FordExcursions.com Forums
absolutezero273c
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• Toledo, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 4/9/2004 |
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• 81 posts |
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 Posted:7/8/2005 18:36 |
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I posted this same question on thedieselstop and would like your opinions here as well:
I would like to ask for some guidance from the list here as there seems to be a great amount of experience and knowledge located here.
I am planning a long trip in a few days, towing a 29 ft travel trailer through the mountains from the midwest to the carolina coast. My tow vehicle is a 2001 PSD 4x2 Ford Excursion. I purchased it in Feb. of this year so I don't really know the maintenance history. It now has 99,600 miles on it and I am concerned about the transmission on this trip. It is now showing any signs of wear or slipping and would like to keep it this way. This is why I would like to perform some preventative maintenance.
Since I don't know when the last time the tranny fluid was changed I was thinking about changing it before the trip (trans and TC) and replacing it with Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. I've been doing some reading and see that the Mobil 1 is able to withstand higher temps before breaking down, and overall a better lubricant.
My concern is this:
If I change the trans fluid to synthetic, and don't know the previous maint history, am I right in being concerned about the new fluid working old sludge and deposits loose, and ruining my transmission en route?
Same question regarding the rear end fluid. If I change the rear end fluid and replace it with a synthetic (assuming the factory fluid is not synthetic) am I asking for trouble to start while on the trip?
Lastly, if anyone has driven this route before (taking I-77) is it that much of a worry for a diesel excursion?
If I had more time I would upgrade the trans cooler and install trans and pyro gauges, but I won't have time to do this before we leave.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Dana
2001 Excursion XLT 7.3L 2x4 145K
2001 Flagstaff 829-BHS |
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Eddie Henson
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• Cordova, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 12/8/2004 |
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• 122 posts |
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Posted:7/8/2005 19:38 |
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Hi Dana,
Your rear differential should be full synthetic; check your owners manual and rear diff. cover. Mine says 75-140 fullsyn in the tag on the rear diff. As for the tranny, if maintenace history is unknown I personally would flush the tranny, install a new filter, and replenish with the fluid of your choice. Mobile 1 seems to be popular among the members here as well as amsoil. If you have the time you may want to investigate installing an enternal tranny filter kit to help filter the fluid a little better. As for the sludge and deposits breaking loose, I don't know what to say; maybe some other members can chime in with their input and suggestions. Good Luck and have a safe trip!!   
Eddie Henson
2000 Ford Excursion XLT 7.3L PSD
203 degree Thermo; Factory Tech valve body; CCV mod; HX mod; Rancho RS9000 shocks; Shimmed FPR @ 67; Walker BTM; Evans NPG Coolant; Dieselsite Coolant Filter Kit; Dieselsite Heater Shutoff Valve; Zoodad Mod; WeatherTech In-channel Visors; Acetoned Badges; PSD Badges; Landyot's Gen II Radius Rods
"If you don't like America, Get the hell out !!" - John Rich |
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Richard Smith
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• Knoxville, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 10/4/2003 |
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• 104 posts |
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Posted:7/9/2005 22:09 |
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I would also recommend draining/flushing - change filter. Be sure to drain or flush out the converter. I have been retired from my job in Ford Auto Trans Engineering and Manufacturing for a few years and do not know if there is a drain plug on the Converter shell.
I personally change trans fluid in my vehicles every 30k miles.
In summary sludge and build up is generally not an issue in an Auto Trans as the fluid is very resistant to sludging and is not exposed to the chemical breakdown as is experienced in an engine crankcase. |
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KevinsOffroad
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• Phoenix, AZ, USA |
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• Registered on 5/15/2005 |
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• 38 posts |
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Posted:7/10/2005 16:52 |
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| Quote: | I would also recommend draining/flushing - change filter. Be sure to drain or flush out the converter. I have been retired from my job in Ford Auto Trans Engineering and Manufacturing for a few years and do not know if there is a drain plug on the Converter shell.
I personally change trans fluid in my vehicles every 30k miles.
In summary sludge and build up is generally not an issue in an Auto Trans as the fluid is very resistant to sludging and is not exposed to the chemical breakdown as is experienced in an engine crankcase. |
You'd be a good guy to ask this question to, then. If Dana has a tranny that has old fluid in it and has not been maintained well, does he not run the risk of quickly "putting the tranny out of it's misery" so to speak? I had a Lincoln with a C6 tranny it in. Fluid was burned and old, so I decided to replace it. I drained the tranny, changed the filter, and added new fluid. The tranny IMMEDIATELY began slipping and I had to get it rebuilt. Previously, with the old fluid, it operated just fine. New fluid, immediate slippage. Maybe you can comment on what you think happened inside of there and if Dana runs the risk of having the same thing happen to him.
