AZ-7A098-A
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top