Time for pan drop atf to flow to torque converter

[McKittrick]

I would like some guidance on time for the fluid in a partial change to flush out the torque converter. I am planning to do multiple partial changes to get the old fluid out. Transmission is a 4T65E. I will be using Maxlife for this change. Car currently has 97,000 miles, previous changes were pan drop at 50,000, another pan drop at 60,000. This time I want to do multiple exchanges to get to 75% or 87% new fluid.

Currently the fluid is dark with first removal.

I have done something similar with an older Honda that we have, just that it is easier with the drain plug on the Honda than the Chevy. Took about 3 to 4 changes to get that fluid a lot lighter looking. It was able to block the sun while looking through the fluid in a 1/2 liter water bottle at first. The Chevy fluid is nearly that dark now.

If you have experience on 4T65E and can say if 5 minutes of idling, or 1 day of driving, etc will mix all the fluid in the torque converter with the rest of the transmission and pan I sure would appreciate it.

thanks

 

[J_Sap]

I would just run the car on the highway for 15-20 minutes and do some light city driving for another 10 minutes after that, these transmissions love to downshift. Also you could take the transmission cooling line off and get almost all the fluid out in one go.

 

[daman]

why not just do a line flush? and get it all the first time easily done with you and a helper.

 

[willix]

Do a line flush.

Run the fliud at idle out the upper radiator line until it starts to spurt, shut down & refill with new, repeat.

It will pump out about a gallon before it starts to spit out the line.

About 3 gallons will get a good exchange. The pan drop is cumbersome, time consuming and less effective getting a good drain.

There is no filter in that pan anyways.

 

[J_Sap]

Originally Posted By: willix
There is no filter in that pan anyways.


Yes there is a filter, I know cause I changed one out on the same transmission this summer.

Saying that I agree a line flush is the best way to change the fluid, do it once, do it right. Then drop the pan and change the filter.

 

[Trav]

+1 on the line off exchange and filter.

Just remove the upper line on the transmission,If you have never done it before there is a small clip that needs to be removed and the line pulled out of the unit,a small screwdriver works fine for getting these out.

Put a plastic tube on the line into a gallon bottle and have someone start the engine,let the jug almost fill and shut it off.

Now drop the pan,there will be a little oil left but not enough to make a mess.
Replace the filter,fill with 4 qts (note with the filter removed its more like 6 qts but just fill 4 for now) of fluid and start the engine with the hose in another empty jug.

Repeat the 4qt exchange until the fluid come out the same color as whats going in then reconnect the line.
Fill and check the fluid level,bring it up to the lower mark after shifting through the gears,add a bottle of lubeguard red and drive the car approx 10 miles.


Top the fluid off to the upper mark.

The new Maxlife Dex/Mercon meets the newest Dex specs and works well in these units.

 

[willix]

Your right about that. I have the 4t80e its in the side cover.

I don't think you need to do the filter if you've had the pan off and the fluid has had some freshening not that long ago.

I think but could also be wrong that that transmission has a 100,000mi OCI and filters can go a long while unless towing or other unusual use.

If you drive normal you may be over servicing the thing.

You are in a good positon for a line flush.

 

[McKittrick]

I'll take a look at those connections to the radiator and transmission and might do it that way. Have done pan drops in the past and know that I get a little less than 1/2 out. Will the line flush also get all that is in the torque converter?

Thanks

 

[daman]

Originally Posted By: McKittrick
I'll take a look at those connections to the radiator and transmission and might do it that way. Have done pan drops in the past and know that I get a little less than 1/2 out. Will the line flush also get all that is in the torque converter?

Thanks


It will if you flush new through.

check my post out second one down.


http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...rue#Post1452762

 

[McKittrick]

Thanks

Lots of good suggestions on how to keep this 4T65E running good.

 

[willix]

I used a 3/8 rubber line & screwed it in the upper radiator port. I held it with my hand and it was not a mess.

 

[daman]

Make sure you blow the cooler out in the rad with shop air or let it drain good,there's a good amount left in there.

 

[willix]

It's a flush, it pushes out fluid into a jug to recycle.

The cooler is a simple 5/16ths coil in the side tank of the radiator.