Transmission fluid change (success!!!)

jeffbottman · 06-08-2013, 07:18 PM

Just changed transmission fluid for the first time, no problems. ('86 Targa). The old stuff was blue and smelled like garlic, according to my wife. The new is Kendall 80W-90, special for limited slip gears, and doesn't smell like garlic. Purchased from our host, along with the requisite 3/8 inch drive, 17mm hex wrench.

This is very subjective, but the car seems to shift much easier than before. Especially the first to second pull, which seems to take less effort.

Anyway, a datapoint for everyone; the Kendall works well for me.

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

Outstanding, you will need to do one more change in 500 miles to flush the old stuff out.

jeffbottman · 06-08-2013, 07:23 PM

Why the change at 500 miles? Is the blue garlic stuff that radioactive?

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

Any gear lube will leave residue, but it's up to you, I did it 3 times, Dr. Zimmerman said twice was enough. I have a bit of OCD, sorry.

kidrock · 06-09-2013, 08:10 AM

FWIW, that old blue garlicky stuff was probably Swepco. I've been reading with interest how guys with 915 trannys have had success with the Kendall stuff. It seems to be getting more popular.

u242447 · u242447's Garage

Can you explain how you did it I'm wanting on a manual that I ordered (Wanyes) but I'm curious if you used a pump to refill and how hard was it to do the job How long did it take Thanks

ivangene · 06-09-2013, 08:55 AM

YEA!

as for filling - you can get a hand pump at any auto parts store for ~$10 - then since some oil comes in Qt's and the stupid cheap pump no fit the Qt bottle - i use a cleaned out 1/2 gallon milk (plastic) jug - the pump fits perfectly!

and I found with the azz jacked up a little (lower as much as you can when filling) that it gets full enough - I took mine to a 4 post lift to check how much I was "short" and it was perfect - just starting to overflow the fill hole

jeffbottman · 06-09-2013, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by u242447

Can you explain how you did it I'm wanting on a manual that I ordered (Wanyes) but I'm curious if you used a pump to refill and how hard was it to do the job How long did it take Thanks

Not hard. I used a pump, which worked fine. Also you need a 17 mm hex socket (like a giant allen key), I bought 3/8 inch drive. And of course 4 quarts of fluid.

Jack up the rear end and place a couple jack stands. First, remove the fill plug. I had to use a small breaker bar. Have a drain pan under, as I had some dripping.

Now remove the drain plug and watch the old goop come out. Replace the plug, insert the pump hose into fill hole and pump until you see overflow. Replace fill plug. That's about it.

All items purchased from our host ... pump, hex socket, fluid. I poured the quarts into a 1 gallon milk jug that fit the pump. First I poured out the milk

Who knows, maybe some cow juice would improve shifting!!

SilberUrS6 · 06-09-2013, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffbottman

Not hard. I used a pump, which worked fine. Also you need a 17 mm hex socket (like a giant allen key), I bought 3/8 inch drive. And of course 4 quarts of fluid.

Jack up the rear end and place a couple jack stands. First, remove the fill plug. I had to use a small breaker bar. Have a drain pan under, as I had some dripping.

Now remove the drain plug and watch the old goop come out. Replace the plug, insert the pump hose into fill hole and pump until you see overflow. Replace fill plug. That's about it.

All items purchased from our host ... pump, hex socket, fluid. I poured the quarts into a 1 gallon milk jug that fit the pump. First I poured out the milk

Who knows, maybe some cow juice would improve shifting!!

This is also exactly like I did mine, but I did one extra step.

While I was removing the fill plug, I boiled some water on the stove. While the trans was draining, I put the four quarts of Kendall in the boiled water, which was still really hot. After the trans had stopped dripping, I took the four quarts and dumped them into my gallon jug, and started pumping. The pumping goes a LOT faster when the oil is hot (and thus less viscous).

peppy · 06-09-2013, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivangene

YEA!

as for filling - you can get a hand pump at any auto parts store for ~$10 - then since some oil comes in Qt's and the stupid cheap pump no fit the Qt bottle - i use a cleaned out 1/2 gallon milk (plastic) jug - the pump fits perfectly!

Check the marine section for the pumps.