Transmission Service Question

[GMAN]

I was checking on transmission service today. They had a price of $150 for a flush. The attendant told me this gets the fluid left in the torque converter. Just draining the pan and filter dosen't get all the fluid. My thing is doing the flush, they don't drop the pan and change the filter. What is the best way to go? Do the flush? Or drop the pan and change the filter?

 

[JC1994]

Have them change the filter too.

 

[MsM8tress]

Drop the pan clean it, clean the seals off both, clean off the magnet...here's an article that shows a shift accuml. replacement,& fluid change 95m5 sent it to me...http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/tech/lincoln-mark-viii/transmission-JMOD/index.htm

Hope it enlightens you

MsM8

 

[Mustang Man]

Bottom line is that you get new fluid in the radiator core cooler and transmission but not the convertor; this and the pan keeps the accumulated crud.

The "flush" you are talking about really doesn't get the converter fluid changed - you will get the explanation that "you will see that we push x amount of fluid into the transmission lines and get the same x amount out-that means that all the old fluid is removed"; however, since the converter is a one-orifice device, the best that can be attained is dilution of the remaining fluid (1/2 of its capacity) because there is no way to flush it without a second orifice to allow flow or to stick a vacuum hose into it to drain it. In addition, there can be no flow in the convertor unless it is spinning/pumping.

This type of service does not even crack the pan, which is where you usually get a benefit from a new screen and inspection of the magnet. The lube shops do not even carry screens and ARE NOT EXPERIENCED IN EVEN PERFORMING THIS OPERATION.

 

[JC1994]

thats why express lube shops don't want to drop the pan on your tranny,if something happens they don't want to pay,do it your self, drain convertor, drop the pan, change the filter. or take it to a good tranny shop.

 

[ThomasA#2]

this is true, lube shops arent trained in dropping the pan or draining the converter. In fact, most of them aren't even knowledgable on the flush, at least in my area. I work at a Jiffy Lube and usually come out being the most automotively literate person there haha. There are some good guys there, but on the other hand, a lot of them shouldn't be allowed to touch a transmission. Routine oil changes, yes, no problem. It's easy and a monkey could do it.

150 for a simple flush is also outrageous. We only charge 80 bucks. But you could do it yourself rather easily. Go to the auto parts store, pick up a case of Mercon V and a filter/gasket kit. drop the pan, pull out the filter, pull the drain plug on the converter, you might want to pull out the accumulator pistons and change them for peace of mind, they're around 7 bucks a piece, and the #2 piston requires dropping the valvebody (which will also drain more fluid) so you'd need the 30 cent seperator gaskets also.

-Thomas

edit: just saw that you have a 93 mark, you'll deffinetely want to change the accumulator pistons and the updated spring.

 

[JC1994]

when I first bought my Mark VIII I took it to the Lincoln dealership and had the flush done for 80.00 bucks,now I do it my self. jiffy lube changed the fluid on my T-bird back when they still dropped the pan as soon as I pulled out I lost second gear I sued and got them to pay for a rebuild.

 

[JC1994]

Whats weird is my 94 shifts has firm shifts and never has had a J-mod and will absolutely burn the tires on the second gear shift at full throttle.

 

[GMAN]

Hey guys, I'm reviving this thread, because I am planning transmission service tomorrow morning at the Lincoln Dealer. I've decided this is not a job I am willing to tackle myself. I looked at transmission shops, and they advertise 69.99. But for some reason, I'm feeling more comfortable going to Lincoln and having it done for $129.95 See the coupon below.

They advertise a Automatic Transmission Flush. What do you think this entails? Do you think they are changing the filter too? I'm experience a little slippage as of late, and It's been a year and a half since it was rebuilt.

 

[Roadboss]

no. a flush doesn't change your filter, the Stealer is only charging twice what the cheap guys are for the same work. G-Man for such a nice car you have there I would strongly recommend that you get the job done right. To drain the TC is easy as there is a pipe plug in it that you can get to thru the access cover- just have to rotate crank until the plug is in the down position. the pan is not hard to drop either, just lossen bolts more toward the back first so that you drain off the oil before letting the pan alll the way done. Most all your retail stores that sell oil have a recycle pit for your used oil. All total your parts should only be about $70.00 and the job would be done right. Use Mercon V and the rubber gasket that is either on the pan or get one with the new filter.