Trans Fluid Change?

[Powerstroke Man 6.4]

I'm debating to do the trans fluid change at the house or make the dealer do it. Dealer charging me $200 for a flush. or If I do it at the house how much fluid do I need. Also should I do a flush or just change the oil in the pan? and what kind of oil Mercron V? I most likely will take it to the dealer but just in case. Thanks in advance.

 

[backwoodsboy]

I just change out the pan fluid every 50k or so.
Seen way to many transmissions take a dump after a machine flush stirs things up and pushes it through the pump and converter.

 

[Powerstroke Man 6.4]

I just change out the pan fluid every 50k or so.
Seen way to many transmissions take a dump after a machine flush stirs things up and pushes it through the pump and converter.

Okay my trans has 24,000 miles on it and the fluid is gone LOL. Remember my thread about the temp? I was towing my 460 F-350 up a grade and it hit 260. So i'm guessing the fluid cant handle anymore and it's all burnt has a bad smell to it.

 

[Mark Kovalsky]

Here is how I recommend doing it: Complete Fluid Change
This will NOT stir up everything in the trans. A machine flush won't, either, but let's not start that argument again.

 

[Powerstroke Man 6.4]

Here is how I recommend doing it: Complete Fluid Change
This will NOT stir up everything in the trans. A machine flush won't, either, but let's not start that argument again.

Thanks Mark for the info.

 

[mustube]

Here is how I recommend doing it: Complete Fluid Change
This will NOT stir up everything in the trans. A machine flush won't, either, but let's not start that argument again.

Why does Ford even have a filter if they recommend not changing it? Why not just leave a screen on it like the C6? That just seems like bad maintenance advice.

 

[backwoodsboy]

Here is how I recommend doing it: Complete Fluid Change
This will NOT stir up everything in the trans. A machine flush won't, either, but let's not start that argument again.

Listen to what Mark has to say.
I'll argue with almost anyone, but not Mark and certainly not about transmissions.

 

[mustube]

I'm not arguing, legitimate question. You change your oil filter very regularly. Why not change the trans filter too?

 

[backwoodsboy]

I'm not arguing, legitimate question. You change your oil filter very regularly. Why not change the trans filter too?

I was more telling the OP to disregard my previous post, as it conflicted with what Mark said.
My best guess on the filter would be that it doesn't really 'catch' much. Not sure what the micron rating is, but if I had to guess it would be in the 60-80 micron range. You've got the pan magnet, and possibly a magnefine filter inline to catch small metallic particulate. Only think I could see the filter catching is large chunks of friction material off of the clutch packs.
Hopefully Mark will chime back in and set us both straight.

 

[Powerstroke Man 6.4]

Here is how I recommend doing it: Complete Fluid Change
This will NOT stir up everything in the trans. A machine flush won't, either, but let's not start that argument again.

Hey Mark one more question what is the max temp a 4R can handle? Mine runs at 250-260 just normal driving is that normal? It only has 24,000 miles on it. (I'm getting this reading from the sensor in the Valve body). Thanks Mark for your time.

 

[littleredstroker]

Hey Mark one more question what is the max temp a 4R can handle? Mine runs at 250-260 just normal driving is that normal? It only has 24,000 miles on it. (I'm getting this reading from the sensor in the Valve body). Thanks Mark for your time.

I was told a while back shut down time is 235-240.. something is not right for it to be that hot that often... Mine with a stock cooler pulling 16k up 10 miles of switch backs climbing 2000 feet gets to 215 bout mile 7. Which is when I swap to low range and maintain 220 the rest of the way...

Runs 100+ ambient to 180 usually

Smoked a bit
Turbo lit
That was it

 

[Mark Kovalsky]

Why does Ford even have a filter if they recommend not changing it? Why not just leave a screen on it like the C6? That just seems like bad maintenance advice.

Because the filter will catch more than the screen on the C6 did. There just isn't enough junk in a transmission to plug up a filter until the trans fails. Then the filter needs to be changed.

If you prefer changing the filter, go ahead. I don't think it helps enough to make it worthwhile, but it won't hurt, either.

Hey Mark one more question what is the max temp a 4R can handle? Mine runs at 250-260 just normal driving is that normal? It only has 24,000 miles on it. (I'm getting this reading from the sensor in the Valve body). Thanks Mark for your time.

It should be running about 170-180°F. That's WAY too hot for normal driving. Something is wrong. Your bypass could be stuck open, which will eliminate flow to the coolers. Or you could have a restricted cooler circuit which will open the bypass. Or your coolers could have bugs/leaves/paper/etc covering them.

You are safe to run to 250°F for no more than a half hour at a time. Longer than that you might have problems. I recommend stopping and idling or fast idling in park or neutral if the temp gets to 260°F. Don't shut it off hot, that will cook the transmission.

 

[alradco]

Here is how I recommend doing it: Complete Fluid Change
This will NOT stir up everything in the trans. A machine flush won't, either, but let's not start that argument again.

That's a great link. Thanks.

 

[Powerstroke Man 6.4]

Because the filter will catch more than the screen on the C6 did. There just isn't enough junk in a transmission to plug up a filter until the trans fails. Then the filter needs to be changed.

If you prefer changing the filter, go ahead. I don't think it helps enough to make it worthwhile, but it won't hurt, either.


It should be running about 170-180°F. That's WAY too hot for normal driving. Something is wrong. Your bypass could be stuck open, which will eliminate flow to the coolers. Or you could have a restricted cooler circuit which will open the bypass. Or your coolers could have bugs/leaves/paper/etc covering them.

You are safe to run to 250°F for no more than a half hour at a time. Longer than that you might have problems. I recommend stopping and idling or fast idling in park or neutral if the temp gets to 260°F. Don't shut it off hot, that will cook the transmission.

Thanks Mark for the great info. It will get down to 190 for less than a minute and then go straight back up to 250-260. When my local dealership changed the trans 2 years ago they changed the cooler lines etc and I only put 24,000 miles on it so far. If I let it idle for 20 minutes ill go down to 160 then if I go start going in less than 2 minutes ill be back up to 250. Does the 4R100 ever throw trans overheat codes? If they do what temp is that at? Thanks Mark for your help.

 

[Mark Kovalsky]

It will set a trans overheat code at 270°F.

 

[Powerstroke Man 6.4]

It will set a trans overheat code at 270°F.

Damn im almost there then LOL.

 

[golfer]

I'm not arguing, legitimate question. You change your oil filter very regularly. Why not change the trans filter too?

One of the tasks of engine oil is to trap & contain soot from the combustion event in the cylinders that escapes past the piston rings...

soot is carbon

carbon is hard.

the engine oil filter traps soot as well as other debris.

hopefully you don't have any combustion events happening in your transmission.

 

[Powerstroke Man 6.4]

One of the tasks of engine oil is to trap & contain soot from the combustion event in the cylinders that escapes past the piston rings...

soot is carbon

carbon is hard.

the engine oil filter traps soot as well as other debris.

hopefully you don't have any combustion events happening in your transmission.

Haha you made me laugh Dave. LOL

 

[Justin@DP-Tuner]

One of the tasks of engine oil is to trap & contain soot from the combustion event in the cylinders that escapes past the piston rings...

soot is carbon

carbon is hard.

the engine oil filter traps soot as well as other debris.

hopefully you don't have any combustion events happening in your transmission.

LOL

 

[Powerstroke Man 6.4]

LOL

Yup thats why I have it as my sig now.