I have a '94 and as I've done on my '84 I simply disconnect the top trans oil line at the radiator and attach clear vinyl tubing that dumps into a bucket, then start the engine and let the trans pump out until it gets bubbles in the line, then shut off the engine. This usually dumps about 4 1/2 quarts. I did this procedure today but instead repeated it about 5 times and ended up with 6 quarts. I noticed a little vapor or smoke comming out of the trans filler pipe on the last run. Did I over do it by running the trans low on fluid? Wasn't under any load, just in park.

 

Gordon Killebrew recommends adding new fluid as you remove old.

then you never run out.

 

Even though you're not putting a "load" on the transmission, this is a very bad procedure. In addition to allowing power transfer through the torque converter acting as a fluid clutch, the trans fluid also lubricates all the moving parts in the unit and carries heat away to the radiator to prevent overheating. There are numerous needle bearings etc. that really need this lubrication so running the unit dry, with or without load, can and likely will cause damage. You may or may not have a problem with yours, depending on how long it went without lube - only time will tell. Lots other reasons for not doing this ie. changing fluid without pan removal. Because normal clutch wear will place some amount of clutch material in the fluid which gets (hopefully) trapped in the filter or settles in the pan, it's important not just to replace the fluid but also to replace the filter periodically to ensure there's no blockage or reduced flow of fluid. In an automatic trans, the filter also acts as the pickup for the oil in the pan (like the oil pickup in the engine oil pan) and if it becomes clogged or restricted can result in low fluid in the unit even though the fluid is filled to the proper level. Etc. etc. etc. Do it, or have it done, the right way and you'll spend much less time/money in the long run.

 

:iagree:
After you "exchange" fluid to get clean fluid into the TC, you should then drop the pan to change the filter.

 

:iagree:
And clean out the "shrapnel" that accumulates in the pan of even the healthiest of transmissions.

RACE ON!!!

 

:iagree: I dropped the pan and changed the filter. Refilled the trans to a proper level then removed the top line from the radiator and pumped about 3 quarts out at a time and refilled with 3 quarts. I was concerned about running the pump dry. This will take about 12 quarts before you get good clean fluid coming out of the cooler line.

 

:cheers: It probably doesn't make much difference, but I prefer to drop the pan, change the fluid and add five new quarts before doing the flush..Like I said, it probably doesn't make much difference

:seeya

:steering:

 

Yep, around 12 quarts or so. After that I change the filter and gasket.

 

summit sells a drain plug kit for $7 to make the whole job much easier and cleaner.