Can someone clarify the difference between a fluid change and a flush? I'm not so sure I'm following all of this.

Ben ben ben... get with the picture dude!

Flush - removing all fluid, replacing with new.
pan drop - removing only fluid in the pan, but there is still fluid left in the tranny, like in the torque converter [the biggest holder].

We'll see in a few months with me. 150k, no documented flush [just drop and fill]. Lost all fluid in 10 seconds on the side of the road. I am going to fill it up, flush it, drop pan, replace filter, refill, and hope for the best. If my transmission works after that, I guess that proves the 440s are strong.

mkaake: No worries, man. Just arguing what I know..


-justin

Lol, thanks Justin.....

Actually I knew that dropping the pan only gets rid of part of your fluid. It just seemed like people were talking about a flush and a fluid change like they were two different things. I'm assuming "fluid change" referred to merely dropping the pan?

I have a fairly high number of miles on my car and I got a full flush and filter change from the dealership. They didn't warn me against dropping the pan, so I'm assuming that it was a-okay according to GM protocol. Either that or they're trying to screw my tranny in the hopes that I have them install a replacement

Whatever the case may be, it'* driving and shifting fine so far......

Pan drop and filter change will only get 1/3 to 1/2 of the fluid.

If you're referring to my post, I think they changed the filter and then did a flush. At least I hope that'* what they did..... :?

EDIT: My receipt says "Trans flush/filter" and it cost $125 parts and labor.

Everyone has a different definition of each, especially mechanics and stealerships. For that price, I would hope they flushed it. But.. you never know with those scheming bastards.


-justin

i had a pan drop done last night at the dealership and i talked to the mechanic that did it, i asked him how much metal shavings and how bunt the fluid was he said that their wasnt that many metal shavings just normal wear and tear and the fuild was starting to burn so it was time to change and i asked him when i should have it done again and he said at 100,000. the recept said they used 7 quarts of ATF and the owners manual says a complete overhaul is 11 quarts to they got out more then half of the fluids. after words i drove the car all over town last night trying to find an egr valve for my wifes saturn and the car shifts smoother now.

1) Flud will start to burn from low pressure (ie missing fluid). Not from overuse.

2) Higher milage cars that have not had regular transfluid changes or flushes should not do flushes. The pressure of the flush along with the new higher acting detergents (from fresh fluid) can quickly dislodge any material masking a leak (yes I said masking). Its sort of like someone scraping all the putty away from small leaks in a dam. The small leaks can quickly become rushing torrents and you have yourself a failing trans.

3) If your trans fails after a flush then most likely it was already damaged, however your odds of having to deal with the damage greatly increase with a flush due to the statement above.

4) The best maintenance is to change the fluid every 30,000 miles or so along with the filter. Dropping the pan will net you about 8quarts change which should be good enough for regular maintenance however you could always change it again a week later to get most of the rest (there will still be some cross contaminiation but nothing serious)

5) In your case, and others without regular maintenance, I would drop the pan and change the filter. Check the pan and magnet for metal shavings or excessive clutch wear (very dirty pan as opposed to a light grey). If you have this I would not suggest a flush but just top off the system with 8 quarts and clean the pan. If it looks ok then you may want to consider a flush to clean it out and start doing regular pan drops.

My opinion, take it for what you will.

OK, so if you're like me, and fairly confident in your tranny (as well as too cheap for the 80 or more bucks for a flush) how would this sound.

WallyWorld, and parts stores I'm sure, sell a "Quick Change" kit that is intended for doing oil changes. Would it be a bad idea to install one of these on you Tranny Pan? The last time I pulled the pan for a filter change, I made a HUGE mess with the fluid.

Here'* a link to the product I'm talking about:

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...54&prmenbr=361

NO!

don't do it. seriously. don't do it.

your pan isn't designed to have something like that sticking out the bottom of it - it'* stamped sheet! i don't think the threads would take to well... causing more leaks.

second of all, the bottom of your trans pan is a giant heat sink for your transmission fluid. keep it clear of un-necessary obstructions. and the thought of what would happen if that got ripped out... scary.


<edit>

and there'* no real reason to change your trans fluid so often that it would be of any benefit...