Draining Torque Converter on a 2001, EXPY, 5.4, AWD, 4R100

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snb73

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I drained the transmission pan, cleaned, changed filter. I removed the bell housing plug and have the Torque Converter drain bolt in the "window".

My concern is starting the engine with an empty Torque Converter, even though the transmission is full of fluid.

Is this an issue? Has anyone done this? Tips?
 

snblinn

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Thanks for the reply guys.

I drained the pan, removed and cleaned, no plug found in pan. Then drained the converter. I purchased 4 gallons of fluid and used almost 15 quarts to refill. No issues filling converter (I assume there is enough residual fluid to lube the pump and keep it from cavitating). I refilled the trans with 2 gallons of fluid, ran the car for 1 minute, shifted through the gears, then added the 3rd gallon of fluid. Took a 15 minute test drive and added more as needed. I will check for the next couple of days to make sure the level is correct under all temps and loads.

I have read the "Mercon/MerconV/MerconVI" controversy and settled on Castrol's Transmax High Mileage, it is a Mercon compatible fluid. The service was done in my driveway and only took 1-2 hours (this was my first time doing it myself, so I took extra time). This service cost less than $100 for fluid, filter and brake cleaner.



From Castrol's site;

Description

Castrol Transmax™ High Mileage Automatic Transmission Fluid is a premium ATF specially formulated for maximum transmission life in high mileage vehicles. Castrol Transmax™ High Mileage ATF has been engineered to help alleviate typical problems experienced by transmissions with over 75,000 miles such as leaks and rough shifts. Newer vehicles will also benefit from this technologically advanced formulation. Greater frictional durability provides superior transmission performance.


Advantages;
Manufacturer Specification
The most applications amongst high mileage transmission fluids and suitable for use in vehicles as indicated below:

Acura ATF-Z1 (except in CVTs)
Chrysler ATF+3®, ATF+2®, ATF+®
Ford MERCON®
General Motors DEXRON®- III H, II-D, II, DEXRON®; 9986195; Type A, Suffix A (TASA)
Honda ATF-Z1, ATF DW-1 (except in CVTs)
Hyundai SP-II, SP-III
Infiniti Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K
Lexus Type T, T-III, T-IV
Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K
Toyota Type T, T-III, T-IV
Volvo All Specifications


Warranty and Protection Requirements

Exceeds all passenger car and light truck manufacturer’s warranty requirements for vehicles, transmissions or power steering service where a DEXRON®-IIIH or MERCON® type ATF is specified


Industry Specifications and OEM Approvals
Meets or Exceeds General Motors DEXRON®-IIIH Requirements
Meets or Exceeds Ford MERCON® Requirements



After the service;

The trans shifts smoother and locks up quicker. When the cruise control is on and climbing , it doesn't downshift automatically as much. I assume it's do to the converter locking up more efficiently.

I am halfway though my first tank full after the service, but it looks like I am getting better mileage. Prior to the service I was getting 15-15.8 mpg on the highway with a 5.4, AWD and 238,000 miles. I will report back after a few more tanks.

Thanks again, Steve.
 

Trainmaster

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Thanks for the information Steve. Those are good transmissions. I serviced mine at about 80,000 intervals and it was going strong at 250,000 when I sold the truck. My only problem was that the dipstick tube was rotted out and I patched it with JB Weld after seeing what it would take to replace.
 

1955moose

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Steve, I did my service on my 2000 Eddie Bauer, same as Tom's. I had dealer flush old Mercon out, 30k ago, and refill with Mercon v. About 1,000 miles ago, I did drain and fill myself, including torque converter. Initially I put in 8 quarts, fired up, and eventually put 4 more, total of 12. If you still have some regular Mercon in there, you might want to redrain torque converter and refill the 4 quarts or so. You'll be fine with the new fluid. As long as old stuff wasn't burnt, the 4r100 is a tuff shifter.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk
 

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