Which amsoil ATF?

[countryboy9799]

2001 Buick Century with 125,000 miles on it and I dont think its ever been changed. Would it be better to use their new low viscosity or their universal atf? They list the universal on top.

Are there any problems with doing a complete change when the atf has been in there for so long?
Thanks

 

[pbm]

If you drop the pan you drain between 75 and 80% of the ATF and you get to change the filter. I have a 2002 Century and I siphon the fluid out the filltube before dropping the pan inorder to avoid a mess. I would use the original Amsoil or even Mobil 1 which mine seems to like.

 

[countryboy9799]

I will be dropping the pan and changing the filter, then doing the cooler line flush also to get a complete change on it. The book said you would get about 50% by dropping the pan.

A few years back I used M1 ATF in my wifes PS pump because it whined when it was 20 to 30 below zero and the M1 made it worse. I observed it in the bottle and it was to thick so I went with amsoil and it and no more whine in the PS pump.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: countryboy9799
2001 Buick Century with 125,000 miles on it and I dont think its ever been changed. Would it be better to use their new low viscosity or their universal atf? They list the universal on top.

Are there any problems with doing a complete change when the atf has been in there for so long?
Thanks


Complete change is always best.

I would go with the ATF (LINK)

ATL will work fine, just slightly lower viscosity.

 

[Gary Allan]

Pump out pan via cooling line. Drop pan. Inspect pan. Change filter. Refill pan (cooler line still disconnected). Purge old fluid. Hook up cooler line. Top off.

Clean filter and new fluid.


Return to your life.

 

[unDummy]

In that Mn location, I would use the thinnest ATF available. If Amsoil was the brand, use the ATL.

There is never anything wrong with a full proper service. Don't use any flush or cleaning additives.

 

[countryboy9799]

Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Pump out pan via cooling line. Drop pan. Inspect pan. Change filter. Refill pan (cooler line still disconnected). Purge old fluid. Hook up cooler line. Top off.

Clean filter and new fluid.


Return to your life.


Will this pump most of it out and leave little to purge of the old stuff or will the torque converter still be full?

Do I leave it in park or do I have to put it in gear to pump it out?

 

[Gary Allan]

The converter and every place that fluid can be cached will still be full. You're only pushing the fluid out until the pick up is exposed. It will assure that the pan is almost empty for a tidy filter service. Pan service can be very annoying and cumbersome to keep contained. When you get most of it out via the cooling line it goes much smoother.

Your setup appears to have a decent service fill (Amsoil calls it "initial" which doesn't flush in my mind - but

)

Automatic Transmission, 4T65-E Initial Fill..........7.4 quarts
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
4 speed 4T65-E..........13.5 quarts

I would use at least 16 quarts to do a decent exchange. There will be mixing in the converter, so you can never truly get to 100% new fluid.

Most cooler circuits run full time. Some only in Neutral and even some only while in gear (rarest). The trans selector position noted on the dipstick usually has the cooler circuit engaged to give you the proper level.

 

[Donald]

Installing a Magnefine filter would be a good idea also. Its $20. I'd go with one of the Amsoil ATFs people have suggested. Amsoil is not cheap, but is the best there is.

 

[countryboy9799]

Thanks for all the help. I looked at amsoil's site for the capacities and for some reason they can be on the high side. The book says something on the order of 6qts on the initial fill and 10 for an overhaul. I will have plenty on hand in case though.

Can you get the magnafine filter at auto parts places?

 

[Donald]

You can order a Magnefine from our sponsor, its also rebranded at at Napa store in a Napa box. But it still says Magnefine The NAPA store I went to because I needed it quickly did not even know they had one until they looked it up. I now have a stash or 2. All 3/8" hose line.

 

[disturban]

I would also install a drain plug in the pan...best $10 I ever spent!!!

 

[countryboy9799]

Well I got it changed last night. The amsoil ATF really has a strong smell to it, is that the additives? I used a total of 12 quarts so I think I got it pretty good. I found it the easiest to remove the cooler line at the bottom of the transmission to do the flush for it.