automatic transmission filter setup

[Youngblood]

Guys,

I didn't know where to post this. This seemed to be the most applicable.

When you run external filtration setup for your automatic transmission do you get rid of the internal filter (and I mean pull the filter out and keep the sump, otherwise you wouldn't be able to pull fluid from the pan) or do you use it in addition to the internal filter? Does that make sense? Is there any manufacturers that make a filter less filter to do this?

I'm fine with leaving the sump and filter intact but I like the idea of removing the filter and putting an external one on. That way I can change it anytime and change the fluid without ever having to drop the pan again.

What would be the micron rating on the stock filter?
What would I need to get to at least equal what the stock unit would do?
Would I need to get a hydraulic filter instead of an oil filter since the fact that transmission fluid is a hydraulic fluid and not oil?

Matt

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Youngblood
Guys,

I didn't know where to post this. This seemed to be the most applicable.

When you run external filtration setup for your automatic transmission do you get rid of the internal filter (and I mean pull the filter out and keep the sump, otherwise you wouldn't be able to pull fluid from the pan) or do you use it in addition to the internal filter? Does that make sense? Is there any manufacturers that make a filter less filter to do this?

I'm fine with leaving the sump and filter intact but I like the idea of removing the filter and putting an external one on. That way I can change it anytime and change the fluid without ever having to drop the pan again.

What would be the micron rating on the stock filter?
What would I need to get to at least equal what the stock unit would do?
Would I need to get a hydraulic filter instead of an oil filter since the fact that transmission fluid is a hydraulic fluid and not oil?

Matt



I think most people leave the internal filter in place but only drop the pan at 100K intervals.

There are external spin-on and smaller inline ones. Unless you have a truck with lots of room under the hood I would go for an inline one. The inline one is 30 micron, the spin-on ones are around 10 I think. The inline one has a magnet that the ATF must flow past so it does a good job of picking up ferrous metal particles. I don't think spin-on ones have a magnet. There is little chance your filter will fill up with debris. I have looked at a Magnefine after 30K and there were a few particles I could see in the media and a metallic paste on the magnet. The inline ones are $15 or so, the spin-on are more as you need to buy the base.

The install for the inline is 15 minutes.

I have an Magnefine on both my vehicles.

 

[bdcardinal]

You leave the filter in the sump. On a lot of transmissions, that filter doubles as the fluid pick-up.