auto transmission fluid flush...done!

[RollingThunder]

Well I finally got some time to do the tranny flush on HotRod and boy was it needed. I've never seen ATF that colour or consistency before, no wonder the changes were sluggish! It was absolutely black, like old engine oil and even after 8 litres still looked like Ribena concentrate. It took 14 litres of Dexron III in the end, never needed that much to do a flush before, but the transformation is staggering - I reckon I've got 50bhp back lol. Shes much more responsive and the gear changes are smooth and snappy like my old 850R, its really transformed her character

I'll get some pics of the old fluid later - it was pi$$ing it down when I did the job, and my memory card was full when I went to take some pics so I did the job pic-free I'm afraid. To give you an idea of how mad I was - this was taken just before I started -





I got the hose to drain the old stuff out from a local homebrew shop - 0.5in internal diameter clear hose, 2m for £5. O-rings and securing clip from FRF of course, 25l of CarLube Dexron III from local motor factor for £60. So total cost about £50.

[ROZER]

did you use atf-u carlube that's what I used in mine been fine for 20k now.

[merc85]

Well I finally got some time to do the tranny flush on HotRod and boy was it needed. I've never seen ATF that colour or consistency before, no wonder the changes were sluggish! It was absolutely black, like old engine oil and even after 8 litres still looked like Ribena concentrate. It took 14 litres of Dexron III in the end, never needed that much to do a flush before, but the transformation is staggering - I reckon I've got 50bhp back lol. Shes much more responsive and the gear changes are smooth and snappy like my old 850R, its really transformed her character

I'll get some pics of the old fluid later - it was pi$$ing it down when I did the job, and my memory card was full when I went to take some pics so I did the job pic-free I'm afraid. To give you an idea of how mad I was - this was taken just before I started -





I got the hose to drain the old stuff out from a local homebrew shop - 0.5in internal diameter clear hose, 2m for £5. O-rings and securing clip from FRF of course, 25l of CarLube Dexron III from local motor factor for £60. So total cost about £50.

Bloomin heck lol you were mad doing it in that weather lol. Glad you got it sorted. thats a good price on the ATF too

[AndysR]

Hats off to you! That look like a hell of a job in that weather! Always good to feel the improvements of some hard work though

[RollingThunder]

This is what came out...



and this is what went in -



Yes it was a bit mad, but wifey was standing over me with a big umbrella so we didn't get too wet

[AndysR]

Wow! That's pure filth, definitely well overdue a flush and replace.

[stribo]

This is what came out...



and this is what went in -



Yes it was a bit mad, but wifey was standing over me with a big umbrella so we didn't get too wet

I think that first pic demonstrates perfectly that Volvos recommendation that it's a sealed for life 'box is well wide of the mark.

[martybelfastt5]

wow looks like cola lol

[Harvey]

I think that first pic demonstrates perfectly that Volvos recommendation that it's a sealed for life 'box is well wide of the mark.

Couldn't agree more to this statement but I think all Volvo mean in their warranty period then it's somebody else's problem.
That's a job well done & nice it made a difference.

[RollingThunder]

Yep, its a stupid decision, especially when Toyota have it as a 50k change item in their servicing of the same gearbox! Marty, I wouldn't recommend you try drinking that stuff, it was disgusting lol.

[AndysR]

I think that first pic demonstrates perfectly that Volvos recommendation that it's a sealed for life 'box is well wide of the mark.

Couldn't agree more! To state that a mechanical item that is lubricated and cooled by the same fluid which is subject to high stress and high temperatures should not have a fluid change is suicide for the mechanical component in question, without even taking into consideration the higher performance and potential to be driven in a manor that the model is marketed for...

[LiamT4]

Couldn't agree more! To state that a mechanical item that is lubricated and cooled by the same fluid which is subject to high stress and high temperatures should not have a fluid change is suicide for the mechanical component in question, without even taking into consideration the higher performance and potential to be driven in a manor that the model is marketed for...

Not just volvo though, a lot of manufacturers state the same.

[AndysR]

Not just volvo though, a lot of manufacturers state the same.

Oh I wasn't restricting that comment to just Volvo, working in the trade I still change the oil on the engine of the 850 every 2-3,000 miles and that's using expensive oil too, and the gearbox has had more oil changes than the engine had from new until I bought it!! Lot to be said for frequent oil changes, A LOT!