Auto trans help

[Nick Danger]

I have a 1989 370 LE with a Ford 460 engine. I want to change the transmission fluid before I leave on a trip next week. There is a drain plug on the left bottom of the transmission pan. It looks pretty straightforward that I can drain the old fluid, drop the pan, install a new filter and gasket and replace the fluid. But, I thought I'd check to see if there were any "gotchas" anyone was aware of before I commence. Also, does anyone know where the transmission fluid dipstick is located? I don't see it from the front access to the engine where my radiator fill and oil fill/dipstick are located.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

It's can be messy as there is always fluid left in the pan it seems no matter how long it drains.Usually a lot of 10 or 11 mm bolts drop the pan remove and replace the filter, new rubber pan gasket and your in business. Check fluid level with the engine running. Dip stick should be somewher jut to the front of the firewall. Worked on a lot of Range Rovers.

[overlander63]

Do you know if you have a C6 or an Allison transmission in your MH? It does make a difference as far as filling and checking.
Terry

[Tinsel Loaf]

Be sure to drain the torque converter also, that's where most of the fluid lives. A excellent replacement fluid is Mobil 1 synthetic ATF.

[Sav'h Steve]

Originally Posted by Nick Danger

I have a 1989 370 LE with a Ford 460 engine. I want to change the transmission fluid before I leave on a trip next week. There is a drain plug on the left bottom of the transmission pan. It looks pretty straightforward that I can drain the old fluid, drop the pan, install a new filter and gasket and replace the fluid. But, I thought I'd check to see if there were any "gotchas" anyone was aware of before I commence. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I am certainly not a tranny expert. But I do know that when you dranin the pan you only get a small portion of the fluid. The best way is to do a push through of the new fluid that the shops do with a TEC exchange.

Others will tell you more.
Steve

[krowsea]

Originally Posted by Nick Danger

I have a 1989 370 LE with a Ford 460 engine. I want to change the transmission fluid before I leave on a trip next week. There is a drain plug on the left bottom of the transmission pan. It looks pretty straightforward that I can drain the old fluid, drop the pan, install a new filter and gasket and replace the fluid. But, I thought I'd check to see if there were any "gotchas" anyone was aware of before I commence. Also, does anyone know where the transmission fluid dipstick is located? I don't see it from the front access to the engine where my radiator fill and oil fill/dipstick are located.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Nick Danger (Private I),

You can use the drain plug to drain the pan to make it easier for pan removal, which you will have to do to replace the filter. Draining the pan will only remove 3-4 quarts of fluid from the transmission. Depending on what transmission you have, it could hold anywhere from 12-14 quarts total, with the majority of it held within the torque converter. You can't drain the converter on your own without dropping the transmission and removing the converter. Most transmission shops and quite a few oil change and repair shops have the ability to tee into the transmission lines and flush and replace all the fluid in the system in just a few minutes. You may look into that option.

John-Boy

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by krowsea

Nick Danger (Private I), You can't drain the converter on your own without dropping the transmission and removing the converter. John-Boy

That is not entirely correct. Some C-6's, and most Ford Overdrive units, have a drain plug built into the torque converter. One of my tasks when working in a torque converter reman shop was drilling a hole in each new cover (the part where the studs are) tapping the hole, and installing drain plugs so they could be drained like factory units.
Terry

[krowsea]

Originally Posted by argosy20

That is not entirely correct. Some C-6's, and most Ford Overdrive units, have a drain plug built into the torque converter. One of my tasks when working in a torque converter reman shop was drilling a hole in each new cover (the part where the studs are) tapping the hole, and installing drain plugs so they could be drained like factory units.
Terry

That would be nice, but I've not seen any C-6's yet that had one and I don't see very many AODs. It certainly would make life easier!

John-Boy

[dinoburb]

I'd be very concerned with a local shop drilling, tapping, and installing a drain plug without removing the torque converter and re-balancing the assembly. Seems like a sure-fire way to damage the transmission. FWIW

Take care,

[Nick Danger]

To this PI ( I was walking down the street ruthlessly, wondering, "Where's Ruth?"), it sounds like this is a job for Transmission Man. My fledgling transmission skills leave me wary of delving into something that could evolve into some real do-do.

Thanks for all the input. To paraphrase Clint Eastwood, a man's got to know his limits........

[krowsea]

Originally Posted by Nick Danger

Thanks for all the input. To paraphrase Clint Eastwood, a man's got to know his limits........

You know, in all the excitement, I don't remember if I've drained 3 quarts or 4. The question you have to ask your self is... do ya feel lucky today transmission man, well do ya..punk? (sorry Clint, I couldn't help myself, it's Nicks fault)

John-Boy

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by dinoburb

I'd be very concerned with a local shop drilling, tapping, and installing a drain plug without removing the torque converter and re-balancing the assembly. Seems like a sure-fire way to damage the transmission. FWIW

Take care,

I agree, for the most part. This is/was done before the converter was assembled, and there were specific spots to drill the hole to keep it balanced, although the difference in balance was negligible. A tenth of an ounce here, a quarter ounce there, soon you would have quite a vibration going.
Terry

[davidz71]

The same basic topic was discussed on www.pickuptrucks.com within the last year. After reading the posts, one from a transmission specialist, I decided that I did not want any of the dealers disconnecting transmission lines and pumping new fluid through that way after the drain. Sure, some of the fluid is still left in lines and the torque converter but if you change fluid and filter often enough like you should then it should not be a problem. I can't see paying a dealer or transmission shop for the extra step it would take to flush out the transmission and they will definately charge you. I've replaced the trans fluid on my wife's van several times and will need to do the same with 2 of my kid's trucks before it turns cold. It is a rather simple procedure with the Chevy vehicles. Loosen all bolts and then take most of them out except for one end of the pan. Leave them rather loose and pull on the end of the pan until it breaks loose from the seal. Do not let the pan flange held on by bolts bend. A pan will catch the fluid draining out. Take out the rest of the bolts and drop the pan. Clean the inside of the pan, especially any magnets which will hold metal particles. Pull the filter down after reading instructions that come wilh the replacement filter. Install new filter, gasket, pan and pan bolts. Torque to correct lb. ft. then fill trans with new fluid. I like synthetic. Some service manuals call for the transmission to be checked in Park and others in gear with the parking brake on. Do not overfill.

If you go to the www.pickuptrucks.com forum, go to the Ford and transmission section then they can be even more specific if you do not have a service manual.

[Nick Danger]

Touche', John Boy,........