Date:         Mon, 9 Aug 2010 09:28:35 -0700
Reply-To:     Daryl Christensen <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daryl Christensen <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM>
Subject:      Re: ATF fluid
In-Reply-To:  <377393277.1113448.1281370060785.JavaMail.root@sz0063a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>
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I have always "heard" that if ATF has more than 150K on it..leave it be, as the fresh fluid is more acidic or something like that which tends to eat up or deteriorate the clutch plates internally..
Now that being said, I have no personal smoking gun proof of that being true, but have heard it happens too many times to discount it as a wives tale..ymmv.

Daryl of AA Transaxle, who changes ALL his vehicle fluids every 30 K max or less.
425-788-4070
"On the cutting edge of Old technology"
86 Syncro Westy with a Zetec in the trunk


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of J Stewart
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 9:08 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: ATF fluid

No, not in my case. Both were used vehicles with an unknown maintenance history. One was a Ford F150 that I bought used but had a transferable extended warranty. Right before the warranty was up I figured I'd better get the fluid changed just in case, and sure enough the trans failed big time within 3 days. I was lucky on that one, just a $50.00 deductible and I got a rebuilt trans. Jeff



Jeff Stewart


----- "Robert Fisher" <garciasghostvw@GMAIL.COM> wrote:


I read about that from time to time, and I wonder that it isn't more that
people begin to perceive that their tranny is developing issues, so they
then change the neglected fluid in an effort to forestall a breakdown that
was coming anyway and then when it inevitably happens they blame the
maintenance instead of the neglect.
I suppose it could be that the superior properties of the fresh fluid loosen
some crap in there or return pressures to spec levels that the equipment can
no longer handle, but I think the bottom line is that those units were
headed for a rebuild anyway.
If somebody advised you not to change your engine oil because "it ain't
broke", what would you say to that, and what's the difference?

Cya,
Robert

On Aug 9, 2010 7:55 AM, "J Stewart" <fonman4277@comcast.net> wrote:
> I've wondered the same. It has been my experience on 2 vehicles that when
auto trans fluid that has gone way past it's change interval is changed the
trans fails shortly after. On my '85 that I've owned now for about 2 months
I have no idea how long it has been since the ATF was changed. The fluid
looks OK and the trans shifts fine, so i tempted to just leave it alone.
>
>
>
> Jeff Stewart
>
>
> ----- titantic01@AOL.COM wrote:
>
>
>
>
> I have read a lot of posts on transmissions both manual and auto lately
and I have a question about my automatic on my 1987 van. The tranny was
rebuilt about 10 yrs ago by my then mechanic from top to bottom and it is
doing great. My question is: Should I change the fluid and filter or, leave
it alone. the fluid still is red just like it came out of the bottle and it
never needs topping up.
>
> My Dad always had the idea that "If it ain't broke, don't fix" However I
also believe in preventative matience.
>
> Waiting for your great advice here.
>
> Chris S.