I've recently dropped the pan to perform a trans filter/fluid change and while cleaning the pan noticed the magnetic coil was covered in clutch material. It was more than Im used to seeing in other vehicles, so it had me worried. The clutch deposits were small, no big chunks of metal, but the coil was pretty covered. The fluid didn't seem to smell burnt or anything. Anyone experienced this?

On another note, I noticed that it appears that nearly all of my factory exhaust joints show signs of carbon traces indicating leaking. I tried tightening, bot they all seem tight. The dealer says this is usual on the F150's, but exhaust leaks around here wont pass inspection.

 

Yeah, I dropped mine last weekend. I almost passed out when I saw that yellow plug sitting in the pan. But thanks to this good 'ole site, I found out it was only the plug that gets knocked in when they install the tube.

But yeah, I dd notice a lot of gunk on the magnet. I wiped it off, and thought it was pretty clean. But then I removed it and could not believe how much gnk I had missed. My fuid still looked OK for 45K. New trans have a lot of breaking in to do. I would like to drop the pan in 20K and see if there is any more gunk. If so, then I might be worried.

 

did U just drop the pan or did U drained the torque converter as well?

 

I only dropped the pan to replace the filter and clean the pan. I realize to get most of the fluid you need to drain the converter, but I may do that next time. I usually just drop the pan, replace the filter, clean the pan, and fill her back up(usually takes 5-6 qts).

 

To get all of the fluid out you have to have the trans flushed and thats about 15 qts. Talked to a ford mech. who owns a 150 also and he said on the exhaust those leaks you describe are the norm. I have the same thing on mine (I think). Are you talking about where the factory couplings are just past the 2 cats?

 

Yeah Yeah I know about trans flush. I'm not quite sold on trans flushes, as they've been know to cause leaks/problems etc. And some dont even drop the pan for that, atleast the ones I've seen. I'd rather do it myself anyway. Draining the converter will get most of the fluid.

 

Power Flush. It's fine on newer vehicles. Don't do it on an older one. I lost reverse after a power flush on one of my older Ford F150's. I had never heard of this up until that point. The sales pitch was fantastic. Of course, they did not drop the pan and replace the filter. That's extra.

"See, sir, dropping the pan does not get all the old transmission fluid".

All these quicky repair shops went out and purchased these somewhat expensive machines. And with these machines, no one has to get dirty nor even lift the vehicle. Sounds great.

For me, I have the pan dropped, let gravity drain fluid, replace filter, clean pan, and have a qualified local mechanic do all this. Certainly, if one has the space, time, and proper disposal of old transmission fluid, this can be done by oneself.

There is no "power flush" in my future. No matter what the sales pitch is.

And depending on miles driven, I have this done every two years.

I have never had an automatic transmission go bad other than the F150 with the first and only "power flush".

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

I will flush the tranny myself. Disconnect cooling lines from tranny cooler,1 line goes into empty 5 gal bucket,other line into 5 gal bucket of tranny fluid.
Of course,this is after I have replaced filter & cleaned pan.