ATF change interval - Do you stick to the OE spec ?

[Texasmark]

My '11 Silverado must come with synthetic oil because the oil change interval is 100k miles! Yes I abide by the recommended change. Same with spark plugs....100k on them too. Must be Platinum tipped. That was a sore point on my Dodge trucks. 30k Champions and no sub listed. The Hemi had 2 per cylinder and you couldn't get to them to change them so I sold that truck and bought the Chevy.

 

[Copperhead]

I change out all factory drivetrain fluids before 5000 miles, then go to recommended drain intervals after that. Last two pickups, the magnetic plugs from the transfer case were already looking like they were going a healthy head of hair from all the metal shavings at only 5000 miles. After that, they had far fewer metal particles on them. I just have been in the mindset to get those initial break in particulates out of there early on. Diffs, Transfer, transmission, engine, all of it gets oil and lube changes before 5000 miles, with the engine getting it's first oil change at between 1000 and 2000 miles.

 

[3930dave]

I change out all factory drivetrain fluids before 5000 miles, then go to recommended drain intervals after that. Last two pickups, the magnetic plugs from the transfer case were already looking like they were going a healthy head of hair from all the metal shavings at only 5000 miles. After that, they had far fewer metal particles on them. I just have been in the mindset to get those initial break in particulates out of there early on. Diffs, Transfer, transmission, engine, all of it gets oil and lube changes before 5000 miles, with the engine getting it's first oil change at between 1000 and 2000 miles.

I understand your logic.

OTOH, Lack of Maintenance Requirements sells today, so I'd never expect to see an OEM recommending this be done.

Data....... I've always been after data..... Before the internet became commonly used, I spent lots of time talking with more experienced wrenches than me, and still do.

Severe Service is an interesting issue, and something many people don't consider, or even know about. If you read the manuals for older Honda cars, they automatically class Canada as Severe Service use..... IMO that is largely due to our cold winters.

Most manuals should have an operating temperature listed, above which is considered Severe Service. Factory ATF has moved to synthetic in the last 20 years, but even so..... towing at Max Load is obviously tougher on ATF in the American SW than many parts of the continent.

Rgds, D.

 

[Copperhead]

One thing about severe service that amazes me. Can't speak to every OEM model, but the GM pickup line is bizarre. They advertise these pickups as doing all sorts of fantastic things, but a casual look in the manual, and just about everything out side of using the pickup as general auto transportation is considered severe service. All of their general maintenance recommendations then go out the door.

 

[3930dave]

One thing about severe service that amazes me. Can't speak to every OEM model, but the GM pickup line is bizarre. They advertise these pickups as doing all sorts of fantastic things, but a casual look in the manual, and just about everything out side of using the pickup as general auto transportation is considered severe service. All of their general maintenance recommendations then go out the door.

The fine print keeps their legal dept happy. Many people don't bother to read the manual at all (hey, it's only the second most expensive thing most people buy....), and some that do will see only what they want to - "great, no Trani fluid till 100k miles".

You are totally correct...... many OEM's Normal Service amounts to something like:

Driving a lightly loaded vehicle only in temperatures between 45-75 F, no idling, no dust, no off-road conditions, no water crossing, no trailer towing, no high-speed driving.....

Few cars fall into that category, and if you work a truck at all, it will default to Severe Svc.

Rgds, D.

 

[clemsonfor]

yea i will miss that saturn spin on filter. Not sure why the japanese cars dont use it or more Gm models? But the saturn just lost compression on #3 so its going to the best offer. I suspect possible valve damage or head gasket? Anyway i have to many vehicles to mess with it with 251,000 miles on it. I dropped the fluid fairly often but not as much recently. Tried to shoot for once a year. Only swapped the filter every two although it was a easy spin on!! I only put about 10k a year on it though.

Toyota has a screen on all its modern SUVs at least the two i have and they really dont require service unless there is a problem. A guy that use to be on here often who is a toyota/honda about expert told me he has never seen a screen that needed cleaning that was operating fine and dropping the pan just leads to leaks if you dont have any usually,

 

[3930dave]

yea i will miss that saturn spin on filter. Not sure why the japanese cars dont use it or more Gm models? But the saturn just lost compression on #3 so its going to the best offer. I suspect possible valve damage or head gasket? Anyway i have to many vehicles to mess with it with 251,000 miles on it. I dropped the fluid fairly often but not as much recently. Tried to shoot for once a year. Only swapped the filter every two although it was a easy spin on!! I only put about 10k a year on it though.

Toyota has a screen on all its modern SUVs at least the two i have and they really dont require service unless there is a problem. A guy that use to be on here often who is a toyota/honda about expert told me he has never seen a screen that needed cleaning that was operating fine and dropping the pan just leads to leaks if you dont have any usually,

One of my used vehicles came with a Magnefine line filter installed. I dissected it, and also had a wise-wrench friend of mine look it over - we both liked what we saw, so I bought some new ones to service that truck with. Nice way to add filtration to hydraulic systems. The filter is designed to go into bypass if the pressure drop gets too high.

One of my now-parked vehicles had no filters, just a screen. That one used to get an engine running-change ( old piece of return line directed into a 5 gal. pail) - great way to get all the old fluid out at once.

Rgds, D.

 

[clemsonfor]

i dont worry about pumping it all out at once. i just drain the pan and dilute the old fluid with some new.

 

[sld]

My F250 has an external tranny filter and a drain plug. Very easy to change even though you don't get all the fluid.

I changed it at 50k and will do it again at 100k.

 

[3930dave]

My F250 has an external tranny filter and a drain plug. Very easy to change even though you don't get all the fluid.

I changed it at 50k and will do it again at 100k.

Nice setup. Is that filter a spin-on, or an in-line type ?

Rgds, D.