Newby Transmission fluid change!

[McLaren-TAG]

Getting my car ready for the season, I picked it up last November and have done a bunch of basic new owner things to it. So my first autocross is on the 25th, and I decided to change the tranny fluid. Bought a case of the Kendal for less than one gallon of the Swepco, after reading all of the posts here.

Question on the actual process though. After draining all of the fluid, and then filling up the tranny with new fluid. (what a PITA is was without some sort of pump) I was only able to get about 2.75 quarts of the new fluid in before it started to leak out of the filler hole. Could it be that since I only jacked up the rear of the car the angle of lift prevented all of the old fluid from draining out? I'd say I had it at a 15 degree angle to it.

So what to do now, should the car be level when filling the tranny fluid in order to get a good reading?


It really didn't need it as the old fluid was almost new, but at least I've got the peace of mind that I've done it and I cleaned up about 1/4 teaspoon of fine grit the magnet had accumulated.

[ivangene]

since this stuff is cheap:

I think drive it around for a few days and then drain again (remove mixed Swepco and Kendel cocktail)

fill at an angle as you have and then find a buddy with a rack (I went to the shop for teck inspect) and say...hey while its up there can I top this off....You wont get much in because if you drained it at an angle it didnt all come out - but worth doing IMO

and I really think you made a good choice

[McLaren-TAG]

Thanks Ed, no Swepco in there previously just some unknown tranny fluid from the PO. I'm thinking I might just splurge and buy a pump to save myself the headaches the next time. Who knew gravity was so slow.

[Smoove1010]

I just did this, and could not have done this without this pump, available for $8 at my local AutoZone.



My car was also jacked up in the rear, but only enough for me to slide underneath. I got 3 quarts out, and put 3 quarts in.

Good luck!

[McLaren-TAG]

and went back to my 2nd grade physics class, why not just lift the car from the drivers side, this way the opening will allow me a little extra before it starts to spill out. More than compensates for the rear lift angle. All done.

[vash]

you dont want to overfill the tranny.

[vash]

lift the car up both front and back.

[RWebb]

the idea of lifting on the Driver's side then setting it down flat and catching the excess is fine

Swepco comes by the gallon so you'll have extra anyway

but yes, those pumps are cheap

and car MUST be level when determining the amt. of tranny fluid in order to avoid problems

[83_Silberpfeil]

Originally Posted by RWebb

Swepco comes by the gallon

Reminds me of a joke about elephants I heard in Jr High

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by 83_Silberpfeil

Reminds me of a joke about elephants I heard in Jr High

What's grey, and comes in quarts?

[83_Silberpfeil]

That's the one. The version I heard used 'gallons'

Quote de 83_Silberpfeil

Reminds me of a joke about elephants I heard in Jr High

What's grey, and comes in quarts?