I drained my transmission pan and replaced the filter. I did the tranfer case, too. However, I did not drain the torque converter. Should I wait until my next trans service (30K) to do the TC or should I go ahead and do it now?

 

How did the transmission fluid look when you dropped the pan? If it was not in like new condition I'd drain the torque converter and drain the pan again.

The transmission and torque converter share the same fluid. Since you only changed what was in the pan you now have about 5 quarts of new fluid well mixed with about 8 quarts of old fluid from the torque converter.

Mark

 

the fluid wasn't in bad shape... dark cherry as opposed to light (new fluid). Also, I didn't know that I was supposed to remove the magnet w/goop and clean it. Otherwise the pan was clean as could be. I suppose I should go ahead and do the TC and drop the pan again to get the magnet, eh?

Another note: I wanted to change my plugs. I have a 5.4L SOHC with the direct over coil instead of wires. Is there any advice as to how you get at the rear plugs?

 

Cleaning the magnet isn't a big deal. The stuff that's on it isn't going anywhere-it's stuck!

I don't know anything about changing plugs. My truck doesn't have spark plugs.

Mark

 

mark63

When I was installing my shift kit, I ended up running 24 quarts of clean ATF through it by filling the pan. I dropped the VB 3 times.

Although that did a pretty good job of flushing the trans, once I drained the pan and TC for the final time, there was some "crud" that came from the TC that didn't get flushed through before.

So I'd say yes, unless you're using synthetic, ATF is pretty cheap and it's well worth it to drain everything and refill at on time.

 

Stupid question:
When you drain the TQ, how does it refill? Does it automatically drain into the TQ when you pour it dow the dipstick or does it automatically refill the next time the engine is started or what? I have always wondered and figured it was about time to ask.

 

The torque converter is filled by the transmission pump.

The proper way to refill after a total drain is to add half of the total that was drained. Add it through the dipstick tube. Run the engine for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then shut it off. Add one quart less than the remainder. Idle the engine for a couple minutes, then check the fluid level with the engine idling in park. Add enough of the final quart to top off.

If you add all the fluid at once it will run out of the vent because the torque converter can't fill without the engine running.

Mark

 

Mark, Is it normal practice for the quick oil shops to drain the Torque converter, or do you have to ask for it. I've got 15,500 miles on my truck. It will be going in for a change soon.

 

It depends.

Some use a machine that connects into the cooler lines. This will change the fluid in the torque converter and the transmission. It is the way I prefer to change the ATF.

Some others will just drop the pan. They might do the torque converter, or they might not.

Find a place that uses the machine to change the fluid and you'll get all of it.

One of the brand names for this machine is T-Tech.

Mark

 

So, the machine will get more of the fluid changed, but then what about the filter?

I have a 5.4l w/ 4w100 trans. Is the filter change necessary?

 

They don't change the filter. Ford does not recommend changing the filter at all.

It may be worth it every other time to drop the pan and change it. It couldn't hurt...

Mark

 

The filter should have adequate capacity to catch the few random metal particles and eroded clutch friction lining material over time. If the clutch linings erode enough to impede flow through the filter you will definitely know it. The friction linings may contain materials which could be abrasive to the metal parts, but they will be so fine that most filters wouldn't trap them.

New ATF is always a good idea.