I know... I was just making a point that it's not like you'll be running the tranny completely dry. Granted, most of the fluid left will be in the TC, but if you shut it off right about the time that the pan runs empty, I think you'll be ok...

I think recognize your name from FTE... Aren't you the one who originally posted the "how-to" over there on this subject? If so, thanks! That's where I got the idea to begin with.

 

Yes, I wrote that procedure.

 

I don't intend to hijack this thread but since the subject of home flush is on the table and I just recently had my 04' Exped. flushed at the dealer, I thought I would mention this. A buddy of mine who worked for years at a local Ford dealership was telling me about the BG flush that many Ford dealerships offer. The advantage, he said, was that they use BG Quick Clean #106 which is put in to clean up the tranny before it's flushed. He said it's good stuff and highly recommended it. He said the BG ATC+ #310 they offer which is a conditioner they can put in after the flush to help could actually be harmful. He said he has seen seal problems after having it used. On the bottle it says it helps keep the seals soft and pliable. He said it affects the seals compliance and feels it leads to leaks otherwise not present. May just be his opinion but he has nothing to loose by telling me this. He got out of the profession and is now in healthcare. Anyway, I'm saying all this to see if anybody else agrees about the cleaner. I've heard both sides but if today's trannys need this extra cleaning potential, home flushes might be less efficient unless a can of this BG cleaner is bought and used at home similar to how Ford does it. I know it can be bought easily by itself and probably can be done even when following the procedure of disconnecting the cooler lines and pumping out and replacing the fluid over several cycles.

 

I'm not sure that cleaner, nor that procedure, is all it's cracked up to be. If you do some searching around, it seems like there's more than one horror story on here of someone having nothing but tranny trouble after getting the machine flush job at a shop or at a dealer. I have yet to ever hear one bad luck story from someone that did the self flush method (listed above) at home. I've done mine a few times with perfect results.

 

I do not recommend any kind of chemical flush or additive. If you use a flush machine, use it in the simple fluid replacement mode, only using the machine to hold the new and old fluid, using the tranny pump to do the work.

 

Exactly, no flush and no chemicals. Use a fluid exchange machine such as a T-Tech or do it the old fashioned way--drop the pan, change the filter, button it up and refill.

 

my converter has a drain plug....

 

I know the old saying, "To each his own", but problem is, there's too many ways to skin a cat. The word "flush" machine gets defined too many ways. The BG flush machine works with the truck running and is basically a fluid exchange machine, though called a flush machine(the dealer explains it this way anyhow). Every person, techs included, I've talked to say the BG flush system is top notch. The concern with the cleaner being harmful to the tranny is probably overrated. Would a company as large as BG promote a flush system and kit to service a tranny that actually causes damage to it? How long would that last without lawsuits/attention? I'm not saying anyone is wrong concerning these additives and flush system but there needs to be some proof showing this to be the case, if it is the case. Has anybody got any studies showing where BG additives or better yet the BG flush machine actually hurts the tranny vs. helping it? A cousin or friend having a problem with theirs isn't good enough to justify saying it's bad, IMHO. GLC, this response isn't directed personally at you. I'm just referencing you b/c it helps with getting my response started(I've already had one overzealous person on here get offended by me quoting their line in a response ).

 

My dealership uses an MOC machine for transmission fluid exchanges. Any opinions on that method?