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#1
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Transmission fluid change question...
My car has 312,0000+ miles. I am fairly certain it is the original trans. I have at least one entry in my service log for a fluid and filter change. It is no doubt time for it to be changed again.
My question: Not knowing what kind of fluid as in there now, I am assuming it is not synthetic. Would you switch to a synthetic now?
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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions) '08 Chevy Tahoe '93 Ducati 900 SS '79 Kawasaki KZ 650 '86 Kawasaki KX 250 '88 Kawasaki KDX200 '71 Hodaka Ace 100 '72 Triumph T100R |
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vwbuge,
Sure I would change to synthetic Trans fluid. P E H |
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Yes
Redline synthetic is some really good stuff,it makes shifting very smooth,in your case i would drain tq and flush it or change again in say 4-5 months just to be sure a lot of super old gunk gets out,sometimes whats in there for so long comes out and your tranny may not like that.
good luck
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W123 1985 300TD naturally aspirated |
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If you know with certainty that the fluid has never been changed, I wouldn't even consider syn fluid, I'd focus on DEXRON only. The syn fluids typical offer far more cleansing power. If you have signficant build-ups of garbage, this new syn fluid is likely to free up all sorts of bad stuff which will then be circulating in your transmission. Drain the fluid, examine the pan and filter closely. Does it look bad or is it still fairly clean? Make a trans fluid decision following a visual inspection ... and change that fluid more often!
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1998 W210 diesel (wiped out by a texter) Baum spring compressor "for rent" |
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agree...no syn. don't flush... just drain and replace filter
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1989 300ce 129k ( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone) 1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus 1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k 1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it [/SIGPIC] |
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Quote:
The other shool-of-thought is what you said.
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the sooner you start... the sooner you'll get done If it ain't broke, don't fix it.. Its always simpler to tell the truth... 2007 Honda Accord EX 2007 Honda Accord SE V6 96 C220 97 Explorer - Found Another Home 2000 Honda Accord V6 - Found Another Home 85 300D - Found Another Home 84 300D - Found Another Home 80 300TD - Found Another Home Previous cars: 96 Caravan 87 Camry 84 Cressida 82 Vanagon 80 Fiesta 78 Nova Ford Cortina Opel Kadet 68 Kombi Contessa |
#7
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You can rest assured that traditional DEXRON has strong cleaning capability. That's not a weakness by any measure.
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#8
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Iam running Amsoil syn. did the change over at 330940 mIles.
transmission shifts like butter. also replaced the K-1 kit at the same time. As far as gunk and debris floating around the trans, maybe that is what the filter is for? I have been running it 4400 miles so far. Be sure to drain the torq converter, easy to do. I drained my trans for about two months, you may not want to take that long to do the job, but I was replacing the eng. at that time. As far as leaks, I haven`t noticed any at this time. Charlie
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there were three HP ratings on the OM616... 1) Not much power 2) Even less power 3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast. 80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works |
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At that kind of mileage don't waste your money on synthetic, whats it going to extend the life a bit, its already worn out Mobil 1 isn't going to fix that. Save the synthetic for when you rebuild it.
Get whatever ATF is on sale at autozoo.
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1999 SL500 1969 280SE 2023 Ram 1500 2007 Tiara 3200 |
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What makes you think the trans is worn out? The car runs great. (knocking on wood sound)
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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions) '08 Chevy Tahoe '93 Ducati 900 SS '79 Kawasaki KZ 650 '86 Kawasaki KX 250 '88 Kawasaki KDX200 '71 Hodaka Ace 100 '72 Triumph T100R |
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300k miles, how much more can you expect out of it? I'm sure it shifts fine, mine at 267k shifts pretty damn good to. But it can go at any time.
But its not going to last another 200k miles, and its going to blow at some point synthetic or not. Its like giving up smoking when you are 95, yeah its going to make a difference!
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1999 SL500 1969 280SE 2023 Ram 1500 2007 Tiara 3200 |
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Quote:
is a waste of money in your opinion. I have noticed an improvement in the way it shifts. so maybe it will crap out tomarrow, and then maybe it will go another 100,000. we`ll see. you are right it will blow at some point, but if it does, oh well. I`ll fix it with a 4-speed conversion. Charlie
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there were three HP ratings on the OM616... 1) Not much power 2) Even less power 3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast. 80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works |
#13
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Quote:
As for my suggestion, put in a cheap group 3 synthetic fluid like Valvoline's ATF 'full synthetic' fluid and run it for a shorter amount of time then specified (3 months) to get the build up cleaned out. Then switch to a true Full synthetic like Redline or Amsoil.
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Current: 05 E320 CDI 07 GL320 CDI 08 Sprinter 05 Dodge Cummins 01 Dodge Cummins Previous 2004 E55 AMG 2002 C32 AMG (#2) 1995 E300 1978 300D 1987 300D 2002 C32 AMG(blown motor :[ 1981 300SD 1983 300SD 1987 300SDL 2002 Jetta TDI 1996 S420 1995 S500 1993 190E 2.6 1992 190E 2.3 1985 190E 2.3 5-Speed |
#14
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If there isn't any shifting problems and the fluid isn't burned or dirty, I would think twice before doing a full change out with Syn. My opinion is that your transmission depends somewhat on that buildup around pistons to maintain a good seal and pressure. Dissolve too much of that and you could be in trouble.
Stick with what works. She hasn't let you down yet.
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1987 300SDL-268k mi |
#15
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Quote:
The cleaning process would be more gradual. Let's keep in mind, I'm only suggesting using the product the factory specified. I'm not charting any new territory with the recommendation. I'd say there is an certain amount of "unknown" when working with a neglected transmission that has never been maintained. |
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