ATF change with much better shifting....

[TheLoneRanger]

Hi all. I have a new fluid removal/suction tool, and tried it out on my Mustang last weekend. It removed 3 quarts of old fluid, which I replaced with 3 quarts of Mercon/Dexron II. The car has 120K miles on it, and this is the 3rd drain and fill on the transmission fluid. The previous fills were with Castrol synthetic fluid, along with a filter change and pan cleaning (which looked very clean, by the way).

I was surprised to find that the transmission shifted noticibly firmer with the new fluid (non-synthetic). Does this mean that the old fluid in it is getting worn out, or the transmission is getting worn?

Or maybe both.....!?

 

[Kevin in Texas]

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheLoneRanger:
Hi all. I have a new fluid removal/suction tool, and tried it out on my Mustang last weekend. It removed 3 quarts of old fluid, which I replaced with 3 quarts of Mercon/Dexron II. The car has 120K miles on it, and this is the 3rd drain and fill on the transmission fluid. The previous fills were with Castrol synthetic fluid, along with a filter change and pan cleaning (which looked very clean, by the way).

I was surprised to find that the transmission shifted noticibly firmer with the new fluid (non-synthetic). Does this mean that the old fluid in it is getting worn out, or the transmission is getting worn?

Or maybe both.....!?

---

What brand ATF did you use?

I have a Ford Explorer with 105K and a A4LD trans and did the same thing last weekend. I used Pennzoil Dex III/Mercon conventional and I noticed an immediate improvemement in my shifts.

 

[MolaKule]

It's shifting better now because of additive replenishment.

Your ATF additives had most likely depleted.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

Kevin, I used AutoZone brand fluid. I don't know who makes it. My transmission is an A4LD also.

Molukue, I'm sure that is the case. I'm going to change it several more times, until I have mostly new fluid in it. This vacuum/change unit is the trick for jobs such as this. It's very quick and clean.

 

[bretfraz]

Would you guys give us details on the suction tool thingy? Brand, model #, price, where to buy..... stuff like that.

Sounds like a nice toy that I could use.

Thanks for the info.

 

[widman]

I prefer to pull the line at the radiator and let the pump shoot out the old fluid while adding the new stuff. 100% change. Just requires 2 people.

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

betfratz-
Marine supply stores or most auto parts stores have a small pump which goes on a 3/8 inch drill and can be used to suck up the oil

widman--
agree with you, but prefer to suck out and replace what is in the pan first. Then you have fresh stuff pushing what is in the torque converter and less dilution at the get-go.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

Bretfraz, it came from griotsgarage.com Item 10122 Oil/Liquid Extractor $64.95.

I have two 4x4's, and it's very useful for changing diff oil, in addition to transmission fluid.

SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE & QUICK OIL/LIQUID EXTRACTOR IN EASY TO USE
Car manufacturers are making it harder and harder for you to change your oil. They apparently think your time is best spent driving down to their shop and paying them to do it. Nonsense! With our Oil/Liquid Extractor you can change your oil in a matter of minutes without crawling underneath the car! Just slide the suction tube down your dipstick holder, pump the handle to create vacuum inside the chamber or hook up your air line, and in a matter of minutes, all of your oil will be sucked out of the sump! Use it to suck out heavy transmission and differential fluid, brake fluid, gear oil, antifreeze or power steering fluid! Suction valve automatically shuts off when full. Great for cars, boats, lawn mowers, backed-up sinks, even fish tanks! The hand pump style is 24" tall and 6 1⁄2" in diameter with a 6.5 liter capacity. Captured liquid dispenses easily for recycling. Notice the pants in this picture! You'll stay clean too. Another great way to Have fun in your garage! TM
Please note, Oil/Liquid Extractor is not compatible with these models:
1999 - 2002 Corvette
1999 - 2001 TransAm
2000 - 2002 Ford SUV's (Explorer, Expedition, Excursion)

[ October 05, 2002, 10:24 PM: Message edited by: BOBISTHEOILGUY ]