Pan drop / filter vs fluid exchange GM 4L60-E

[WishIhadatruck]

Since you've never dropped the pan, definitely change the filter. If you had changed the filter in the past, you could probably get away with just a flush. I'd do a pan drop, filter change, and cooler line flush.

Use Dex VI, the Maxlife is good too.

 

[LeakySeals]

Thanks folks! Just picked up three jugs of maxlife high mileage ATF and 20' of 3/8 inch clear hose at Walmart, and a transmission cooler adapter from o'reillys. Can't get the filter right now, I had to stop there due to another sudden issue that popped up (Air Ride compressor stopped working). I'm going to do exchange now then figure out what the problem is with the compressor. I'm afraid it might be expensive so I can't spend more money right now. I realize it could be an impact to flow not changing the filter but at least it has new fluid

 

[GaleHawkins]

Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Thanks folks! Just picked up three jugs of maxlife high mileage ATF and 20' of 3/8 inch clear hose at Walmart, and a transmission cooler adapter from o'reillys. Can't get the filter right now, I had to stop there due to another sudden issue that popped up (Air Ride compressor stopped working). I'm going to do exchange now then figure out what the problem is with the compressor. I'm afraid it might be expensive so I can't spend more money right now. I realize it could be an impact to flow not changing the filter but at least it has new fluid


I think you will be fine. I find the crud is stuck tightly to the bottom of the pan and not in the filter. We are getting ready to do the Seafoam Transtune bucket flush only (pump it out the ATF cooler hose or the ATF cooler exit line) on the 2000 towncar at 175K miles when it was last done at 60K miles.

We try to run the Seafoam Transtune for 200-300 miles before we flush it at the house. Since it is one of our spare cars now I may just make it my daily driver for a week to put some miles on it.

 

[LeakySeals]

Exchange went well. 12 qts maxlife, 4qts at at time (until it started bubbling). I did not have a clear hose so the pump may have been dry for a couple of seconds. It could have taken another gallon because the fluid was still pretty dark. Going to let this marinate for a while and then do it all again in the spring. Hopefully get to the filter this time. Im shocked that a tiny coolant line retainer clip is the only thing preventing disaster.

 

[DoubleWasp]

Especially given how much pressure is in those cooler lines.

It's better on the return lines. The coolers knock down pressure by a good bit.

 

[DoubleWasp]

Especially given how much pressure is in those cooler lines.

It's better on the return lines. The coolers knock down pressure by a good bit.

 

[DoubleWasp]

Especially given how much pressure is in those cooler lines.

It's better on the return lines. The coolers knock down pressure by a good bit.

 

[GaleHawkins]

I have never ran into what was high pressure at the exit or return ATF cooler lines.

LeakySeals the last pump down can still be dark but remember the TC will be mainly new ATF by then and then you dump in a gallon of 100% new ATF so the resultant mix is mostly a new when doing a bucket flush using 4 quarts more than total capacity. Now I do by mouth blow the return line and the cooler especially if pumping out from the transmission Exit line.

 

[Rocko1]

Originally Posted By: Or
My dad went through this on his van (pan drop), then I poked around for the "next time." For ~$30, you can buy an aftermarket pan with a drain bolt to fix this stupid oversight.


Or a $6 drain bolt kit. Drill 1/2" hole, add some gasket sealant and you are done.