Flushing a 1995 Transmission

[Manarius]

Here's my question: Having just gotten my tax rebate, I'm going to use it on some SVX related repairs. My transmission has just under 178k on it and I don't know if the transmission has ever had its fluid changed/flushed/whatever. Unfortunately, I myself do not have the place to do a backyard flush (just using the atf pump) so I'm stuck going to somebody to have it done. Aside from my regular mechanic, who I'm sure I could pay to just change the fluid, everyone else wants to flush the transmission with a flushing machine. Is this something that is advisable to do given the mileage and year (1995, so no screen issues).

The transmission itself doesn't show any noticeable issues other than age related slipping and the weird throttle hesitation problem I have.

I'm not using this to try to fix those problems, I just think the fluid should be changed. So, like I asked, is flushing a way to go or not?

[benebob]

Jason,
Personally I wouldn't use a power flush on a tranny with 175k on it or with suspect fluid changes but rather I'd do 2 drain and fills at the very least. Power flushing gets all the gunk out which at this point could possibly be what's holding your tranny together. I don't go with the assumption that they are overtly bad (as some do), however, they tend to be used when its too late and then 2k later the tranny is no longer a tranny.

If you can't do a change at home (which is nothing more than an oil change in reality) then have your mechanic drain and refill it. What I do is drive it to op. temp and pull the plug then let it drain overnight, measure what I got in my container then fill it with that amount (assuming I wasn't low). First smell your fluid, if it isn't pink or smells like burnt toast 1 drain should be fine but really 2 is ideal. You'll get 80% or more of the old fluid out. Drive it around a couple days before doing the second change.

I'm a fan of Mobil 1 Sythetic fluid but have also used Valvoline High Mileage in other Subarus if cost is an issue. Mobil 1 has the highest independently verified flash and fire temps of all the fluids on the market, is fully compatable with other fluids and is readily available at your local auto parts chains. Not that B&M or Purple are bad but I couldn't find any lab reports verifying their claims which leaves me a little nervous. If you don't have a tranny gauge and aftermarket cooler now would be the time to do that as well. You can order everything you'd need from Summit Racing for less than $120 shipped. I'd suspect if you're paying labor to install 2-3 hours would be about right.

A gauge is essential in my opinion so you know what temps you run. Anything over 200 is gonna be very bad on the fluid and start breaking it down. Mobil 1 is good to 212 BTW, some fluids only 195.

[svxcess]

.

I use the T-Tech flushing system every 30,000 miles on my 96, 118,000 mile LSi, without problems.

Its more of a fluid exchange than a flush. It uses the power of the operating automatic transmission to push the old fluid out, while drawing in the new fluid.

The mechanic connects the ATF hoses to the machine (which is filled with about 15 qts. of ATF. The car is then started and the exchange starts. The vehicle's own transmission pump regulates the exchange process, guaranteeing that proper pressure and fill are maintained. Using this much ATF guarantees almost 100% fluid exchange.

I usually give the shop Redline Hi-Temp ATF to do the flush with. It's expensive, but allows the tranny to operate at 70 degrees higher without breakdown

http://http://www.redlineoil.com/products_gearlubricants.asp?productID=54&subCatego ryID=18&categoryID=8

http://www.redlineoil.com/pdf/3.pdf


But as benebob says, if you're not sure of when (or IF) the ATF was ever changed, it may be better to just drain and fill a few times, although the 95 transmissions are a lot more reliable then the earlier ones.

I would also strongly recommend changing the internal transmission screen filter as well. You can find the procedure in the How-To documents by clicking HERE

.

[kwren]

Originally Posted by svxcess

.


I usually give the shop Redline Hi-Temp ATF to do the flush with. It's expensive, but allows the tranny to operate at 70 degrees higher without breakdown

http://http://www.redlineoil.com/pro...8&categoryID=8

http://www.redlineoil.com/pdf/3.pdf



.

pdf one is fine...
try this one for redlineoil
http://www.redlineoil.com/default.asp

[benebob]

Originally Posted by svxcess

.


I usually give the shop Redline Hi-Temp ATF to do the flush with. It's expensive, but allows the tranny to operate at 70 degrees higher without breakdown

http://http://www.redlineoil.com/pro...8&categoryID=8

http://www.redlineoil.com/pdf/3.pdf


But as benebob says, if you're not sure of when (or IF) the ATF was ever changed, it may be better to just drain and fill a few times, although the 95 transmissions are a lot more reliable then the earlier ones.



.

John, you're more trusting of what bottles say. I prefer independent verification of claims rather than what the snake oil seller tells me. Also, they make no claims of compatability with other ATF last time I checked, which is also a concern.

I've found the later trannies to have the exact same issues, just newer and less miles so it appears they don't have the same issues. Mine runs 100 degrees above outside temp in normal daily driving so the key is make sure you use a good fluid!