ATF changing via Siphon Pump?

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I just bought a siphon pump for getting oil samples and other miscellaneous fluid transfers, and I was thinking that maybe it would work for changing the ATF in my '95 Integra as well. The dipstick is recessed beneath the air filter housing, and kind of a pain to get to, but with the hose it should be able to reach in there. This would be much easier than jacking up the car and taking the tire off and messing with that bolt (which I hear is kind of a pain to get off, and I don't wanna risk stripping it). Would this work as well as that to get ~3 quarts out? I think the setup would be the same for most Honda AT's.
 
IMO, you're much better off taking the pan off and replacing the filter at the same time; but if the pump is powerful enough, I don't see any reason why it shouldn't work.
 
I'm not sure, it's just a little $8 handheld job I got at Wal-Mart after I dropped off some oil that I was recycling. The hose is pretty long, and it has a smaller hose used for dipsticks, as well. I was just hoping to get 3 quarts out (because that's all I bought) I know i'd be better taking off the pan, but i'm not sure how to do that.
 
If it's the orange/reddish one, don't bother. drop the pan...get under the car, find the pan and start loosening bolts.
 
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Thanks rsylvstr, yes it's the Orange one. I'll have to look into that then, or if I can't figure it out, give up and take it to a transmission shop or the dealer and have them do it. I wonder how much fluid i'd need by doing it that way.
 
Both of my GM transmissions use 8 quarts on a pan drop, I'd imagine you'd need at least 4-5 on the Acura, if not more. There is no need to bring it to a shop, on 99.9% of all cars, simply unbolt the transmission pan and get ready for a waterfall of fluid to pour out. Replace the filter, clean everything up, rebolt the pan, fill it back up, and you're off!

For a completely unrelated reason, I once tried to siphon transmission fluid and the pump simply wasn't powerful enough (it was handheld). You need a decently strong pump to siphon oils and transmission fluids, they are much thicker than water.
 
Am I going to need to replace any gaskets or need any special tools? I'm not too sure if the 'rents would be too happy with ATF all over their garage floor, either
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My GM's have reusable gaskets, however I have absolutely no idea what is on your Acura. Might not hurt to ask the dealer while you're there buying the new filter.
 
I might just have them do it when I have them adjust the valves. I was also planning on bleeding the brakes myself and also replacing the fluid in the abs modulator, but it all seems a bit over my head. I'm used to simpler things like changing PCV valves and changing oil, air filters, batteries, etc.
 
You can do it, just get a service manual and set aside an afternoon. Everyone here started by learning where the ignition key goes at some point.
 
removing the drain plug is the best way...

Plus you can wipe off all the metal shavings on the magnetic drain plug.
 
I just looked through the service manual and unfortunately it doesn't have specific instructions for taking off the pan, just removing the entire transmission and I can't seem to find the pan on the diagram. Do you think they could perhaps mean the Right Housing Cover? That's where the service bolt is located.
 
if it's like the 2001 civic, you won't have an actual "pan"
it'll be the right (passenger) housing cover and I know our civic has a plug where you stick in a 3/8" drive socket (like the front/rear axles on a truck)....that will let about 3 qts drain out.
 
Do you know how hard it would be to open that plug? I don't think the fluid's been changed in a while, so I wanna try to do it as soon as possible. Will I need any extensions or anything like that? I just have a basic socket wrench and also a 3/8" extension for my spark plug socket.
 
There is a small pump which goes on a 3/8 inch drill which can be used to empty many ATF pans. Boaters use them to change oil, so there is enough power. Find one at a auto parts store, or boat shop, such as West Marine.
 
IMHO, I wouldn't change to synthetic fluid on a car/transmission that old. Just go with the fluid sold by the dealer.

If you ever get the transmission rebuilt, though, go ahead and get it filled with synthetic from the start.
 
I already purchased it though, do you think it would hurt anything? the transmission isn't jerking or anything like that, I know it's been changed at least twice before, but using the Honda Z-1. ****, could you perhaps do me a favor and find me a link to one, so I can know what to get? Thanks
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