Tranny Flush

[adale]

Ok...here is the $1000 question. To flush or not to flush? My '93 Navajo has 104K on it. Tranny flushed with new filter every 30K and normal ATF used. I want to change to synthetic and do the flush myself. We have all heard the horror stories of flushing the tranny and then it dies. Most of these deaths were caused from the tranny never being maintained correctly, but I wonder if the extra cleaning power of synthetics might cause a similar problem. I was going to pull the pan, change the filter and then flush the system. Thanks!

 

[rizzjc]

I have a '97 with 132k on it. I was pretty good about have the pan fluid changed every 40k (with regular ATF). Who knows if they actually replaced the filter like they were supposed to. At about 100k I did a full flush and fill with Amsoil Universal ATF. After I figured out they shorted me 2 quarts and I added it, I haven't had any problems, and could argue that I've noticed a *slight* increase in gas mileage. I had done the filter not long before the full flush, so I didn't do it again then, but will at the next regular interval. No reason why you can't do the filter and the full flush at the same time, and waste less fluid. I did that on my '92 Lexus that I just changed over at 45k.

 

[adale]

Thanks for the reply rizzjc, how do you like the Ea air filter?

 

[rizzjc]

Ummm, it works. Honestly haven't noticed anything major. There is no *recognizable* change in gas mileage, but we will see if things stay cleaner, and it really lasts 4 years. Amsoil guarantees it, and I haven't had a complaint with their claims yet. I do need to get the Series 2000 0W30 back in the truck though, and do a real comparison.

 

[BrooklynBay]

With 0W30, the engine will run easier, but will make a little more noise, since the thinner oils don't deaden the sound of the inner parts like the thicker ones. On the older engines with worn seals, you will have to add oil more frequently. The thicker oils don't get past the seals as easily as the thinner ones do.

 

[rizzjc]

I've used 0W30 for about 120k of 132k miles that I have on my truck. Never lost a drop of oil until my real seal went. And have never noticed it making any more noise either.