Transmission fliud change

[mshmodela]

Model A folks,

About to change my transmission fluid for the first time (new model A owner) and from the threads I've read, one typically fills the transmission until it is topped off at the fill plug. Should that be enough fluid?

Found the answer this myself:

Les Andrews Page 1-344: "Do not fill above the oil file hole."

Also, I noticed my drain plug has what appears to be some plumber tape on the threads.... Is there some thread sealing tape or sealant that you would recommend using?

Many thanks,

[Fred K-OR]

Mike, if it had tape on the plug, I think I would put tape back on it when you replace. It would indicate that the plug leaks for some reason so the tape would be good insurance.

If you can tell if the trany had not been changed for awhile, that is a bunch of crud in it when you drain, I think I would "flush" it with something. I am no expert on this, but I think I would use some kerosene to flush it. Maybe someone has other ideas.

You can also buy from the vendors a dip stick type of thing you put in the plug hole that is used to fill it. This way you can check the level of the trany a little easer. The down side of this thing is that you would have to cut a hole in your floor board much like the one you use to check the battery and put a plate over the hole.

[Mitch//pa]

i use a tad of liquid teflon as a habit... tape works and sometimes using nothing is fine..

[Dodge]

When ever I change the trans fluid I take the shift cover off to inspect and flush the
trans out. It makes it easier to fill also as the trans fluid is so thick.
Just fill to the bottom of the fill hole. I also use a little pipe dope (rector seal)
it seals well and stays soft enough to pull plug again.

My 2 cents.

[mshmodela]

Well, given that I'm waiting on new battery, I change my transmission fluid after a short 30min drive on my old (battery, which has few more cracks under the metal cell connections (Ford Script type). Anyway, the change was simple, a little teflon tape used just in case.. She was about 25% low as I can tell.

[mshmodela]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Well, test drove my car... shifts a LOT smoother...

[Mitch//pa]

now your gonna get your peepee smacked for driving the car 25% low on trans fluid and not going over the car first..ck the diff fluid

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

now your gonna get your peepee smacked for driving the car 25% low on trans fluid and not going over the car first..ck the diff fluid

Thank you Sir, may I have another! Thank you Sir may I have another

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdFLPn30dvQ Love that movie!


.... I drained the oil fluid into a clear plastic tupperware like bowl and looked around....A few very very small metal flakes.. I expected more... I suppose more left in the transmission as only so much drains out...

[Purdy Swoft]

Its best not to overfill, especially the backend. The old guys taught me to stick a finger in the fill hole, if you can crook your finger and touch the oil with the first finger joint you will be just right. As for the metal flakes, there is two ways that you can go, run it and hope that it will be ok or remove the transmission and have a look-see. If there were no other symptoms, I would probably run it untill symptoms appear.

[J Franklin]

Magnet in the drain plugs, thats what I do.

[Dick M]

I would also purchase and install the Mitchell Mfg. transmission dipstick kit. It installs easily, reasonably priced, and it allows you to check the transmission oil level as well as fill it through a hole in the floorboard similar to the battery cover.

[Unclepalmer]

Since I don't have kerosene could I use diesel to flush with and then refill with 600w oil?

[Big hammer]

That will work :-)

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

Model A folks,

About to change my transmission fluid for the first time (new model A owner) and from the threads I've read, one typically fills the transmission until it is topped off at the fill plug. Should that be enough fluid?

Found the answer this myself:

Les Andrews Page 1-344: "Do not fill above the oil file hole."

Also, I noticed my drain plug has what appears to be some plumber tape on the threads.... Is there some thread sealing tape or sealant that you would recommend using?

Many thanks,

Over 2000 posts and this is your first Model A ? Amazing ?, Wayne

[Dave Mellor NJ]

If you use teflon tape look for the petroleum rated. It's yellow. The same for dope, look for petroleum rated on the label.

[Synchro909]

I recently bought a Model A from a guy in Arizona who probably thought he was doing the right thing having it serviced by the local Ford dealer first. When I got it, I naturally went right through it before driving it. I found the diff was bone dry, the Mitchell O/D was down about 10 ounces, the brakes were so far out of adjustment that they were dangerous, the steering box was dry and the label on the windscreen telling when the next service was due had allowed 3,000 miles between oil changes. This dealership had NO CLUE and I doubt they even had the tool to remove the plugs in the diff and O/D so they did nothing. Idiots!
Obviously, I won't name the dealer or even give their location here even though I would be safe from any law suit because what I have said is true.
When I flushed and refilled the dry or low units, I put a magnet in the drain plug and checked it again after a few miles. Lots of metal filings. UGGHHH!
Moral of the story - Do it yourself and do it right. This forum is a great place to find the info you need to do that. (Just don't ask " What oil should I use?")

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

I recently bought a Model A from a guy in Arizona who probably thought he was doing the right thing having it serviced by the local Ford dealer first. When I got it, I naturally went right through it before driving it. I found the diff was bone dry, the Mitchell O/D was down about 10 ounces, the brakes were so far out of adjustment that they were dangerous, the steering box was dry and the label on the windscreen telling when the next service was due had allowed 3,000 miles between oil changes. This dealership had NO CLUE and I doubt they even had the tool to remove the plugs in the diff and O/D so they did nothing. Idiots!
Obviously, I won't name the dealer or even give their location here even though I would be safe from any law suit because what I have said is true.
When I flushed and refilled the dry or low units, I put a magnet in the drain plug and checked it again after a few miles. Lots of metal filings. UGGHHH!
Moral of the story - Do it yourself and do it right. This forum is a great place to find the info you need to do that. (Just don't ask " What oil should I use?")

Obviously the previous owner did not look after the car very well! Wayne

[mhsprecher]

What type of magnet do folks use on the drain plug?

[Pinesdune]

I use a rare earth magnet, they're typically have a stronger field


Looking for the front bumper emblem that has "Ford, Made In Canada"

[Tom Wesenberg]

I've been using the small round rare earth magnets for many years. They fit into the pockets in the plugs and are very powerful. I bought them at MAC's surplus, but when I stopped there a couple months ago they no longer have them. Check online and you should find some.