Hey guys,

Ive got a pretty simple, straight forward question Im looking to get answered.

My newly rebuilt trans (auto) has a drain plug on the pan, and I was wondering... Can I perform a complete flush via the drain plug?

Obviously my main goal here is to get as much crud and old fluid out as possible.. In your opinions, would using the drain plug be as effective as using the tranny return line for the flush?

Also, do I use neutral gear to flush?

Thanks in advance!

 

Your newly rebuilt trans shouldn't have any crud in it.....

Using the drain plug for that exercise though, would allow fluid to flow out a hell of a lot faster than you could dump it back in.......

Personally, I think flushing an auto trans is just asking for trouble......

 

I see what your saying.

Its been about 30k since the rebuild.. I recently drained out the pan so I could fix the leaking gasket, and I noticed a bunch of crud in the bottom of the bucket I used.. I figure when my trans was rebuilt they never bothered to flush the rest of the system.

Just curious, why would a flush be a bad idea? I figured since the trans is new, it shouldnt cause any harm.. Would you recommend periodic drains instead?

Thanks

 

I have seen far too many auto trannies give up the ghost after a flush. Something about removing contaminants that were actually contributing to friction on clutches, bands, etc. Now, on a fresh rebuild, that probably (hadn't better be) an issue, and you could probably get away with it, no harm done. I wouldn't use the drain plug for the exit though, as mentioned earlier.) Some shops have a machine specifically for this purpose, and puts fluid in, at the same rate it is coming out. Of course, it takes a LOT of fluid to flush a trans..... so, it is not exactly a cheap procedure. (and given that atf +4 isn't cheap either...... going thru 20 quarts or more, can really beat up the wallet.)

I would think that just draining what's in the pan, and replacing it, is more than adequate to the task in your case. If you are really paranoid, do it again in a 100 miles or so, and see what you get. Just make sure your container is clean before you start, so you know that anything that shows up in there, is indeed from the trans.

Some black sludge is going to be normal. That's just normal wear from clutches and bands.

 

Thanks HeyYou! Appreciate the solid advice. Without a doubt I am being a bit paranoid/pro active with this trans, given its reputation.. Although its been serving me well so far.

As for the fluid, its rediculous how unavailable/expensive it is.. Cheapest place arouns is Walmart, and they rarely have any, nevermind enough. Lol

 

Did you put back the magnet in it? Better yet replace it with rare earth magnets. I put three of them in mine.

 

there is no filter on my 2005 escape which was bought new in 2005
the trans fluid procedure is drain/refill/drive to operating temp/repeat/repeat
it uses a magnetic drain plug which is wiped on each draining..


the reason I brought this up is my brothers and I have been doing this procedure
for 30+ years on every car we own.. on the first fluid/screen change we install a drain plug or a new replacement pan with a drain plug and every 3rd oil change after that ( 9-10k miles ) it gets a trans pan fluid change then fluid and screen whenever the maintenance schedule calls for it..


like pretty much everyone on the site here I don't believe in the flush procedure because I too have seen many issues ( used to work with 900+ people ) after a flush procedure was performed on someones car

 

My drain plug is my magnet, kinda wished I kept the oem magnet too. (I have a derale brand deep tranny pan) I'll probably get those magnets moparite suggested for the next time I drop the pan.

I could see why some people dont use a tranny filter, I kinda feel like the filter lets a lot of free floating crud get through it anyway.. Idk if thats the route I will end up taking in the future though.

This time around I flushed the system using the tranny lines, fluid looks great, and tranny is shifting smooth!! From what I've read, I'll probably drain fluid routinely here on out.

Thanks everyone!

 

I would never drain from a hose. That will cause the pump to be running with low/no fluid in it, and that would make the transmission overheat. Pulling the plug (while not running) will remove all the fluid other than what is in the torque converter.

Seeing as the trans was rebuilt, you will be fine draining and refilling. It's best to change the filter too. Factory recommends every 30,000 miles or so.

BUT, if you ever have a transmission that hasn't been flushed or had a fluid change in 150k+ miles, it's best just to leave everything be. At that point, everything is most likely beyond saving, and a fluid change can speed up trans failure.