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#1
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Transmission flush
I know a search on this topic would probably bring up volumes of info, but wondering what the latest line of thinking is.
My local Subaru shop is strongly recommending I get the tranny flushed. The fluid is definitely ready for replacing. I know in the past members here have been against getting an actual "flush" for fear of stirring debris up inside there and causing problems. I've read some past threads about just changing out the fluid fairly often. But I can't find anywhere that details exactly how to do it in an idiot-proof (me) step by step. How much fluid, what kind, where does it drain, go in, filters, etc, etc? Or is it worth it for me to just pay the shop $120 to have the tranny flushed and all fluid replaced at once and good to go for a long while?
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Troy 1992 SVX LSL "Serenity" 250,000 miles! I don't care, I'm still free, You can't take the sky from me... |
#2
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Re: Transmission flush
Starting at 42,000 miles, I have had my tranny fluid "exchanged" every 25,000 miles by my Subaru dealer and have not had any problems to date.
The SVX Master Tech told me that, like most good flushing machines, it uses the transmissions own oil pump to move the fluid. With the engine running, the old fluid is pushed out while the new fluid is drawn in. Actually 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. I believe they are using the T-Tech system. 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. Since there is no additional pressure used to in this process, other than the tranny's own ATF pump, I wouldn't think there is anything that would disrupt or dislodge anything. It is just moving fluid at the same rate it always did, only the fluid is always fresh. Still running strong at 119,000 miles... I use either Mobil 1 synthetic ATF or Red Line High-Temp Synthetic ATF. .
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. Subaru Ambassador 1996 Polo Green LSi #216..138,100 miles...SOLD JFICX8659TH100216.....Date of Manufacture: November 16, 1995..... Fuji Heavy Industries..Ōta North Plant....Ōta City,. Gunma Prefecture, Japan In-Service Date: January 2, 1997 "The Pristine Green Polo Machine” First Polo Green on the Network First Clear front turn signals, JDM Alcyone hood emblem, rear panel, and BOXER engine cover on the Network (US) (2000) First 5000K HID factory fog lights (2007) First SVX JDM BBS wheels on a USDM SVX (2013) HID lighting (5000K) for headlight and H3 fog lights, PIAA SuperExtreme 120W high beams, rebuilt EG33 longblock, Cometic head gaskets, Phase II flexplate, AMR aluminum radiator with custom silicone hoses, 160A high-output alternator in aluminum-ceramic coated case, new design alternator wiring upgrade v.4, rare factory headlight protectors, refinished JDM BBS mesh aluminum wheels and custom, polished billet aluminum new hex center caps, LED grille mod, R1 Concepts high-carbon cryo slotted rotors, Akebono ceramic pads, Goodridge S/S braided brake lines, Smallcar Stage 1 shift kit, ThermalTech aluminum/ceramic-coated valve covers, Energy Suspension urethane front & rear swaybar bushings, Bontrager22 rear swaybar with QS Components Chromoly Teflon/Kevlar endlinks, "$15.00/5 minute" suspension mod. Hella Supertone horns, Custom stainless steel exhaust system with 2" headpipes, Magnaflow cats, AeroTurbine AR25 resonator /AWD "Bullet" muffler. R.I.P. 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 CVT...338,000 miles. Totaled by a 1,300 lb. COW March 4, 2016 2014 Hyundai Avante Limited ...178,000 miles. Actually quieter and smoother than the Outback 2007 Mazda Miata MX-5 PRHT...102,000 miles. Plenty of parts, service and windshields. 4th Registered Network member —2/21/2001 My NEW locker..I...My Email..I..Wikipedia/SVX . . |
#3
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Re: Transmission flush
I am definitely of the opinion tha tit is worth it just to pay the $120 and have it flushed. Our shop has been doing flushes for a good long while now and have yet to cause one to fail because of "dislodging some crap in there" or whatever you want to say. Have it flushed, and put in a GOOD synthetic like Mobil 1, or my favorite: Amsoil, and you'll be set for miles of smiles.
I use Amsoil synthetic ATF in all my 3 cars trannies, as well as Amsoil severe wear fluid in the differentials on the SVX. 75w-90 or whatever it is, I forget off hand...Anyway, runs like a top.
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Jesus is the remedy 2015 Expedition EL Ecoboost Ebony Pearl '95 Subaru SVX LSi Home of the Bontrager Works 22mm rear sway bar!! |
#4
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Re: Transmission flush
Once you've got a good external filter you shouldn't need to flush. just change fluid and filter a couple times. plus a "filtermag", which i'm sold on.
I agree w/ the amsoil. i just drained old, though still good reg dex and put in "super shift" which might be a lil to much, we'll see. suppose to help against slippage. i've got it in my trucks too. amsoil has a less racy trans fluids, "torque drive' and "universal atf", all synths. i've got synth in the diff's too. though the front needed some "slip lock" to quiet the chatter.
