The Amsoil ATF in my 1998 Dodge 1500 318 with a large ATF cooler has turned a dark cherry color.Its still tranluscent and smells ok.I did a total ATF replacement at about 40k with Amsoil ATF and at 60k did a filter and make up fluid(Amsoil).Now I'm at 94k.With the FACTORY fluid I had some torque converter lock up shutter and the AMSOIL ATF eliminated that.It still shifts and locks up good,no shudder going into lockup.Any concern with the fluid color?
AMSOIL ATF fliud color after some miles.
- Thread starter hounddog
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Since you have an external ATF Cooler it is not surprising that your fluid is still cherry color. Can you post pictures of the color of your transmission fluid. Do you have a temperature gauge, or an infrared gun that you can aim at your transmission pan.
Gary or Pablo might have some more knowledge about this subject.
Gary or Pablo might have some more knowledge about this subject.
It's going to turn some in 34K, none stay the new color for long. You might send in a sample for testing, but it's probably good for a few more thousand miles.
What type of service does the 98 Dodge perform, just general driving around or is it a work truck.
What type of service does the 98 Dodge perform, just general driving around or is it a work truck.
Normal driving.Most 'work'it does is bagged garbage to the dump once every two weeks.I get on it some but by no means thrash it.I'm 54.It does have some mods Elderbrock headers,Dynomax muffler,Fastman modified throttle body,Suerchips programmer,Harlan Sharp 1.7 ratio roller rockers.It runs great.Trans shifts good.Most of my nailing it is late night getting on highway down a ramp once in a while.I bought truck new.As I said the fluid looks like dark cherry it is by no means 'red' at least not to me.No trans temp gauge.I put the cooler on back when truck was new.Amsoil says fluid is good for 100k light duty and 50k severe use.I was planning to service trans.Not sure if just a pan drop/filter or a complete fluid exchange.I have a Blackstone test kit somewhere.I might try to get a trans fluid sample and send it in.MY curiosity is killing me.LOL
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What is the difference in fluid quantity full change Vs just a pan drop?
17 or so on a exchange and 5 or so with a pan drop new filter.I usually never do both on any of my vehicles at the same time.You waste several qts of fluid.When pan off at 60k it was first time.Cork gasket was almost leaking.Did a ban adjust,new filter.Virtually nothing in pan then.I need to find the test kit I have and figure a easy way to get some fluid from the unit.I was just wondering if it was normal for the Amsoil ATF to turn color.I called them and got a WELL maybe we don't know maybe,kinda answer.
the color change is from the worn off friction material from clutch packs and bands.
normal and expected with the performance mods on the engine.
you must be running over 300 hp into that tranny?
i know i don't have to ask if there are any WOT shifts?
definitely manuf. rated severe service with the engine mods
either the frictions slip some and wear or something has to give and breaks.
normal and expected with the performance mods on the engine.
you must be running over 300 hp into that tranny?
i know i don't have to ask if there are any WOT shifts?
definitely manuf. rated severe service with the engine mods
either the frictions slip some and wear or something has to give and breaks.
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Stock H.P. was 230. I think I might have added 40hp to it at most.It did help torque a fair amount.I'm not much on wot shifts but yes at times.The mods I did at about 65k as a Christmas present to myself.Did make it a little more fun to drive.It really needs a Hi Flo cat converter and maybe true duals but that's not going to happen.Other then repairs/maintenance I'm not doing anything else to it.I'm kinda hankering for a 09 1500.Maybe a Ford but not happy about what I read about the 5.4 Ford engine.The 5.7 09 Hemi is a screamer.
I would replace the ATF every 50K {30k for non synthetic}, no matter how the vehicle is driven to maximise tranny life- even if the atf is not totally spent by then, there is still 50,000 miles worth of wear/debris particles in it accelerating wear to tranny.
If you are going to keep the truck I would suggest you install some type of external filter, like a spin-on or a Magnefine. An easy and good way to take a sample is by pulling a cooler line. I have been told you are less likely to pick up contaminates that way than with a sample hose (and pump) down the dipstick.
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If you are going to keep the truck I would suggest you install some type of external filter, like a spin-on or a Magnefine.
+1 Easy enough to do.
If you are going to keep the truck I would suggest you install some type of external filter, like a spin-on or a Magnefine.
+1 Easy enough to do.
Yep Amsoil and magnifine. I did an 80K run on my Dads 91 Voyager van A604 trans. Kept the fluid in pretty good shape.
I would not think it a big deal to run 50-60k unless very very severe driving.
I would not think it a big deal to run 50-60k unless very very severe driving.
Originally Posted By: hounddog
09 1500.Maybe a Ford but not happy about what I read about the 5.4 Ford engine.The 5.7 09 Hemi is a screamer.
OT, but we have several Hemis and several 5.4 Fords in our fleet. The Fords run well and show very low wear. The Hemis throw HUGE copper and other wear metals numbers, and I'm quite concerned we'll lose a couple (probably be just outside of warranty, though).
I've been looking for a TSB or something because I think something might be up internally on the Hemis, but the dealer can't find anything for me so far. Anyone here work for an OEM engine rebuilder?
09 1500.Maybe a Ford but not happy about what I read about the 5.4 Ford engine.The 5.7 09 Hemi is a screamer.
OT, but we have several Hemis and several 5.4 Fords in our fleet. The Fords run well and show very low wear. The Hemis throw HUGE copper and other wear metals numbers, and I'm quite concerned we'll lose a couple (probably be just outside of warranty, though).
I've been looking for a TSB or something because I think something might be up internally on the Hemis, but the dealer can't find anything for me so far. Anyone here work for an OEM engine rebuilder?
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