Auto-rx in my 4L60E transmission

Patman · Nov 16, 2003

On the Auto-rx.net site they mention to use 6oz of Auto-rx in automatic transmissions, but what about in my Firebird's 4L60E transmission, which holds about 15-16qts of fluid? Do I still run 6oz, or do I need more?

I plan on getting a full fluid flush done in the spring, so I will put Auto-rx in there about 2500km (1550mi) before the flush. The trans has 95k on it now, and has had at least one full flush done to it before 56k (when I bought it) and since I bought it I did a full flush right at 56k, then had a pan drop/filter change service done (which only gets about 5qts out I believe) last spring. I don't believe any additives have been used in this transmission.

Leo · Nov 16, 2003

I thought it was ~1oz per quart in your trans?

So probably a bottle should be suffice IMO. But frank would be the best to answer this one..

Frank · Nov 16, 2003

Patman,Use 6 ounces of Auto-Rx only in your car's automatic transmission. Transmission fluid is a base hydraulic oil viscosity ISO 68 and very viscious (additive package is manufactures choice synthetic or non synthetic ) There is no need for a second cleaning or a maintenance dose of Auto-Rx in your transmission.

Leo,Manual transmissions are 1 ounce of Auto-Rx per 1 quart of transmission fluid. Correct applications for both also power steering and differentials can be found on www.auto-rx.net

Patman · Nov 16, 2003

Thanks Frank! So do you think 2500km is a good interval to run Auto-rx in the trans, or should I do it for 2000km? (1250mi)

Bio-T · Nov 16, 2003

Change your fluid at 1000 miles after the 6 ounce treatment. If additives have been used add an additional 500 miles, and you indicated this is not your case.

http://www.auto-rx.net/application.htm

Patman · Nov 16, 2003

I didn't put any additives in myself, and I doubt the previous owner did, but I was just wondering if I should do the slightly longer treatment just in case? Another reason for the thoughts of doing a slightly longer treatment is because I'll most likely be doing this treatment during the month of February or March, since I want to get the trans flushed in the spring. So with the colder weather I figured it would need a bit longer treatment, since my transmission fluid temperature will be lower during the cold weather.

Bio-T · Nov 17, 2003

The new instructions take the hot/cold weather in account, plus your commute is more than sufficient. My 95 trans temp never reaches 145 degrees, and the clean went super. So no problems just following the posted instructions.

Patman · Nov 17, 2003

Thanks Tony! I don't know why I didn't think to do the treatment to my trans before, the chances of my transmission failing before my engine does is much greater, and almost as costly too. So hopefully by keeping it super clean, I can get this trans to last past 150k.

wtd · Nov 18, 2003

Do you have to do a T-Tech flush after putting in Auto-RX? I don't like flushes and thats why I do a drop and refill about every 6,000 miles on my 4L60E. I have a drainplug in the pan. This only replaces about 3qrts.

Will Auto-RX even benefit my trans since I change fluid so often? My fluid always stays the same color as new.

Wayne

JohnBrowning · Nov 19, 2003

Patman, You will not belive the amount of junk that will be in your fluid when it is flushed. See if they will show you the fluid that comes out. Even if it was red before the Auto-Rx my fluid was literly filled with yellow varnish particles. Not only could you feel the grit you could see it clearly. Imagine dumbing a cup of mustard seeds in the fluid! Now I do not think my Grandmother ever had the transmission serviced so their was something like 109,000 miles on it when I did my trans.

P.S. THe cleaning raised the shift points by about 500 RPM on my buick!

JohnBrowning · Nov 21, 2003

wtd, remember that cleaning is just one benifit of AUto-Rx! Auto-Rx restores the pliable nature to seals. In an automatic transmission the soft pliable nature of the seals is very important!!! Most problems in automatic transmissions have two sources. Sticking valve restricting free flow of fluids or hard,dry, cracking seal allowing fluid to leak past valves and solinoids.

These problems are normaly caused by a combination of contaimanets especialy metalic contaminets and oxiditzed fluids.

I could not afford the T-Tec flush myself($180-$240). So my solution while not the best was to run 6 gallons of atf through my trans after the 1500 miles the fluid was in my trans. I droped the pan and was able to remove two gallons of contaminated fluid each time I droped the pan. I put the pan back on refilled with 2 gallon of cheap walmart ATF. I drove the car around a bit and then took pan off and drained another 2 gallons out. I then filled it up with another 2 gallons of fluid and repeated. I drained it out and filled it with another 2 gallons of fresh fluid and called it good.

