Tranny fluid with 120k miles???

[sgtowing]

Before our trip to Chicago, I decided to get some service done on the expy and the mechanic that i have been using for ever tells me the fluid that was in the tranny was the ORIGINAL. Can tranny fluid last that long without problems???? I didn't think so but i know he wouldn't just up and lie to me. Am I missing something here.

 

[Racenut]

Tranny fulid can last that long and it is actually easy to tell if it is original.

When the factory installs the tranny in the truck, there is a plastic plug in the dip stick hole. When they install the dipstick, they just let that plug fall into the pan sice it cannot get sucked into the filter.

So when you do a tranny service and you find that plug floating around in the pan, then you know that it is the first service that has ever been done.

 

[toms89]

I can see it lasting that long if it never overheated (transfluid). Now if it was a Honda Odyssey tranny thats a different story.

 

[sgtowing]

Tranny fulid can last that long and it is actually easy to tell if it is original.

When the factory installs the tranny in the truck, there is a plastic plug in the dip stick hole. When they install the dipstick, they just let that plug fall into the pan sice it cannot get sucked into the filter.

So when you do a tranny service and you find that plug floating around in the pan, then you know that it is the first service that has ever been done.

Thats exactly what happened. He showed me the plug. I just didn't think tranny fluid can last that long. Hopefully thats a good sign for me.

 

[Racenut]

Thats exactly what happened. He showed me the plug. I just didn't think tranny fluid can last that long. Hopefully thats a good sign for me.

As long as they did not run any " cleaners " in it you should be fine. Problems arise with the high milage / original fluid trannys when the run a cleaner thru them or do the " power flush ".

If it was just a drain / filter change and refill you should not have any issues.

 

[panda24619]

what about me with 160K+ on original fluid? i want to change it, but not sure if i should.

 

[Racenut]

what about me with 160K+ on original fluid? i want to change it, but not sure if i should.

Just drain change filter and fill, and don't forget if you have the 4r100 ( not sure about the 4r70w ) to pull the " rubber plug " from the bottom of the bell housing and turn the motor over until you see the torque converter drain plug and drain it as well ( MAKE SURE TO USE LOCKTITE WHEN YOU PUT THE TORQUE CONVERTER PLUG BACK IN).

AND PLEASE DO NOT USE THE GASKET THAT COMES WITH THE FILTER KIT! These tranny's come from the factory with a REUSABLE METAL CORED GASKET, these gaskets are great and as long as you clean it before reinstall it will not leak. But as you know the rubber gaskets that come with the filter kit, if you tighten even 1 bolt to tight it will tranny fluid everywhere .

As long as you replace the fluid with the same type that came out ( if it has never been changed it should be regular Dex/Merc ) and just use a regular tranny fluid like valvoline ( Not the MAXLIFE OR HIGH MILAGE ) because it does not have all of the extra additives that can cause problems then you should be just fine.

Also for the 4r100 ( again not sure about the 4r70w ) Ford has changed the recommended fluid to Mercon V. If it had regular Dex/Merc before you are ok to change to Mercon V, But if it already has had Mercon V THEN MAKE SURE NOT TO FILL IT WITH REGULAR DEX/MERC ( Mercon V is backwards compatible meaning it will mix fine with regular Dex/Merc, but if the tranny had Mercon V before and you try to put in regular Dex/Merc the tranny will get pissed and say )

 

[panda24619]

all ive done to the tranny is add a little merc V. cause i have some laying around. ill keep this in mind. but i dont want to change it. cause knowing my luck once i do and put new fluid in ill be screwed. ugh! stupid trannys. maybe i should just buy a rebuilt one. haha

 

[Racenut]

all ive done to the tranny is add a little merc V. cause i have some laying around. ill keep this in mind. but i dont want to change it. cause knowing my luck once i do and put new fluid in ill be screwed. ugh! stupid trannys. maybe i should just buy a rebuilt one. haha

If you are worried about it I would change the filter and only replace the amount of fluid from the pan, since the pan only holds a little less than 1/2 of the system capacity.

This way you will have about a 60/40 mix of the old vs new ( 60% old with 40% new ). By doing it this way you are still adding enough to the system to know that your fluid is good, but you are not " shocking " the system with all new fluid.

Also if you have been having to add a little fluid here and there and have not experienced any issues with the tranny, then I do not see any issues with just doing a filter change and adding the new fluid ( Mercon V ) to bring it back full.

 

[panda24619]

i might just do that. and no i only added it once. i decided to check the level and it was just slightly low so i added like 1/8 of a quart. but i think ill do the 60/40 you say. sounds good. and ill make sure to get that plug from ford. haha

 

[NewbieVet]

Ultra interesting thread. I think I've learned more on this forum in 4 days than in a lifetime in terms of engines. Gentlemen, I salute you!!

 

[panda24619]

your welcome. thats why were here!