changing transmission fluid

[jkeith72]

Hi all,

I am going to change the transmission fluid and rear end oil in my 72 280SEL 4.5 this weekend. I figured I should get a heard start and gather what parts I may need.
I have a few questions before I start:

Is there a transmission filter in my car?
Where should I buy the pan gasket and associated plug seals/gaskets?
Synthetic fluid?

I have searched for this information, but have found a mixed bag of information. Nothing specific to my model.

Thanks in advance!
Jason Keith

[t walgamuth]

There is a filter. I recommend always changing it. Also be sure to drain the torque converter.

[daw_two]

I would purchase the gaskets and seals from Phil of FastLane; he supports the forum and cat get the parts out right away. Call or email him if you have any doubt of what to order.

[jkeith72]

Thanks for the replies. Will it hurt if I use synthetic fluids in the transmission and rear end?

Thanks again! Looking forward to working on my baby again...Its been too long.

[jackson101]

Remember, synthetic lubrication products are simply products made in a controlled environment. On the molecular level, they are fairly equal/superior to the petroleum products pumped from the ground and refined.
They differ from the petroleum products that are pumped out of the ground and then refined, in an important way. They have no contaminates. No matter how much refining goes into that oil pumped from the earth, it will not be without some contaminates. If the makers of your motor oil tried to meet the quality of synthetics, it would cost you 7-8 dollars a quart.
Synthetics and standard lubricating products are so similar, that the debate still rages; "are synthetics worth the extra cost?"
Consumers report did a great study on this subject, you may be able to find it on-line.

[280EZRider]

ATF is much different than motor oil and stays much cleaner by nature, plus an automatic transmission is considered a closed unit, so there is really nothing going on inside to create contamination like in an engine. Synthetic ATF, especially in an old tranny is a waste of money.

Changing ATF fluid & filter is always a messy job, especially if you're on your back with just 2 feet of room to slither around, so I would use all OEM parts to avoid the possibile necessity of having to repeat the job.

[alabbasi]

Originally Posted by 280EZRider

I would use all OEM parts to avoid the possibile necessity of having to repeat the job.

I would agree with this, at least in the last few instances that I have had to change the filters on my cars (W126 4 speed). The pan filter leaked because the gasket did not sit properly. I had to take the pan filter down about 3 times before I could get it to seal.

By chance, I discussed this with David S Poole at European Performance (who also posts on this site) and he said that he got sick of using aftermarket filters on transmissions for exactly the same reason and only buys dealer stock.

I thought it was just me?

[jkeith72]

Very good. I will follow that advice. Thank you very much!! Im a virgin to many of these jobs on my car. I was hoping to get this done last weekend, but looks like it will be a holiday weekend project instead.