ericantonio

Forgot to ask, going to attempt the filter and fluid in a couple of weeks.

I will drop the pan, install filter, and drain the torque converter. Now that i know how to turn the engine at the harmonic balancer bolt, I can get to that TC bolt.

I understand that I won't be replacing 100% of the fluid, so in general, how much should I buy to cover what has been drained + 1 more for the just in case?

I see online 14 Quarts for all but doing the above will only drain how much fluid?

pma1123

I have an AOD, but I believe I used approx 8qts when dropping the pan and filter. Also took the opportunity to add a drainplug to the pan at the same time.

ericantonio

Alrighty! Boy that stuff ain't cheap! Up to 10 bucks a quart for certain brands

pma1123

I did not use a top-shelf brand of ATF. I've read that 90% of AT failures are the direct result of fluid starvation and heat. Most folks get a 'flush' done at the local tire shop where they basically tap into the cooler line and do an ATF 'transfusion'. They forget the filter change in this process, and that would cause fluid starvation.

I'm sure somebody will say to buy premium fluid, and I can't say long term how using a lesser brand of fluid will affect trans life. But to me, clean fluid and filter on an otherwise healthy transmission should give it a longer lease on life. Just my .02.

ericantonio

yeah that seems like the consensus on the innernet. But hey, if everyone says eat dog food on innernet, maybe they are right or maybe they are wrong. But looks like doing a flush isn't a good idea. Just drop pan, replace filter, add fluids. Who knows. But $120 worth in parts for now sounds like a good investment.

Looks like the Mercon V is way cheaper on Amazon. 5 quarts for 32 bucks and getting 3 little quarts cost more than the 5 so I'll just get 2 5 quarts.

Do you have a DIY catch pan? Mine is round and I don't think it'll get it all in case I have it drip to one side. I'll probably get some cat litter since I'm doing this in my car port and don't wanna get kicked out.

pma1123

I usually end up with something just shy of a haz-mat situation during ATF changes, and yes, Oil Dry is my friend! I leave a few bolts in and end up prying from one corner of the pan to try and control it somewhat.

The auto parts store had the B&M trans drainplug on hand when I was there getting filter and fluid, so that ended up as an impulse buy. Hopefully should be a cleaner job next time.

ericantonio

Well, I guess I'll head to Wally World and get a pack of disposable oven roasting pans and put them all around my catch pan. That should work!

Kymasabe

I too have a basic round drain pan, but I found that the round plastic lid of an old garbage can works great, drill a few holes in the center and lay it over your drain pan.
I recently did my trans service with draining the torque converter and my truck has the e4od transmission, took 16 quarts. I bought Mercon V at my local Ford dealer for $5.15 per quart. Note: Valvoline is NOT Ford approved, so choose your fluid carefully. I also added a tube of the Dr. Tranny Shudder Fixx and my transmission shift is like night and day, super smooth now.
When I did my trans service, I also replaced my pan to one with a drain plug. I bought everything at Napa and was very affordable. If you have the e4od transmission, then the Dorman trans pan # is 265-805. I used the Napa reusable gasket, excellent gasket, part # ATP11482. And the pan is deeper than a stock 2wd pan, so I had to use the 4wd filter as it's a little longer. Good luck.

ericantonio

This is so brilliant!!!

Good to know! I put it in my basket on Amazon. I did have the reuseable seal on my cart but took it off cause the filter had one. So maybe I should get the reusable one?

16Q! Wow, that's more than I thought. That's with the TC drained? Maybe the e40d takes more? I have the 4r70w.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

Find a big cardboard box and cut it open so you can cover the ground. Lots of rags on hand.