If you go this route you should change the filter on the final fill! I figured that 6 total gallons through the thing in one hours time would have to have displaced most all of the contaimanated fluid.

My cost was $2 a gallon for Walmart ATF time 6 gallons. The filter and seal can be had for $4. The GM oilpan gasket on mine was reusable plastic and steel. For a total cost of $16+Sweat equity+tax!

LarryD · Nov 21, 2003

The T-Tec procedure should cost under $100. Try Jiffy Lube or Valvoline or similar quick-lube places. I think I paid around $80 with a $10 coupon.

Patman · Nov 21, 2003

Up here in Canada I can get the full flush method done to my transmission for only about $70 to $80 CDN ($53 to $63 US) from Canadian Tire (I go to their Pit Stop locations so I'm in and out real quick, no appointments needed)

VaderSS · Jan 22, 2004

Patman, did you ever put the Auto-Rx in?

I just put some in mine. Was suprised at the difference right off the bat. Shifts are smoother and I had a "jerk" when the transmission had already decided to shift at low throttle and I would apply 1/2 throotle just before the shift. The "jerk" is already gone.

I've always heard that firm shifts were better so I'm not sure the smooth shifts are a good thing, but I don't think it will hurt anything to be in there 1500 miles.

I put this into 35k Pennzoil fluid with LubeGard Red(LG went in with the Pennzoil) in a 4L60E backing a 300HP LT1 in my '96 Impala with about 80k total miles.

[ January 22, 2004, 12:45 PM: Message edited by: VaderSS ]

VaderSS · Feb 23, 2004

Finished my Auto-Rx run. I ended up putting 1300 miles on the Rx and have driven about 800 miles since the fluid exchange. I have sent a sample of the fluid in and will post the results when I get them.

The harsh 1-2 shift I mentioned in the previous post has not returned and the transmission feels like it did when I bought the car at 43k miles. I'm very happy with it.

CrazyJeeper · Feb 23, 2004

Is this T-Tec machine commonly referred to getting your transmission power flushed? The reason being is that I've often heard it's not good for an older or high mileage transmission to get power flushed.

outrun · Feb 23, 2004

Crazy,

None sense. Just make sure the shop also replaces the pan filter and cleans the junk of the pan.

I can not believe how many people skip this step. Yes, replaces the pan filter is important. Trust me, I have seen enough rather nasty pan's on "plug" serviced transmissions.

Your not power flushing the transmission at all -MISNOMER.

Most pressure is provided the rotation of the Torque convertor as it cycles out the old oil.

The transfuser of the machine in the meantime replenished fluid to the low pressure input line of the cooler at a similar rate of old fluid intake.

And with the T-Tech and BG Service : They do not use ANY Solvent additives.

If you really care for you transmission and want to go all out. Do a standard pan and filter service 1st, add the 3-5qts ATF + 1bottle Auto-RX.

Drive 1500 miles and then have a real flush performed.

I guess it comes down to budget...but for the money T-Tech is awesome.

Pep Boys has a special for 100.00 T-Tech + Filter + $25.00 Gift Certificate right now (to john browning)

JohnBrowning · Feb 24, 2004

No PEP BOYs near me! It went out of Business!

VaderSS · Mar 4, 2004

Just got the results back;
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS Total miles 81072
miles on oil 32678

Pennzoil Dexron III ATF with LubeGard Red for 30k and Auto-Rx for 1300

Schaeffer's Analysis

code:

Copper 73

Iron 149 High

Chromium 0

Aluminum 9

Lead 96 High

Moly 1

Phosphorus 372

Zinc 31

Magneseum 6

Calcium 105

AntiFreeze .0

Fuel Dilut N

H20 .0

Silicon 34 High

Vis Cst 4.90 (Starts at 7.23)

SAE ISO 10W

Sulphur 0%

Oxidation 3%

Nitration 0%

First ATF analysis I've seen. Comments?

[ March 04, 2004, 05:24 PM: Message edited by: VaderSS ]

MolaKule · Mar 4, 2004

Actaully Vader, there are a few analyses of ATF's in the UOA section, or there were.

This brand of Dexron should only be run 15,000 miles or so, due to viscosity shear-down. Looks like the ARX did some major cleaning. I don't think Lube Guard will help a shear-prone ATF.

Next time you might try Schaeffer's #204S or one of the synth's.

Auto-rx in my 4L60E transmission

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