PatsRed&Silver

Just completed a transmission fluid change (not a flush). Dropped the pan, replaced filter, and refilled with Mercon LV. This was on a 09 5.4 with the 6R80. 99K miles (not sure if it was the first service, but I suspect it wasn't)

Please, no discussion about whether I should have flushed it. Listen to FordTechMakuloco (youtube) - there is no way to do a true flush with the thermostat. Make sure you watch his video's.

1) Best money spent! - From Walmart - Siphon pump for $3.. Started the old fluid siphon'ing out. When done, no fluid going all over the place when dropping the pan!!! I guess we can thank Ford for NOT putting a dipstick else this wouldn't be possible.

2) Afterwards- filled in 4.5 qts.. Ran engine for 30 seconds, put in another ~1.5 then went for a drive to get temp gauge up.

3) Came back to the house, and actually put a small fan on the catalytic converter for 30 minutes to cool it down some, and got another 3/4 quart in before it was really high.

3) Realized the fluid will be high when the engine is off. Apparently the last 1/4 qt of transmission fluid will need to go in with the engine running. see #4..

4) Checking/filling the fluid with the engine running was not that bad. I still had the fan on the Cat. and as long as I kept my hand against the transmission each time I reached up, there was plenty of room. Just go slow and be careful!

Used the Plews 55.001 pump - worked just fine.

Anyhow, removed 6.75 qts and put in 7.5.(?) Not sure what the deal was, but level was in the middle of the range.

Hope this helps anyone debating about servicing the transmission.

WXman

Yep I would just add that a heat glove or an oven glove will really help because it's hard not to get burnt on the cat. And make sure you wipe down the case of the transmission really good before reinstalling the gasket and pan otherwise you may get a small leak.

PatsRed&Silver

Exactly, follow all the guidelines for using Motorcraft fluid, cleaning pan and lip of transmission and etc. per his video.

I checked and topped off the fluid probably 10 times all commando as the glove I had made it hard to hang onto the little dipstick. Just saying if are careful and stay against the transmission, there's room. Though the fan blowing on the Cat. really helped it seemed. I doubt the Cat. was no where near operating temp anyhow just idling.

Forgot to mention, the filter o'ring was stuck up in the transmission.. Finally got it dug out as it was stuck. Caused a few light blemishes in the hole, but it should be fine.

67GTONUT

Old thread..... but just confirming...

Gasket is reusable..... correct?

Daniejw

Yes

67GTONUT

Thank you

antony1103

I also added a drain plug to my pan when I first changed the fluid. Another $10 well spent!

67GTONUT

Where did you get plug kit from? and where exactly did you drill the pan for it?

FerdinandF150

It seems like if it was time to drain the fluid, it would also be time to clean the magnet and change the filter; neither of which you can do without removing the pan.

antony1103

I got the plug from my local auto parts store. I think mine is the Needa brand Part No. 65241. See the crappy pic below. It's raining or i would get a better one.



Way easier to remove the pan after you drain most of the fluid out. Its as easy as changing the oil now.