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WFO! http://www.cardomain.com/id/Schralper "You all laugh cuz I'm different I laught cuz you're all the same." |
#5
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Re: Transmission flush
Troy
I would avoid the flush. I would exchange it or change it. I change (without dropping the pan) every 2nd or 3rd oil change. Some do it every time they change oil. There have been many menbers who have had their tranny fail right after a flush at a shop. If you want to discuss it further, let me know.
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. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19 |
#6
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Re: Transmission flush
I am also a fan of the T-Tech machine as it works as svxcess describes. Being that I don't like others touching my car I installed an external filter so I can just change that instead. A filter and cooler will keep the trans fluid happy for mannnnny miles.
Oh, and for those who have had their trans fail soon after a flush, well it was about to go anyway. I use to make customers sign a waver if I thought their car would be harmed by a flush in any way. If the thing came in with black and/or burnt fluid, a ton of miles or didn't shift proper on the 'beforehand' test drive then I would rather loose the money than have someone pissed at me. Sadly most people out there just see suckers (car owners) with their wallet open and don't know enough or give a crap about the effects of such services and how the car may be effected by it. Quote:
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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin blk 92' LSL w/ average mods pics here http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn277/yourconfused/ Cash68: "Hmm, I wouldn't brag about beating Escorts. That's like saying you tricked a retarded person." Last edited by YourConfused; 07-02-2008 at 02:33 AM. |
#7
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Re: Transmission flush
One curmudgeon's opinion: Automotive "flushes" of every description were conceived solely to enhance the bottom line of the shop administering the procedure. If your transmission is routinely serviced (thorough gravity drain/clean filter/refill), getting every drop of old oil out by means of a powered exchange can't possibly be of any practical benefit.
dcb |
#8
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Re: Transmission flush
I agree with both svxcess and ensteele.
Most shops have a "trans flush machine" that used air pressure from the usually 100-120psi wall air supply. A simple drain and fill, or using a machine that ONLY uses the trans pump pressure is the correct way to go.
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www.svxfiles.com The first SuperCharged SVX, the first 4.44 gears, the first equal length headers, the first phenolic spacers, the first Class Glass fiberglass hood, the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway Fiberglass Hood thread My locker 4.44 Swap link |
#9
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Re: Transmission flush
Quote:
Remove the plug and you can drain out four quarts in ten minutes. If you have the time, leave out the plug for two hours and you might drain six quarts. If you remove the trans cooler lines from the radiator you will get a better drain. If you want to change the in the pan filter, remove the twenty, 10mm head, bolts that hold the pan on. Remove the pan and clean off the old gasket and gasket material. There are two black bolts that hold a 1/4" transfer line across the front of the trans inside the aria covered by the pan. Gently remove the tube by wiggling it while pulling it down. More oil will drain. Now remove the four gold 10mm head bolts that hold on the filter. Remove the filter. Install the new filter MAKING SURE THE O-RING IS ON THE INLET TUBE. Do not overtighten the pan bolts. You refill the transmission through the fill tube, where the transmission dipstick goes. It is on the drivers side by the firewall. You can use Dexron Mercon transmission oil of any brand that you like. You can use synthetic at about $6.00 a quart or generic at about $2.00 a quart. Hope that helps. Tom
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www.svxfiles.com The first SuperCharged SVX, the first 4.44 gears, the first equal length headers, the first phenolic spacers, the first Class Glass fiberglass hood, the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway Fiberglass Hood thread My locker 4.44 Swap link |
#10
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Re: Transmission flush
and the scary thing is.... that was probably all written from memory without using any references....
for crying out loud
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Subaru SVX 94' Laguna Blue - 8.5 C/R Built Motor, 6spd |
#11
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Re: Transmission flush
Quote:
Whats a life?
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www.svxfiles.com The first SuperCharged SVX, the first 4.44 gears, the first equal length headers, the first phenolic spacers, the first Class Glass fiberglass hood, the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway Fiberglass Hood thread My locker 4.44 Swap link |
#12
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Re: Transmission flush
I hear concussions are easy to get....
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Subaru SVX 94' Laguna Blue - 8.5 C/R Built Motor, 6spd |
#13
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Re: Transmission flush
Quote:
I've always been afraid of a flush but this sounds doable. John which stealer i mean dealer do you take it to.....
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HENRY 92 SVX Claret(No More) 12 Camaro ZL1 89 Yamaha FJ1200 07 Yamaha FJR1300 "GO RAVENS" |
#14
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Re: Transmission flush
Scary or not, thanks Tom, that's just what I was looking for!
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Troy 1992 SVX LSL "Serenity" 250,000 miles! I don't care, I'm still free, You can't take the sky from me... |
#15
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Re: Transmission flush
Quote:
This is John Hoffman, using Toms computer. I ALWAYS go to OTs shop. Everyone should! So, this is really him, John Hoffman, not Tom, saying Come to my shop! er, his shop! Thats the ticket!
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www.svxfiles.com The first SuperCharged SVX, the first 4.44 gears, the first equal length headers, the first phenolic spacers, the first Class Glass fiberglass hood, the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway Fiberglass Hood thread My locker 4.44 Swap link |
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