tfisher309

Something that makes me feel better is the fact that while the engine is running, fluid is being pulled up through the filter. This will act to hold the filter on while bouncing down the road.

lewissa81

I don't think there is enough room for the filter to drop enough to effect anything. When I did mine, I stuck the filter up slightly to get it out of the way to clean up a little mess. It fell off after a few seconds. Out of curiosity, I then barely put it in and raised the pan to see if it would touch the filter at the lowest point, and it did. Ofcourse I shoved that little sob up before I installed the pan, but I wouldn't be scared of it dropping out. I've also read a few threads where the filter fell out as the pan was being dropped.
Are you absolutely sure that you used the correct transmission fluid?

Mulestang

I may have something wierd going on with mine now. After the filter and fluid change (with filter 'issue' stated previously in this thread), I noticed my open road temp went UP from an average of about 150 to 165 degrees. This morning (clear, cool 50 degrees), the temp went up to about 185 sitting in traffic. For some reason, it seems to be running warmer. Is that 'too warm'? Could it be the filter?
Edit: I used Castrol TransMax Mercon V fluid. Would that make a difference?

Crow Bait

I'm telling you... my filter dropped. I heard it rattle. When the rattle stopped, it started slipping in first gear. Why did this happen? No idea? Perhaps my Autozone Duralast filter was damaged, perhaps it was just a cheap piece of crap, perhaps I didn't seat it well enough. When I dropped the pan, the filter was in the pan, and the O-ring was still in the hole.


I got a new motorcraft filter this morning. It will be installed tonight, I will report back the results.


The fluid is Amsoil transmission fluid that meets the MERCON V spec: http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...?code=OTFQT-EA

Mulestang

Crow, do me a favor and see if you encounter the 'filter loose when fully seated' condition I have. Thanks.

Crow Bait

Will do.

alsatropine

iTrader: (2)

When I rebuilt my tranny I used Amsoil Heavy Duty fluid. That was 5000 miles ago. No issues :-)

Crow Bait

Update. Tonight I installed the new Motorcraft filter. When seated in the borehole, the new filter fit firmly. There was not really any slop. I pushed extra hard when seating the filter this time, because I didn't want to go through this experience again.

The best news is that the test drive yielded NO SLIP!!! I am so relieved. What could have been a costly rebuild was a simple fix. Since the problem was more than likely caused by my own error... I am so relieved. I have been repeating that to myself... you have no idea.

Finally - I learned something tonight. Written on the dipstick are instructions on checking the transmission fluid level. It says to check the level with a hot engine, running, in park. I never knew this. It's another duh moment, but hopefully my experience will help someone else.

Mulestang

Great news on solving your issue, Crow. Where did you get your Motorcraft filter? Did it come in a box or a plastic bag?

Crow Bait

I got it from my local Ford dealer, and it was in plastic. $42. I didn't know they came in card board as well. Is there a difference?