Color of Tranny Fluid

[Heyspike]

I was checking my tranny fluid today, and it looked brownish. Crystal clear but brownish. I'm new to Vettes, but I always thought it should be red. Problems? Should I change it?
Thanks, John.

 

[DkBG]

Smell it ! Does it smell burnt ? Cliff

 

[vader86]

Brown is semi-ok, it needs to be red.

You should really change it and the filter though. If the fluid turns brown again quickly, put in a tranny cooler.

If it aint red, its gettin cooked in there, black fluid=very bad.

 

[fast.asleep]

does anyone have any recommendations concerning what type of transmission cooler to buy. I've seen everything from regular transmission oil coolers to "a polycarbonate cover featuring cooling ducts"...

(I remember reading that the transmission cooler for my L98 is in the radiator. Is that true?)

 

[muddywaters]

Tranny fluid

Hi, Change the fluid and filter, keep an eye on it after 100 mi. or so if it discolores again change it all again, if it continues it's mechanical. I've heard bad things about pressure flushing of auto tranny's but what ever floats your boat. Just my .02

 

[Heyspike]

Is that an easy job (changing fluid and filter)?

 

[muddywaters]

Tranny fluid

If you have never done it before it could be a chore. It should not be too costly having it done. Auto trannys are sensitive. Any crap in the valve body, you'll wish you took it to a pro. I've always refered to a manual on how-to, but if you don't normally work on your own machines, don't mess with an auto trans. Again, just my .02

 

[Bob 89]

Smell, baby smell....

As other posts suggest: When in doubt change it and if it smells burned again you are in trouble....

Easy to change? I think so. My vettes are all manuals but my wife's cars are all GM automatics. Can be messy if you don't have a larger diameter catchpan for the fluid and the transmission does not have a drainplug.

Bob

 

[muddywaters]

Tranny fluid

Drain plug doesn't matter. What about the filter?

 

[muddywaters]

Tranny fluid

Never mind that last reply folks.

 

[safety_match]

Just had my 1990 automatic serviced at a local reliable shop. Cost was $167 Canadian ($100 US). Complete fluid change (not just empty pan), new filter, road test.

 

[Eagle85C4]

this was a previous post...


http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26704

 

[Heyspike]

Ealge, thanks for the link to the other thread--very helpful.

 

[Eagle85C4]

My pleasure...always like to help...good luck

 

[Heyspike]

Well I did it. Now it sits on jackstands waiting your reply. The filter I took out is a little different from the one going in. I used the Napa kit with the rubber gasket. Have the filters been updated? The tube looks a little shorter,and the O ring is different. Please respond and see my other post on the first page--Help Tranny ???

 

[Mad-Mic]

i only use Mobil1 synthetic tranny fluid. well worth the money and after 50k in miles she still shifts nice and hard and tight! i change mine every 15k in miles. also run your finger down the dipstick and feel for metal flakes. not a good sign!

good luck