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Hey all,
I just got my results back from a transmission fluid test and I could use some advice. I have an 87 automatic that shifts nicely while cruising and aggressive under a lot of load. Feels normal to me but I did the test bc I don’t think the fluid has ever been changed (reddish brown color) and a lot of people say changing old fluid will basically kill the tranny.
Here’s the results from the test. Should I go ahead and replace the oil? If so, full flush or just the pan?
Thanks
Last edited by lorenzo1987c4; Jan 23, 2023 at 07:28 PM.
I think a lot would depend on how many miles are on the car? If it is a low mile trans I would be more inclined to do a full flush but on a high miler I think dumping what's in the pan and refill would be a safer approach. In my mind this gives some better lubrication and replenishes the additives. My understanding on high mile failures after a full flush is that the particles suspended in the fluid actually helps the clutches grip better if they are near the end of their life and the clean fluid is too slippery leading to slippage. The other concern is dislodging debris and it plugging the small orifices in the valve body. This isn't any scientific analysis, just my personal experience so--------
YMMV
I think a lot would depend on how many miles are on the car? If it is a low mile trans I would be more inclined to do a full flush but on a high miler I think dumping what's in the pan and refill would be a safer approach. In my mind this gives some better lubrication and replenishes the additives. My understanding on high mile failures after a full flush is that the particles suspended in the fluid actually helps the clutches grip better if they are near the end of their life and the clean fluid is too slippery leading to slippage. The other concern is dislodging debris and it plugging the small orifices in the valve body. This isn't any scientific analysis, just my personal experience so--------
YMMV
Hey thanks for your reply!
Im pretty sure this is the original trans so it should have about 52K miles on it. As the comment states, everything looks normal except for a high level of lead. That’s really the o my thing I’m concerned about but like I said, it’s shifting fine atm.
If you just drop the pan and change the filter you are only draining less than half of the fluid in the trans. I would do that and not give it another thought.
If you just drop the pan and change the filter you are only draining less than half of the fluid in the trans. I would do that and not give it another thought.
Sorry just want to confirm, you would recommend just dropping the pan? From how I’m reading your reply, it sounds like you’re saying dropping the pan only wouldn’t do anything so I just want to make sure I understand.
Sorry just want to confirm, you would recommend just dropping the pan? From how I’m reading your reply, it sounds like you’re saying dropping the pan only wouldn’t do anything so I just want to make sure I understand.
Thanks!
Unless there is a drain plug in the pan the only way to drain the fluid is to remove the pan. This will allow access to the filter and replacement of the pan gasket, but will drain only ~4-6 qts, leaving the torque converter and cooler/lines full. A flush (where the lines are removed and new fluid pumped through) will replace all of the fluid in the system, but it does not sound like that is necessary in your case.
Unless there is a drain plug in the pan the only way to drain the fluid is to remove the pan. This will allow access to the filter and replacement of the pan gasket, but will drain only ~4-6 qts, leaving the torque converter and cooler/lines full. A flush (where the lines are removed and new fluid pumped through) will replace all of the fluid in the system, but it does not sound like that is necessary in your case.
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Transmission Sample Analysis
