Does fluid in the converter circulate throughout?

Discussion in 'The "Juice Box"' started by BadBrad, Oct 6, 2004.

  1. BadBrad

    BadBrad Got 4-speed?

    This might seem like a dumb question, but does fluid in the converter circulate throughout the transmission? Reason I ask is because on the wife's car ('01 Lexus) I drained and refilled the pan (only takes 4 quarts) and the fluid after 5 days driving still looks perfectly clean. I would have thought it would comingle with all the other "dirty" fluid still trapped in the converter and elsewhere.

    What do you guys think? :Do No:

    And thanks for your replies! :beer
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Brad,
    Yes, fluid flows in and out of the converter, and around the transmission. If it didn't, the fluid would increase in temperature until it failed, especially in a high stall converter. Unfortunately, when the converter has a catastrophic failure, it sends metal throughout the trans neccesitating a rebuild.
     
  3. BirdDog

    BirdDog Well-Known Member

    Transmission fluid doesn't get "dirty" the way you think of motor oil getting dirty. Motor oil gets "dirty" due to the cumbustion process taking place within the engine. Transmissions have no such process occurring within them. There are no visible indicators, like in motor oil, that the transmission fluid in a working tranny is in need of replacing. The only contaminates that get into tranny fluid are "solids" and are in suspension; therefore, they do not generally show up on the dipstick. Excessive heat does damage the fluid but, generally, does not change it's appearance.

    I know this is an older thread.....Just my thoughts....May help someone out.:TU:
     
  4. gstewart

    gstewart Well-Known Member

    the components in the the transmissions (clutches) do break down and do discolour the tranny fluid . u can also tell by the smell if the fluid is being contaminated .
    metal particles migrate to the bottom of the tranny pan .
     

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