Tranny Fluid Change Question

[Doug E]

I'm on vacation next week and am planning on doing my first tranny fluid change so I thought I'd ask the experts these questions:

1. how high do you typically jack the car to do this?

At first I was thinking of using regular stands and a floor jack but now I am toying with the idea of getting a set of floor ramps and driving the the car up on them. Opinions?

2. is there any downside in doing it with the engine cold other than it just taking longer to drain?


From this board I know to do the following:
1. make sure the fill plug is out before I drain the existing fluid
2. I will be using Swepco 201 (915 tranny)
3. I have already purchased a hand pump which fits on the top of the Swepco jug.
4. I will let the Swepco sit in warm water (since there isn't any sun in the forecast) for a while for to "get loose"
5. Ensure the car will be level prior to checking once re-filled.

TIA for the answers and I'll let you know how it goes once done.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Depending on the configuration of your pump--how long a nozzle it has--it really doesn't make a great deal of difference how high you raise the car, as long as you have adequate access to the fill hole. I've always just used gravity and a length of Neoprene hose so am working from the area of the left rear wheelwell and haven't needed much clearance under the car. (A pump does sound like a better idea, since the gravity-fill method takes awhile.) If you need to get in there under the thing to work a pump, you're obviously going to need more clearance, but that's the only factor determining how high to raise it. Me, I'd put a flexible extension on the pump (if necessary) and work alongside the car rather than under it.

Stephan

[rstoll]

I would definately drive the car for 25 miles or so to get the tranny oil hot before dumping it. Be sure and remove filler plug before drain plug just to see if you can get it out. I just raise mine enough to access the plug. Try and keep the car as level as possible when filling. Fill until lube runs back out of fill hole. About 3 quarts on a 915. Be sure and clean magnetic drain plug. It will have a good bit of powdered syncros on it. As long as it has no chunks on it your're ok. Have fun!

[kepperly]

before you close it up, let it set for 5 minutes and refill because the fluid has to fill up the small spaces and "soak in". doesn,t take alot but just to be on the safe side.
keith

[Jorgeman]

Son was visiting so I took advantage of his youth and we changed my 86 tranny juice just this past week. Everything went off without a hitch as follows:
1. After a drive to warm everything, I jacked up drivers side using jack pad inserted in opening and a floor jack and piece of 2x4. Jack stand under T bar socket.
2. Got under from the rear, loosened the fill plug with 17mm Allen wrench and a 10-12" pipe extension. (Bought wrench at Sears--$9!) Took out drain plug (both plugs REQUIRED that pipe extension) and let drain while we ate breakfast.
Removed the jack stand while draining.
3. After chow, replaced the jack stand and drain plug and added a tube of limited slip fluid to the jug (per John Walker) and started pumping. (son did a GREAT job on that pump!) Filled to overflow and then lowered car to level and let it drip for a couple minutes. Raised it once more to replace the fill plug, wipe things down and double check the plugs.
4. Cleaned up no more than 3 or 4 dime sized splashes off the floor, decanted drain pan into a gallon jug and had second morning cup of coffee!
5. I had previously filled the tranny with Red Line which I thought was an improvement over whatever was in it when I bought the car but I have to agree with all you Swepco "pushers" that the Swepco has definitely improved the feel of shifting. BTW, the drain plug had no more than metal "fuzz" on it since last changed about 29K miles ago.
Aside from that unmistakeable odor of Swepco remaining tn the garage for a couple days, the job came off without a hitch. HOWEVER, that pump arrangement has got to go--or a hose twice as long shoud be used to allow pumping from out from under the car! The thought occurs that a pump container like the brake bleeder Wayne sells would/could be the ultimate answer! Just pump it up and let compressed air do the work. Any entrepreneurs out there?

[Bill Verburg]

I have found that gravity, ~2m of 18mm OD clear plastic tube and a funnel works great. Preheat both the old and new fluid(Istore the new in my heating room between the boiler and hot water heater), the car should be level so I use 4 jackstands. The funnel is hung from the rafters at a convienient height, the clear tube allows observation of the progress(or not) of the fluid. it is generally a clean, hassle free project. the stain on the floor is solely from inattention.