External filter options for 6L80E, is it safe?

[i6pwr]

Since GM did us a solid by routing the exhaust under the transmision pan, making it a huge chore to remove the pan, I would like to possibly add an external filter but curious if there's enough line pressure in the cooling lines to use a spin-on filter. Some GMT900's can get by with a pry bar but my exhaust is just too close, even removing the side plate and moving the pan to the side won't let it clear.

I am able to change the filter and clean the pan/ magnet but not much fun.

I don't know what the pressure is in the cooling lines so I don't want to restrict the return flow or even any of the flow to the point it could be detrimental, which is why I'm asking.

Most filters seem to be in the 20 micron rating, would this be more or less than the filter in the pan?

Do any filter setups have a bypass flow and not a bypass from overpressure, or does the 8-11 bypass PSI of the Derale allow some to simultaneously get filtered as well as bypased?

All input appreciated.

 

[clinebarger]

6L80's run extremely clean after initial break-in......All the way to converter clutch failure that makes a ton of debris that no filter will handle.

Changing the sump filter once in the units lifetime is good enough.

 

[i6pwr]

Good to know thanks. Other than the fluid being a little dark, my mistake to wait 60K as opposed to my normal 30K but had alot on the plate...it still had a very slight red tint and no signs of any burning smell, and the pan was relatively clean with minimal material on the magnet.

 

[4wd]

I changed the filter twice in 115k miles - but put a B&M plug in to do spring time spill n fills … Going to miss that dipstick/tube …

 

[Hollowed_Mist65]

You can stack a couple 2x4' s under the transmission crossmember support and put a ratchet strap over the exhaust and tighten it down. This should move the exhaust just enough to get the pan off.

I actually just did it today on my 2014 Silverado with the 6L80. I also installed the updated Dorman pan that has the drain plug.

I feel your pain getting the pan off is not fun.

 

[Hollowed_Mist65]

You can stack a couple 2x4' s under the transmission crossmember support and put a ratchet strap over the exhaust and tighten it down. This should move the exhaust just enough to get the pan off.

I actually just did it today on my 2014 Silverado with the 6L80. I also installed the updated Dorman pan that has the drain plug.

I feel your pain getting the pan off is not fun.

I would like to also add that I saw on another forum you can get some 3/4" NPT pipe and make a great filter seal puller.

I ran to the hardware store and grabbed:

- 12" 3/4" NPT Steel Pipe
- 3/4" Steel T fitting
- 5" 3/4" NPT Steel Pipe for the handle

I did around 4 or 5 turns to get into the meat of the seal then used a dead blow hammer and persuaded the tool on the handle section and the seal popped right out.

It's fairly cheap and at least to me beats using a screwdriver and pliers to get the seal out.

 

[i6pwr]

I also installed the updated Dorman pan that has the drain plug.

If I do end up getting this OE pan removed in the future, it will sit until I have the Dorman pan installed..lol. Mainly so whatever is on the bottom of the pan could drain out. I do however use a Hayden 397 fitting in the top radiator port and remove the fluid that way, at least it gets most of the fluid out of the pan before you start wrestling with it.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MHTe_2tabzrSQN0UT_4mjGS8XPGHsZej0xt6AgkYa8EeZ

 

[Hollowed_Mist65]

If I do end up getting this OE pan removed in the future, it will sit until I have the Dorman pan installed..lol. Mainly so whatever is on the bottom of the pan could drain out. I do however use a Hayden 397 fitting in the top radiator port and remove the fluid that way, at least it gets most of the fluid out of the pan before you start wrestling with it.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MHTe_2tabzrSQN0UT_4mjGS8XPGHsZej0xt6AgkYa8EeZ

View attachment 337698

Very nice! Yeah, I picked up a Holt Industries 2.3 gallon extractor from Harbor Freight and removed the pan transmission fluid through the dip stick port. Managed to get about 5ish quarts out enough that it didn't spill out when I dropped the pan.

I'll definitely keep the Hayden in mind though seems like a great solution!

 

[Donald]

Magnefine inline filter. I have put them on several vehicles. Just cut the return line from cooler back to transmission and insert the filter.

I will point out that when I have changed the filter on prior vehicles almost nothing was in the media section but there was metallic paste (felt like antiseeze when I rubbed finger in it. Messy to then clean off finger) on the magnet. I think a filter magnet is important and the Magnefine filter has the ATF flow past the magnet.

 

[Dborch41]

I changed the filter twice in 115k miles - but put a B&M plug in to do spring time spill n fills … Going to miss that dipstick/tube …

There are dipstick kits available online for these transmissions. I plan on getting one for my 8L90E when it's due for a spill and fill.

 

[4wd]

There are dipstick kits available online for these transmissions. I plan on getting one for my 8L90E when it's due for a spill and fill.

I only have a GM 10 speed now - might have the dealer do the BG thing and not have to deal with the exhaust …
They have the extended warranty - soooo …

 

[4wd]

If I do end up getting this OE pan removed in the future, it will sit until I have the Dorman pan installed..lol. Mainly so whatever is on the bottom of the pan could drain out. I do however use a Hayden 397 fitting in the top radiator port and remove the fluid that way, at least it gets most of the fluid out of the pan before you start wrestling with it.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MHTe_2tabzrSQN0UT_4mjGS8XPGHsZej0xt6AgkYa8EeZ

View attachment 337698

I’m sure you found the gasket moving when trying to get past that exhaust pipe. What I used to do was take 4 very short bolts to hold the gasket in the front - slide the pan in - start some long bolts on the other end - pull the short bolts - finish all bolts …

 

[i6pwr]

Magnefine inline filter. I have put them on several vehicles. Just cut the return line from cooler back to transmission and insert the filter.

I will point out that when I have changed the filter on prior vehicles almost nothing was in the media section but there was metallic paste (felt like antiseeze when I rubbed finger in it. Messy to then clean off finger) on the magnet. I think a filter magnet is important and the Magnefine filter has the ATF flow past the magnet.

I did order one, going to remove the cooler line from the radiator to the cooler and use 2 Hayden 397 fittings and a length of hose. That way I can return to stock if needed.

I’m sure you found the gasket moving when trying to get past that exhaust pipe. What I used to do was take 4 very short bolts to hold the gasket in the front - slide the pan in - start some long bolts on the other end - pull the short bolts - finish all bolts …

Yeah, as soon as it fell in I thought I should have zip tied each corner..lol. No worries as it had some miles on it so I have a new gasket on it now. In the future I will definitely secure it to the pan.