help! to drain or not to drain torque converter
tjhernan
Can anyone tell me whether draining the torque
converter in my Ford C6 Bronco automatic
transmission will cause problems when I refill
with fresh fluid? I have the factory manual and
an aftermarkert manual, neither mentioning this
step during a normal transmission fluid change.
The factory manual mentions doing it when
overhauling the transmission *only*, and then
making sure the torque converter is refilled
*before* reinstalling in the vehicle.
Less than 1/2 the oil comes out by just removing
the drain pan. I want to do this right!
Thanks,
Tom H.
jtjohnsn
There are ways to change the fluid in the torque converter w/o a drain
plug but most people just "refresh" the amount that drains from the pan.
I have heard of disconnecting one of the lines at the radiator and adding
fluid while the engine is running and the old fluid is running out.
Good luck,
Jim in Md.
Jeff Thorssell
tjhernan wrote:
>
> Can anyone tell me whether draining the torque
> converter in my Ford C6 Bronco automatic
> transmission will cause problems when I refill
> with fresh fluid? I have the factory manual and
> an aftermarkert manual, neither mentioning this
> step during a normal transmission fluid change.
> The factory manual mentions doing it when
> overhauling the transmission *only*, and then
> making sure the torque converter is refilled
> *before* reinstalling in the vehicle.
>
> Less than 1/2 the oil comes out by just removing
> the drain pan. I want to do this right!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tom H.
There's no plug on a Ford converter, just change what's in the pan. If
you want to get it cleaner, redo it again after a week. What was in the
converter will be mixed in with the new stuff.
Most Ford trannys I've seen apart didn't go up because the fluid was a
little dirty.
JT
Jeff Thorssell
tjhernan wrote:
>
> Can anyone tell me whether draining the torque
> converter in my Ford C6 Bronco automatic
> transmission will cause problems when I refill
> with fresh fluid? I have the factory manual and
> an aftermarkert manual, neither mentioning this
> step during a normal transmission fluid change.
> The factory manual mentions doing it when
> overhauling the transmission *only*, and then
> making sure the torque converter is refilled
> *before* reinstalling in the vehicle.
>
> Less than 1/2 the oil comes out by just removing
> the drain pan. I want to do this right!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tom H.
Or is it Chevy that doesn't have a drain plug?
Either way, the second part of my post still stands.
JT
Don Wedekind
jtjohnsn wrote:
>
> tjhernan wrote:
> >
> > Can anyone tell me whether draining the torque
> > converter in my Ford C6 Bronco automatic
> > transmission will cause problems when I refill
> > with fresh fluid? I have the factory manual and
> > an aftermarkert manual, neither mentioning this
> > step during a normal transmission fluid change.
> > The factory manual mentions doing it when
> > overhauling the transmission *only*, and then
> > making sure the torque converter is refilled
> > *before* reinstalling in the vehicle.
> >
> > Less than 1/2 the oil comes out by just removing
> > the drain pan. I want to do this right!
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Tom H.
>
> plug but most people just "refresh" the amount that drains from the pan.
> I have heard of disconnecting one of the lines at the radiator and adding
> fluid while the engine is running and the old fluid is running out.
> Good luck,
> Jim in Md.
I think it is a good idea to drain the torque converter when changing
transmission fluid. I have six vehicles with C-6 transmissions, and I
drain the torque converters whenever I change transmission fluid.
Your torque converter has a drain plug that is accessible from the front
of the transmission. There should be an access plate at the bottom of
the flywheel cover between the engine and transmission.
Step 1: Drain the transmission, replace the filter, and re-assemble as
you would normally, but do not yet add fluid.
Step 2: Remove the two screws that hold the access plate to the flywheel
cover. The cover should fall off into your hand, if you keep one hand
under it while removing the screws with a wrench in the other hand.
Step 3: Either flick the starter (or turn the engine manually) to turn
the torque converter in small increments until the drain plug is visible
in the opening from where the access plate was removed. Important: Turn
the engine incrementally; do not run the engine. Permanent damage can
occur if you run the transmission without adequate fluid.
Step 4: Place a container that will hold at least six quarts of fluid
directly under the torque converter.
Step 5: Remove the drain plug and allow the fluid in the torque
converter to completely drain into the container.
Step 6: When the fluid is completely drained, use a rag to wipe up any
fluid that is sitting in the bottom of the bell housing.
Step 7: Replace the drain plug on the torque converter and tighten it to
14-28 ft.lbs.
Step 8: Replace the access plate on the flywheel cover and tighten the
screws to about 15 ft.lbs.
Step 9: Put 6 quarts of new transmission fluid into the transmission
through the dipstick/filler tube.
Step 10: Start the engine and allow it to run. (This lets the
transmission fluid circulate throughout the transmission and torque
converter.) Immediately go to Step 11. Do not wait for the engine to
warm up.
Step 11: Put another 6 quarts of transmission fluid into the
transmission through the dipstick/filler tube. The transmission and
torque converter use a total of 12 quarts of fluid.
There are a number of after-market additives that are designed to help
keep your transmission running smoothly. You may or may not want to use
one of these; this is your choice.
Also, it is a good idea to re-adjust the Intermediate Band whenever you
do a transmission oil change. Manuals such as Chiltons, Motors, etc.
give procedures to do this adjustment.
My disclaimer:
This is the method I use to service my vehicles, but I make no claims
that this is the method sanctioned or underwritten by the manufacturer.
I, therefore, accept no liability for any damage or injury that may
occur while performing the above stated procedure.
I hope this helps you.
Don Wedekind