If it were me, Dana, I think would leave the old fluid in there until you got back from your trip, just to play it safe. Is the fluid currently discolored or burned smelling?
Kevin
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Richard Smith
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• Knoxville, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 10/4/2003 |
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• 104 posts |
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Posted:7/10/2005 17:51 |
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Kevin,
Since your C6 worked OK before the fluid change I would guess your problem was from debrie from the burned fluid put in circulation by the new fluid.
Clutch packs don't lock up when hydraulic pressure is low. I your case probably stuck valve in valve body or hydraulic pump relief valve circuit.
Moral: If your fluid is burned/smells burned don't change fluid unless you pull the valve body and flush the trans and valve body separately.
The C6 and Excursion Trans are very similar(3 spd vs 4 spd) - many identical parts/similar parts. I worked on the launch of both of these trans at the same Ohio Ford Plant.
Preventive Maintence pays off -Check fluid level and top off and change fluid at 30k with a filter change every other fluid change. |
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E. Long
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
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Posted:7/10/2005 20:58 |
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Dana,
You'll be find changing rearend fluid. 100K is a good time to do it, but I believe the manual says 150K (right?). Eitherway, you won't hurt it. Just remember the limited slip additive (if you have a limited slip differential). Here's an install article on swapping differential fluid...it's very straight forward: http://www.fordexcursions.com/installs/install_4/index.php
I would change the tranny fluid and filter for sure. I went with Amsoil synthetic ATF in mine. I just started towing a 26.5' boat quite a bit -- need to get my tranny temp gauge installed so I can keep a better eye on it. I also installed an external transmission filter kit, too (install article here). I did this when I changed to Amsoil ATF for better filtertration. With the inline gauge, it makes it easy to see the status of the filter and when it needs changing.
Good luck with the trip. You'll be happy with how the X tows!! I have 148K on my PSD, and over 60K on my 2nd transmission (first one died at 87K).
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
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Posted:7/11/2005 08:07 |
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Kevin,
I had the same experience years ago (may be the operative word  )
with a Ford van I used to tow a popup I had from Tx to Pa and back....
ran fine on the way up and NO problems....
since I was towing a load and a long ways thought I would do myself a favor and get the tranny done while up there....
can't say they didn't mess it up in some way...
but on the way back to the camp ground my tranny started acting up...
and barely made it home to have it rebuilt....
so there may be something to the
"if it ain't broke - it will be if ya try to fix it" 
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo )
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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absolutezero273c
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• Toledo, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 4/9/2004 |
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• 81 posts |
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Posted:7/11/2005 14:22 |
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Thanks, guys! This is exactly what I was looking for!
I would hate to think I'm doing something like prevantative maintenance ( like changing the atf ) and have it come back and bite me in the middle of the trip.
Kevin...JohnBoy...your experiences are what is prompting my hesitation.
So general consensus is, depending on whether or not the fluid has expired (doesn't smell burned) is what determines if I change it or not?
Eric, I've got a temp gauge for the trans but not the sending unit. Did you purchase a sending unit with the gauge or from another source? Do you have a part number on the sending unit?
Richard, one last question, if you don't mind? The last time I checked the fluid it didn't smell burned (I don't think). But, lets say it was, It wouldn't be a problem to flush the trans, and pull the valve body off and flushing it separately. Then I would only be dealing with the remaining life of the clutch packs? Correct?
I thought I saw someone state that the life of the 4R100 is only about 150,000 miles. I think it was someone over on thedieselstop. Is that figure accurate with members here?
2001 Excursion XLT 7.3L 2x4 145K
2001 Flagstaff 829-BHS |
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E. Long
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
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Posted:7/11/2005 16:44 |
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| Quote: | | Eric, I've got a temp gauge for the trans but not the sending unit. Did you purchase a sending unit with the gauge or from another source? Do you have a part number on the sending unit? |
My autometer tranny temp gauge came with a sending unit. Not sure if Autometer makes these available separately or where to even look. 
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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Richard Smith
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• Knoxville, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 10/4/2003 |
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• 104 posts |
• 1
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Posted:7/11/2005 20:29 |
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absolutezero273c,
After changing the fluid as you mention the only "wear out" parts are Clutch disks and bands. Clamping and unclamping the bands allows 2 speeds from the gear set ie: sun gear turns relative to the interior pinions or turns with the pinions.
After you drain the converter be sure you put in enough fluid to make up that loss. Idle the engine for a few minutes to move oil into the converter - then recheck level with the dipstick - add as necessary. Remember to check final level after fluid is up to temperature.
There is a good "trans fill" link in this forum that has good info too. |
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