dallasmef
Active Member
- Joined
- July 9, 2008
- Messages
- 51
- Reaction score
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- City, State
- Dallas, TX
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1997 Explorer XLT
I may have some data for an age old question about transmission fluid changes and flushes for high mileage transmissions. I have heard from multiple sources that flushing will cause big problems for a high mileage transmission. My posting here is to warn you that even a small amount of new fluid may cause problems as the detergent in new fluid strips the varnish from the internal parts that facilites its' functioning at high mileage transmission work.
Two months ago, my 5R55E transmission was flaring between gear 2 and 3 and I changed the filter and fixed the flare. To be safe, I put the old transmission fluid back in, after straining it. This prevented me from encountering problems from new fluid which I was warned about.
This weekend, I convinced myself that I should begin upgrading my fluid incrementally since the fluid that is in there probably needs it. So, I siphoned out 2.5 quarts and replaced with 2.5 quarts of MerconV per the owner's manual. Immediately after, I took it out for a test drive and didn't think I was going to make it back home because of the new flare and clattering the transmision.
It is important to note that my transmission was functioning fine without any problems which would be related to loose valve body bolts, solenoids, epc, valve body gasket, broken bands or anything else.
Now, I am left with a transmission wherein the absence of the varnish has created a problem scenario all its own, Realistically, it is safe to say that my problem is not caused by any broken bands, clutches, blown seals or pressure leaks...... since it was running fine before.
Frustrated and befuddled, I added some Lucas transmission fix, but logic doesn't support that may be a solution at all. The bottle says that it cleans and lubricates. If it is cleaning the varnish, then, it may only be complicating my problem.
Moral to ths story: In the words of Kenny Rogers.....
" Promise me Son not to do the things I've Done"
Change your transmission filter and fluid at least once a year. Personally, I intend to siphon/repalce 2 quarts of ATF fluid everytime I change my engine oil to keep the quality of my transmission fluid as new.
If there is a way to flush a transmission with varnish and restore it to its previous condition, we can patent the idea / process and make millions.
Regards,
Stranded
Two months ago, my 5R55E transmission was flaring between gear 2 and 3 and I changed the filter and fixed the flare. To be safe, I put the old transmission fluid back in, after straining it. This prevented me from encountering problems from new fluid which I was warned about.
This weekend, I convinced myself that I should begin upgrading my fluid incrementally since the fluid that is in there probably needs it. So, I siphoned out 2.5 quarts and replaced with 2.5 quarts of MerconV per the owner's manual. Immediately after, I took it out for a test drive and didn't think I was going to make it back home because of the new flare and clattering the transmision.
It is important to note that my transmission was functioning fine without any problems which would be related to loose valve body bolts, solenoids, epc, valve body gasket, broken bands or anything else.
Now, I am left with a transmission wherein the absence of the varnish has created a problem scenario all its own, Realistically, it is safe to say that my problem is not caused by any broken bands, clutches, blown seals or pressure leaks...... since it was running fine before.
Frustrated and befuddled, I added some Lucas transmission fix, but logic doesn't support that may be a solution at all. The bottle says that it cleans and lubricates. If it is cleaning the varnish, then, it may only be complicating my problem.
Moral to ths story: In the words of Kenny Rogers.....
" Promise me Son not to do the things I've Done"
Change your transmission filter and fluid at least once a year. Personally, I intend to siphon/repalce 2 quarts of ATF fluid everytime I change my engine oil to keep the quality of my transmission fluid as new.
If there is a way to flush a transmission with varnish and restore it to its previous condition, we can patent the idea / process and make millions.
Regards,
Stranded