Self flush auto trans? (89 GL coupe)

OK, my tranny's really starting to bum me out. I checked the level again,
added a *LITTLE*, and again it's puking from the breather hose.

All of this started last week when I added some trans fluid to what
appeared to be a tranny low on fluid.

I thought I had replaced the screen, but now I'm not sure. I can't
remember. I know I had this problem last year when I filled it to between
Low and Full on the dipstick, and IIRC I dropped the pan and replaced the
filter, but I just can't remember.

Good news is, filter is $7.99 at AutoZone. Bad news is, they can't get
one!

I'm afraid I mixed different types of trans fluid. I use Castrol, and I
usually use 'Domestic" since it is Dexron/Mercon, which I believe is
recommended, but I can't remember!! I may have used the "Foreign" version,
but when I filled the tranny I used "Domestic" which is wht I use in the
Supra.

The trans is in good shape except for the puking that began after the last
fill, so I am thinking about flushing, something I am not really in favor
of, but I want to get the 'mix' completely out of the trans.

I called a place listed in the phone book. I don't know them personally
but I know of them and they are good guys. He described a procdure to me
that I have been thinking about, wondering if it would work, and that is
using the pump in the transmission as a pump to flush the fluid. His
answer confirmed that I'm not so dumb afterall, and is something like
this:

<NOTE: This is for a Chrysler 3-speed auto in an '85 Caravan>

_____________________________________________

First, drain the fluid from the pan, just like you would using Mr.
Macfairlane's procedure. Once you've replaced the filter, the pan gasket,
and reinstalled the pan, you're ready for the next step.

Fill the transmission to the proper level using the proper type of
transmission fluid. Then disconnect the return transmission line (the line
in which transmission fluid flows from the transmission cooler back to the
transmission), located near the bottom of the radiator. There's two
transmission lines connected in this location, and the bottom line is
usually the return line. Once the line has been disconnected, attach a
clear piece of tubing to the transmission cooler, the same diameter as the
transmission line, approximately 5-6 feet long, using the transmission
line clamp to secure it.

Place the unattached end of the clear tube in a plastic, one gallon milk
container and place it where it can be seen (like not under the car).

For the next portion of the procedure, make sure that the parking brake is
set prior to continuing. Start the engine. The transmission needs to be
put into "Drive" so the torque converter fluid is changed as well. Some
transmissions will only circulate fluid through the torque converter only
in drive. This especially applies to the electronically controlled
transmissions. [Craig Sherman noted that Drive is needed for most
transmissions, based on technical manuals]

After approximately 4 to 5 quarts (obviously, if it's more than 4 quarts,
you'll have to turn of the engine, and fetch another milk jug) of fluid
have been pumped out, you should notice a change in the color of the
fluid. It should go from a brownish red color, to a bright pinkish red
color. When this happens, all of the old fluid has been replaced with new
fluid.

Be careful not to overfill the tranny during this procedure.

When completed, reconnect the transmission return line to the transmission
cooler. Check the fluid level as you normally would, and add fluid as
required.

____________________________________________________________________


The guy I spoke to said to just fill the tranny's filler neck like you
would when filling the transmission. When it starts to run clear red, stop
filling and let it run until it starts to splutter and then stop and fill
to normal level, drive the car until it reaches operating temperature and
then check again and fill if required.

Makes sense to me! What I was wondering is, what if you take one gallon
jug empty to fill with the old fluid, and another full gallon (or more) to
draw in fresh tranny fluid?

Any ideas?

BTW, I am NOT a fan of flushing, but I want to see if it resolves the
problem...

=?iso-2022-jp?q?Hachiroku_=1B$B%O%A%m%=2F=1B=28B?=
wrote in

> OK, my tranny's really starting to bum me out. I checked the level
> again, added a *LITTLE*, and again it's puking from the breather hose.



It's foaming. That's what makes it spill out the breather.

Foaming fluid is old fluid: the anti-foam agents have deteriorated.

The best home remedy?
1) Drain & fill.
2) Drive.
3) Drain & fill again.
4) Repeat from #2 at least twice more.
5) Dump old jalopy and buy new car with tranny that's been better cared
for.

But then again, maybe Subies have some quirks Toyotas haven't got...



--
Tegger