Changed my 10W fluid to Dexron III this weekend

[PowerstrokeNC]

Quite a mission, but nonetheless it is done! I took it for a ride and it wasnt shifting to 4th properly and i thought H*@Y CR*P I am going down the same road as other members with blown transmissions.....
Came back to the shop, checked fluid level and it was about a quart and 1/2 low, topped it off, and all is well!!! PHEW!! I was sweating for a while there.

As far as results, it is a completely different truck! it shifts so smoothly now it is really quite pleasurable to drive, it has made a huge improvement, I am very happy with it.

This is on my M35A3.

 

[PowerstrokeNC]

I forgot to add, it idles so much smoother as well, kinda funny, maybe less drag on the TC? but it doesn't vibrate at idle as much, an unexpected benefit I will take...

 

[Economist]

I finally finished my 3rd fluid change for the trans. I do notice that it shifts smoother, but it seems to run hotter (around 270 or so just driving around town). I noticed that the trans temp gets moving while she is warming up well before engine temp moves off the bottom. I thought it might be fluid level, but she is right at the top of RUN HOT after driving around a while.

I am trying to see if something didn't clog up the lines. You might want to keep an eye on your trans temp for the next little while.

Cheers!
-Economist

 

[Stalwart]

EXCELLENT choice!

 

[doghead]

So, your running dextron III in an M35a2 transmission?

 

[phil2968]

I think he has an A3!

 

[doghead]

Can't tell that by the title(used to evaluate search results).

Hmm. Maybe we need an M35A3 forum.

 

[phil2968]

It would clear up some confusion at times, like now.

 

[PowerstrokeNC]

Yes it is my M35A3, should have included that, I did edit the post. Thanks

 

[PowerstrokeNC]

I finally finished my 3rd fluid change for the trans. I do notice that it shifts smoother, but it seems to run hotter (around 270 or so just driving around town). I noticed that the trans temp gets moving while she is warming up well before engine temp moves off the bottom. I thought it might be fluid level, but she is right at the top of RUN HOT after driving around a while.

I am trying to see if something didn't clog up the lines. You might want to keep an eye on your trans temp for the next little while.

Cheers!
-Economist

My running temps and warm up characteristics were pretty much the same, sounds like you might have a problem, I am almost certain my trans temp hasn't gone over about 180 deg.

 

[autigers35a3]

How many times you change Dextron to flush out all? 3? change filters how many times?
You change internal filter also? Thanks...

 

[PowerstrokeNC]

On the first drain, I just replaced with DIII, drove around a little to get it all mixed up, then on the second drain I dropped the pan (which yielded at least another quart sitting in the bottom) and changed the internal filter.
Then I changed the external as well (which yielded about another 1/3-1/2 quart). I also turned the engine over on the starter a little to pump out the oil cooler lines. In my humble opinion and judging by the qty in the drain bucket I got at least 95 -98% of the oil this way. I then refilled with the Dexron III and drove around for about 10 - 15 miles. Then drained the fluid again, replaced with DIII and that was it.


Hope this helps.