trans oil change

Topic: trans oil change (Read 1726 times) previous topic - next topic

trans oil change

August 28, 2005, 09:12:09 AM

howdy all, got my '87 3.8, aod coug under construction and was wondering your opinions on changing the trans filter and fluid. It would be the first time in 88,000 miles. I know its the first time since I got the car from mom and she was the only owner.

Re: trans oil change

Reply #1 – August 28, 2005, 08:26:05 PM

Well, I know there are a couple opinions, described here:

http://www.coolcats.net/tech/advanced/transmission_help.html

Personally, I feel if you do the flush and you end up creating transmission slips or other problems, you were living on borrowed time anyway. My 88LS was starting to slip at 170K miles, I had it flushed and then it slipped big time.

You will have to do it sooner or later, and it probably better to do it sooner and then do it more regularly. Is the color clear red or is it starting to get brown?

I just had a Merc Sable AODE flushed in a car I just acquired with 90K miles on it that was obviously never changed. The color was completely dark brown. Now its clear red and I know the tranny will live longer for the fact I did get it changed. .. And still drives great.

Re: trans oil change

Reply #2 – August 29, 2005, 12:04:06 PM

I'd change it. My first cougar was originally my parents car and I received it with 60K on it. Around 80K the tranny fluid stared to brown up on me. I found out it had never been changed. I changed it and drove the car for another 60K changing the fluid 2 more times before parting ways with the car. Never had a problem.

Re: trans oil change

Reply #3 – August 29, 2005, 05:57:44 PM

thanks guys, as a former mechanic I never experianced a trans failure due to changing fluid, someone always seemed to have a story or "know someone who did". the fluid is slightly brown and the car only towed a couple of times and no mountains up here in Mi.

Re: trans oil change

Reply #4 – August 30, 2005, 10:07:52 AM

Change it...

Actually it should be changed every 30-35K, BEFORE it starts to darken..