OEM vs aftermarket ATF

[4wd]

I shared a shop with the Cadillac techs at my old dealership so I know exactly what you are talking about. The guy next to me was the designated transmission rebuilder. That was all he did. I did not envy his job.

The transmission flush machine taps into the line from transmission to cooler/radiator. It nearly universal on all vehicles and i do recommend having it done around 50k. I will be doing a drain/fill on my transmission at 40k because I am OCD.

BTW:
I have posted about BiL’s 400K Silverado.
Mobil Super bulk - bulk filter - 5K miles.
But yes, was doing the BG flush at 50K

 

[Volvo_Expert_Tech]

Okay - this will be the first time I didn’t do it myself - but it’s also the first time to have a dealership extended warranty and service plan. Guess it’s this at 45K per them:

https://www.bgprod.com/bg-master/uploads/PF19-002_manual.pdf

That is the machine I used for years.

 

[FDT09]

That is the machine I used for years.

Is that one that uses the transmission's own pressure/pump? Or it has an external pump? I hear the external pumps are too powerful and will churn up all the gunk in the bottom of the pan. Then mess up the transmission. Hence why flushes have a bad reputation.

 

[Volvo_Expert_Tech]

Is that one that uses the transmission's own pressure/pump? Or it has an external pump? I hear the external pumps are too powerful and will churn up all the gunk in the bottom of the pan. Then mess up the transmission. Hence why flushes have a bad reputation.

The machine has an internal pump but it is ONLY used to evacuate the machine once full. The vehicle is started and idles during the flush process utilizing the transmission pump.

 

[FDT09]

Just an update in case anyone was interested.

I ended up buying a quart of Valvoline Dexron VI fluid (Blue bottle), and added 6oz or so into my transmission. That little shudder I felt during the first shift from R to D and from 1 to 2 is virtually not there anymore. But, it is also a little warmer outside. So not sure if it was the temp, or the fluid level.

Best I can tell, the fluid is now borderline overfilled per the dipstick. But also kinda hard to tell with this dipstick. Another 1000 miles and I'll be doing an oil change and another drain and fill of the transmission. Will also do a tire rotation, so might try pulling the side port to see if a lot of fluid comes out that way or not - if that's more accurate than the dipstick.

 

[FDT09]

I mentioned this video earlier in the thread, but couldn't find it till now.

 

[Reloader59]

I'm happy to hear LSJ recommends early drains on transmissions and differentials to remove wear metals. Too often we hear about lifetime fluids and 100k fluids. Coolant included.