Changed E4OD fluid, now getting shudder

[Uglyhat]

'91 F350 drw 2wd 460 and e4od ... drained fluid from transmission and torque converter ... fluid looked a little brownish but didn't smell burnt (I'm no expert on judging used transmission fluid tho'). Replaced with a total of 13 qts Chevron Mercon and 1 bottle Lubeguard red. I've put about 3K on since the change, about half towing a 19' rv trailer. I'm starting to get some shudder, usually immediately after a shift, but occasionally in 3rd or OD under a good load.


We plan to tow a boat to Baja and back this winter, so reliability is definately a big issue.

I'm guessing it's the torque converter slipping, no other symptoms are apparent, yet anyway.

Suggestions? Any clues I can look for to tell whether the thing is likely to completely crap out on me? I don't want to to $**** out $$$$ for a rebuilt transmission and torque converter, but I'll feel dern dumb if I go cheap and it craps out halfway to La Paz. I am very leery of the local transmission shops, but have a local all-round mechanic I believe is competent and honest.

Any comments/suggestions/insight will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

Try changing all the fluid to AMSOIL synthetic ATF. Total capacity is 16 qts.

This has been used successfully on at least 2 Fords similar to yours by a local service station. The first time they did it was after talking to a Ford transmission engineer, who told them what he uses.

 

[99]

Why did you use the Lubeguard? Was it doing it before the fluid change? Level OK?

 

[unDummy]

How many miles? previous maintenance history?

Install a ATF temp gauge and monitor temps. See if problem is occurring always or only when overheating.

And, the e40d has its own issues. If possible, upgrade the valvebody with a shift kit.