Tranny fluid turning color again?

[n00b on demand]

Ok so i just got back from the Jersey shore meet. On the way back we stopped at a gas station so i could fill up. I decided to check my tranny fluid...and little did i know that it was a light brownish color. There wasnt ALOT of light but there was a little. I got my tranny fluid changed back in late august and installed my big cooler. I never thought the fluid would change color. The tranny still shifts fine and everything. It could just be paranoia but i dont know. I have not installed an external filter so im going to assume this is why it changed color. I just checked the fluid last week and it was fine....will check again tomorrow morning in the day light. I do know the cooler is working because it takes a while before the TC locks up on the highway. Our average speed was about 80 MPH....and there were some moments when i had to give it some gas and make it down shift so i could catch up ( didnt have my ezpass so i got stuck at the toll). I hope to god im just being too paranoid.

[n00b on demand]

The fluid smells brand new. It doesnt smell burned at all.

[n00b on demand]

Ok i think i was being paranoid.....the car was sitting for about an hr so i turned it on just now and let it warm up to full operating temp. I took it around the block and came back to the drive way...checked the fluid and its as good as new. Pretty weird....guess i was just too paranoid.

[benebob]

It can and will change color as it picks up dirt and mixes with the older fluid that you didn't get out (about 1/2). If it smells okay you're probably okay BUT changing it more isn't gonna hurt and it is easy as changing oil to do (actually easier if you ask me as you don't need to get at the filter. Are you sure you don't have an external filter put on by Subaru? If you do you can always change it (expensive) or get an aftermarket one. What kind of fluid do you use? I recommend Mobil 1 as unlike Purple and Redline its flash and burn temp claims have been verified by indie labs plus it is fine to mix with non synthentics. Sure it is $4-5 a quart but $60 a year is a lot cheaper than $2500 every 3-5. Just curious have you thought about a tranny temp gauge? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[n00b on demand]

I dont think I have en external filter. I am going to buy an aftermarket one though. I have a 26,000 GVW cooler so i couldnt understand how it changed color in the matter of 3 months...especially in temps below 70 degrees. What would burnt fluid smell like? I put new ATF on one hand and the fluid in my car on the other and they both smelled the same. Does this mean i have to get another drain and refill?

[benebob]

Well, my 95 runs about 100 degrees hotter than the outside temp in Normal highway driving with my B&M Cooler and the stock cooler. Runs the same without the stock cooler too. With heavy driving or stop and go traffic it easily goes over 200 degrees after about an hour in 70 degree weather. This is actual pan temps as my sensor is in there. That's why I said you should think about a gauge so you know what the temps are like. Then check out the flash and fire points of the fluids you're using and make sure you keep the temps below that or change it soon after going above the flash temp for an extended period (anywhere from 195-220 or so).

As for changing the fluid. When I change mine I do it once a year (every 2k miles or so), 2 days in a row as like I said you only get about 1/2 out each change. If it is burnt, your not doing much, if it isn't you'd be fine. Personally I'd do it again anyways but thats just me. Rather do that than a tranny.

Smell, bad fluid will smell like burnt toast to most people. I can't tell much of a difference myself though.

As for the external filter. trace your lines from the tranny pan up to the coolers. It would be in there. If you don't have one go to subaru as it was a retrofitted kit for some and later ones had it standard.

[n00b on demand]

Originally posted by benebob
It can and will change color as it picks up dirt and mixes with the older fluid that you didn't get out (about 1/2). If it smells okay you're probably okay BUT changing it more isn't gonna hurt and it is easy as changing oil to do (actually easier if you ask me as you don't need to get at the filter. Are you sure you don't have an external filter put on by Subaru? If you do you can always change it (expensive) or get an aftermarket one. What kind of fluid do you use? I recommend Mobil 1 as unlike Purple and Redline its flash and burn temp claims have been verified by indie labs plus it is fine to mix with non synthentics. Sure it is $4-5 a quart but $60 a year is a lot cheaper than $2500 every 3-5. Just curious have you thought about a tranny temp gauge? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Nope no external filter. The fluid smells the same as brand new ATF. So its not burnt. As for the color im gonna drive it around tonight for about 10 miles and come home and then see what color the fluid is. The only day i would be able to get the fluid changed is friday so if indeed the fluid is bad I will have to drive it around untill then. I have no other choice. :: praying that i am just paranoid and the fluid is just fine::

Also i dont understand how it might have turned color if i have that powerful a cooler. Another member had the same cooler and reported that his tranny temps never went above 180. And he said he beat on his car alot and often. I just got the fluid changed almost the last day of august so 3 months and 3 k miles is way to short for the fluid to change color again. Definitley time for an external filter and tranny temp guage. Anyone know how much those both would cost?

[lee]

$80 from Summit Racing - filter & gauge set.

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...-10677&x=0&y=0

if you have a 92 and no external filter, it could well be that the OEM cooler is partially blocked, which would raise temps - and without a temp gauge you'd never know.

I also bought the A-pillar mounting cup from Dayle at Motorsports - you''l nned to think about where to put the gauge.

[michael]

scoobie is that your pumpkin in your locker?

[n00b on demand]

Originally posted by lee
$80 from Summit Racing - filter & gauge set.

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...-10677&x=0&y=0

if you have a 92 and no external filter, it could well be that the OEM cooler is partially blocked, which would raise temps - and without a temp gauge you'd never know.

I also bought the A-pillar mounting cup from Dayle at Motorsports - you''l nned to think about where to put the gauge.

Gauge will go in the ash tray. I have a 93 and i dont think there is an external filter. I am going to buy the filter and gauge set.

[n00b on demand]

Originally posted by michael
scoobie is that your pumpkin in your locker?

Nope not mine...im not that crafty with a carving knife ....found it when i was googling one day.

[n00b on demand]

Well i took the car out for an 11 mile drive just now....came back home and checked the fluid and it looks brand new and smells brand new as well. I kept it in 3...rpms never went above 2600 though. i think i just over reacted....but im still going to buy the filter and gauge set.

[n00b on demand]

I will probably buy a different gauge that will fit inhe ashtray. Same one that " zeppelin" has in his. How much is it for the filter alone?

[SVXRide]

When was the last time you changed the filter screen in the transmission? You'll see it when you drop the transmission oil pan.
Depending on how "paranoid" you are there are two basic options as far as external filters go - the PermaCool filter or the Subie retrofit filter. The PermaCool filter is larger, the Subie filter is less expensive (I think...)
-Bill

[michael]

I wouldn't even consider the subie filter. You have to disconnect the trans lines to replace it in the future, permacool is like an oil filter it screws off and it has a fitting for a temp sensor.

Subie filter was $50.

I found a water guage but no trans $45

http://www.dakotadigital.com/Detail....-2/product.htm

Perma-Cool filter kit

http://www.permacool.com/Catalog/Cat_page25.html