Auto Tranny - drop pan AND flush?

[tcbarney]

I'm fixin' to do a 60k service on my '96 XLT 2wd. One of the things I plan to do is replace the transmission fluid. I was planning to just flush it, but then changed my mind for 2 reasons:
1. A search through the forum suggests that the filter should be changed relatively "often," (even though my service manual never mentions the filter itself that I can find) and I trust you guys. The fluid was supposedly completely flushed at 31k by the dealer; I have no record of paying for a new filter. So I guess I'm due.
2. A quick look under the car shows some tranny fluid dripping from around the pan. (Just got back from a quick drive from Atlanta to Dallas and back, and I'm pretty sure things were dry under there when I changed the oil just prior.) So I need to drop the pan and change that gasket anyway.

So, if you were me, would you just drop the pan, change the filter, and refill, leaving some of the old fluid in there? What is dripping still looks pretty red.

Or would you also flush it out after putting the pan back on?

BTW, I occasionally get some hesitant shifts, but nothing real annoying yet.

Thanks for any advice.

Todd

 

[Alec]

I just talked to a tranny expert today

They have a flush machine that you drop the pan to use, it apparently connects inside the tranny, so you do a drop and flush at the same time. I hate to say it, but if your tranny filter is 60k old you may be looking at a rebuild in the not-so-distant future. Definately get it fully serviced. Watch for metal shavings and clutch fibers in the pan.

 

[aldive]

If it were me, I would first have it flushed completely, then drop the pan, and do the filter ( and gasket in your case ), that will only cost you about 4 quarts of fluid.

I would also add an external filter at this time too.

I highly recommend synthetic ATF.

Good luck.

 

[Alec]

For fluid, use Mercon V. The Ford MercV is synthetic.

 

[aldive]

I would use Amsoil ATF or Mobil 1 ATF in your tranny.

Contact AgExplorer for a great deal on Amsoil goodies.

Good luck.....

 

[GJarrett]

Sorry Alec, regular Ford MerconV is not synthetic. You still hafta buy AmSoil or another brand to get synthetic. Ford may have it out in synthetic by now but I don't think so. Make sure.

I still have my original filter, it was inspected when mine was opened up lately. Also, if you get a full tranny flush through one of those T-Tech type machines like a JiffyLube or other oil joint has, there is a pressure meter that shows the flow pressure during the flush. Mine had no pressure which showed freeflow. If the filter was clogged up it would have showed that pressure. If you are going to open up the pan there's no reason not to go ahead and replace it, but it don't necessarily mean that it needs replacing.

 

[yob_yeknom]

I thought Mercon V was a synthetic blend.

 

[02expsport]

Mercon V

is a BLEND.

 

[Alec]

So I was half right

 

[tcbarney]

Thanks for all of the replies. If it wasn't clear, this will be a DIY job. So no fancy flushing machines for me. I'll be preparing a 5 gal. bucket or two.

The fluid is only 30k old, not 60k. At least, it is if the dealer did what they said they did, which was flush the transmission. (Looks like that came close to $100 on the invoice, so I hope they did some real work. It lists 16qts. of fluid...)

As for fluids, I understand why folks recommend synthetics. Have never climbed on that trolley, though, not even with my 2 Miatas. I'll give it some thought, though, as I'd like this thing to last as long as possible. It's fully paid for, and handles toting my twins around quite well.

Perhaps the MerconV blend will be sufficient for me, though...