Post by gogittum on Jun 22, 2024 11:27:28 GMT -5
For many years I changed auto trans fluid every 50,000 miles and could feel a definite difference in operation, as if the trans was saying "thank you." I've never had a transmission fail.
Fast forward to my present 4Runner: when I bought it in 2008, it had 60,000 miles on it and, as I've always done, took it to a shop and had all fluids changed - both differentials, trans, transfer case, everything and also the timing belt, at which time it got a new front camshaft seal and water pump seal. Never have lost an engine, either.
This time I had a long term attack of Cranius Rectitis and forgot about it until ready to leave FL and return to NM in Dec. 2022 - towing a small, but fairly heavy trailer. By that time, it had 160,000 on it and I'd read horror stories on the 4Runner forum, stating what's been said above....basically don't do it - stuff comes loose and messes up the innards.
I firmly believe that the additives are in there for a reason and that they do break down over time....
....Many years ago, I had a '56 Ford with the 312 T'bird engine and for one reason or another (don't remember) a local service station pulled a valve cover on it and I was stunned. It was a solid mass of muck covering the rocker arms...and I'd been careful on maintenance.
With newer detergent oils, that no longer occurs - backing up my belief in the detergents.
OK, back to 'Runner and towing the trailer: general consensus on the forum was that a partial change would likely be a good thing and would put some fresh additives back in it.
I drained the trans oil pan - think it was 4 or 5 quarts (??) and replaced it. Torque converter holds a whole lot more - 10 quarts or so. I left that alone so I'd only be replacing about 1/3 of the fluid.
Also added an external oil cooler in series with the stock bottom-of-the-radiator oil cooler. New cooler has a t'stat that bypasses it until the oil reaches a pre-determined temperature. Heat is the transmission's greatest enemy, but it needs to get hot enuf for efficient operation.
Took a deep breath and started my trip. No problems. Car has 180,000 on it now and so far...knock wood...no problems at all, tho' it's overdue for a timing belt. On the trip, I did keep an eye and ear tuned to the engine and whenever I started to pull a hill, I'd cut the overdrive and run it in high gear direct. Kept the rpm's up and stress low. It worked and I'm a happy driver.
Fast forward to my present 4Runner: when I bought it in 2008, it had 60,000 miles on it and, as I've always done, took it to a shop and had all fluids changed - both differentials, trans, transfer case, everything and also the timing belt, at which time it got a new front camshaft seal and water pump seal. Never have lost an engine, either.
This time I had a long term attack of Cranius Rectitis and forgot about it until ready to leave FL and return to NM in Dec. 2022 - towing a small, but fairly heavy trailer. By that time, it had 160,000 on it and I'd read horror stories on the 4Runner forum, stating what's been said above....basically don't do it - stuff comes loose and messes up the innards.
I firmly believe that the additives are in there for a reason and that they do break down over time....
....Many years ago, I had a '56 Ford with the 312 T'bird engine and for one reason or another (don't remember) a local service station pulled a valve cover on it and I was stunned. It was a solid mass of muck covering the rocker arms...and I'd been careful on maintenance.
With newer detergent oils, that no longer occurs - backing up my belief in the detergents.
OK, back to 'Runner and towing the trailer: general consensus on the forum was that a partial change would likely be a good thing and would put some fresh additives back in it.
I drained the trans oil pan - think it was 4 or 5 quarts (??) and replaced it. Torque converter holds a whole lot more - 10 quarts or so. I left that alone so I'd only be replacing about 1/3 of the fluid.
Also added an external oil cooler in series with the stock bottom-of-the-radiator oil cooler. New cooler has a t'stat that bypasses it until the oil reaches a pre-determined temperature. Heat is the transmission's greatest enemy, but it needs to get hot enuf for efficient operation.
Took a deep breath and started my trip. No problems. Car has 180,000 on it now and so far...knock wood...no problems at all, tho' it's overdue for a timing belt. On the trip, I did keep an eye and ear tuned to the engine and whenever I started to pull a hill, I'd cut the overdrive and run it in high gear direct. Kept the rpm's up and stress low. It worked and I'm a happy driver.