Transmission Flush Tips
#1
Transmission Flush Tips
After finding out in a very messy way that the transmission cooler inlet is on the bottom in our 2002 Bonneville, I figured I'd share a couple thoughts on flushing the transmission. I was trying to flush it as I had done so before following these instructions for a Crown Vic. The bottom line to the transmission cooler was rather difficult to get to so I started by removing the top line and hoping that it was the inlet. It wasn't, but it was impressive how forcefully the fluid sprayed out
All the transmission lines appear to be threaded 3/8" NPT - yes, SAE. Likely due to lack of clearance, I couldn't get a pipe to screw in on the top bung of the cooler. After seeing the corrosion on the transmission end of that line (the one flowing from the cooler to the transmission), and not wanting to run out and get a 19mm line wrench, I opted to remove the sending line. This was the one in which the fitting pointed straight down. I screwed a 10" long pipe directly into that port, with the other end pointing into my drain pan. It screwed in very easily once the threads hooked, confirming that they're 3/8". If I had to do it again though I would just remove the other line connecting to the transmission and flush the cooler at the same time.
I contemplated draining the torque converter, but after removing the cover plate I couldn't see how there could be enough room to get to the drain plug if there was one, and I didn't pursue it any further.
My last tidbit is for removing the old seal for the transmission filter. That little thing is in there pretty tight. Already having my plumbing parts out, I found that a 1/2" NPT pipe is just the right tool for the job. Screw it into it and wiggle the sucker out.
All the transmission lines appear to be threaded 3/8" NPT - yes, SAE. Likely due to lack of clearance, I couldn't get a pipe to screw in on the top bung of the cooler. After seeing the corrosion on the transmission end of that line (the one flowing from the cooler to the transmission), and not wanting to run out and get a 19mm line wrench, I opted to remove the sending line. This was the one in which the fitting pointed straight down. I screwed a 10" long pipe directly into that port, with the other end pointing into my drain pan. It screwed in very easily once the threads hooked, confirming that they're 3/8". If I had to do it again though I would just remove the other line connecting to the transmission and flush the cooler at the same time.
I contemplated draining the torque converter, but after removing the cover plate I couldn't see how there could be enough room to get to the drain plug if there was one, and I didn't pursue it any further.
My last tidbit is for removing the old seal for the transmission filter. That little thing is in there pretty tight. Already having my plumbing parts out, I found that a 1/2" NPT pipe is just the right tool for the job. Screw it into it and wiggle the sucker out.
#2
Retired Senior Admin
Expert Gearhead
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sheboygan Wisconsin
Posts: 29,661
Likes: 0
Received 28 Likes
on
24 Posts
Sounds like you had fun. There is no drain on the torque converter. The only way to flush it is to put fluid in to one coolant line, and drain it from the other. This will flush the whole transmission.
#3
Yea, now I'm trying to figure out the best way to remove stains from concrete. This is the biggest mess I've EVER made. Cat litter, while good for preventing the fluid from traveling, did nothing for the stain. Scrubbing with soapy water did little as well. Brake cleaner, while great cleaning off a nylon brush that was just used for scrubbing an oily mess, also did nothing for the stain. The propane torch did seem to work, albeit slowly, but it also exploded the concrete in two spots.
#6
Senior Member
Posts like a Supercharger
Remove trans fluid from concrete
Try Dawn detergent. Apply at almost full strength. Allow to stand for few minutes. Brush into concrete with brush wet with more water. Continue brushing and diluting to pick up more of the oil with the detergent molecules. The added water gives the oil and detergent somewhere to go after they've combined. I rinsed with strong water stream. Waited. Then repeated with full strength Dawn again.
If Dawn is good enough to remove a commercial truck'* animal fats spill from a ramp in near downtown Cincinnati, it'* good for anything. That'* what I used after my last messy fluid change. It didn't all disappear at first, but the oil stain did leave over a period of weeks.
QUOTE=innertwist;1524266]The propane torch did seem to work, albeit slowly, but it also exploded the concrete in two spots.[/QUOTE]
The water in the concrete expanded into steam Sort of a popcorn effect! WOW.
If Dawn is good enough to remove a commercial truck'* animal fats spill from a ramp in near downtown Cincinnati, it'* good for anything. That'* what I used after my last messy fluid change. It didn't all disappear at first, but the oil stain did leave over a period of weeks.
QUOTE=innertwist;1524266]The propane torch did seem to work, albeit slowly, but it also exploded the concrete in two spots.[/QUOTE]
The water in the concrete expanded into steam Sort of a popcorn effect! WOW.
#7
Thanks for the advice guys!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SSEimatt93
Detailing & Appearance
11
08-21-2006 07:19 PM