Auto Trans and Rear End Oil Change Planned...Questions?
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I am just saying it happens, it has to do with transmission fluid has a strong detergent base compared to oil. ATF serves as a hydraulic pressure agent, coolant, cleaner, rubber preservative, and lubricant. To be clear, it is a super cleansing agent, bordering on mildly corrosive. Neglected transmission fluid breaks down and coats the insides, the case, hard parts, and passageways with varnish/sludge. New transmission fluid is a very aggressive solvent and will attack the sludge and varnish. Its really like a stroke or CVA in your transmission. The transmission (or you) does not know about underlying or existing health problems until a blockage occurs. So the new fluid gets contaminated with the debris and carries everywhere. In effect spreading the debris throughout the transmission, until it causes a valve to stick or stops or slows lubrication.
There has also been slight changes in formulation of fluids with the changes in transmission evolution, mostly for electronic control and smoother shifts. A TH400/350 do not need or require the same fluid as a 2004R or 700R4, they are different from a PWM 4L60/65 and even the 6L80. Or, more like the difference between Type F and Dexron/Mercron fluid (ask Ford truck guys about 3 vs 4 or Chrysler guys about using 3). Older transmissions do not rely on shift solenoids, they do not have the multiple layers of filters and screens and ultra small passage-ways that new versions do. In essence, like the synthetic fish oil that is available now.
Transmission flush devices were born out of the changing fluid and filter and transmission failures that followed (with the dawn of overdrive and lock-up transmissions). That being said, I do not agree or support them.
But, parts stores sell ATF, and by law it has to work, same laws do not require that it must not do harm (not a lot, or all at once), just that it has to work. Just like oil without ZDDP in it.
Ask tractor and heavy equipment guys, foam, or lack of foaming agents in 'normal' hydraulic fluid that is for cylinders....heh, it burns up everything else, but it comes from the tractor or equipment supply store.
Kind of like that cheapo oil that actually says "Not for use in automobiles" that is found in grocery stores across the land.
What kind of fuel do you use?
https://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/to-save-money-on-gas-stop-buying-premium.html
Look, without going all conspiracy, its part of the obsolescence of our vehicles.
There has also been slight changes in formulation of fluids with the changes in transmission evolution, mostly for electronic control and smoother shifts. A TH400/350 do not need or require the same fluid as a 2004R or 700R4, they are different from a PWM 4L60/65 and even the 6L80. Or, more like the difference between Type F and Dexron/Mercron fluid (ask Ford truck guys about 3 vs 4 or Chrysler guys about using 3). Older transmissions do not rely on shift solenoids, they do not have the multiple layers of filters and screens and ultra small passage-ways that new versions do. In essence, like the synthetic fish oil that is available now.
Transmission flush devices were born out of the changing fluid and filter and transmission failures that followed (with the dawn of overdrive and lock-up transmissions). That being said, I do not agree or support them.
But, parts stores sell ATF, and by law it has to work, same laws do not require that it must not do harm (not a lot, or all at once), just that it has to work. Just like oil without ZDDP in it.
Ask tractor and heavy equipment guys, foam, or lack of foaming agents in 'normal' hydraulic fluid that is for cylinders....heh, it burns up everything else, but it comes from the tractor or equipment supply store.
Kind of like that cheapo oil that actually says "Not for use in automobiles" that is found in grocery stores across the land.
What kind of fuel do you use?
https://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/to-save-money-on-gas-stop-buying-premium.html
Look, without going all conspiracy, its part of the obsolescence of our vehicles.
Valvoline gear oil is available at most parts stores with the limited slip diff additive. The diff lube is available from GM still at most dealerships.
I just put the octane deal on there because, our older cars need the better fuel. Sure they will run on less. Same with E10 and E15 and how it effects small engines, motorcycles, and or boats. Or, really, anything with rubber in the fuel system or carb.
I have seen transmissions killed because the newer friction modifiers are different and allow more slip to occur (than the trans was designed for) and heat to build (more than originally intended) and burn up a clutch pack or most of the time its the clutch in the converter. Like within a week.
If you can secure Dex/Merc 3 or 4 you would be way ahead. Type F has little or no friction modifiers, that is why guys put it into performance applications, the abrupt shift is actually desired, it will work in G-body era GM transmissions.
I'm a little on the fence on this one. First people don't pay any attention to their trans until it acts up. They do need service. That being said I keep tabs on the trans fluid, color and smell. My Daughters Tahoe went to 100,000 mi's before I changed it (highway driving no towing). It was the cleanest trans I had ever dropped the pan on. My son and I do a lot of towing and I go to 50,000 mi's and change out the trans-transfer-and rear end. The Regal was getting changed after every race season but it looked so good we went to two seasons. The dragster is every season.
I have not lost a trans in over 30 years. A trans flush is a no-no, asking for trouble.
I have not lost a trans in over 30 years. A trans flush is a no-no, asking for trouble.
FYI. The Monte has around 90K miles- put on maybe 500 miles before putting it away for the winter. I don't know the service history.
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