flushing 284 trans and add new fluid...bad idea?

[WideTrackGP_92]

Ok, so I'm bringing my '92 GP to my mechanic next week to get a full look-over and make sure everything is okay. I was telling a friend of mine at work everything I'm going to have him do while he's looking at it...told her I was going to do an oil change, replace plugs/wires, and flush the transmission and put all-new fluid in, since I don't know when the last owner changed it and the car has 171,xxx on the clock. She gets all wide-eyed and says "DON'T FLUSH THE TRANNY! It's so bad for the transmission if you don't know the past maintenance of the vehicle! I would advise anyone not to EVER do that!" And I remembered that I was told on the forum to do EXACTLY that...flush the trans and put new GM Synchromesh fluid in. I told her that, and she said "anyone who knows anything about cars should know that you NEVER do that!"

So basically I'm here to see if she's full of shit, or if there is some actual truth to it...since I've never heard anything like that until now.

[MidnightriderZ24]

shes full of shit. theres no reason u cant put new fluid into a manual trans. synchros dont require sediment to grab the clutching hub like a worn out automatic does. go for it!

[IsaacHayes]

Flushing the fluid on an AUTOMATIC with lots of miles and not much left on the clutches CAN be bad in the fact the new fluid cleans and strips off the sludge that was holding the only last bit of friction material and then the trans starts slipping (more than before). If the trans has healthy clutches flushing it won't cause any change in operation but for the better.

Now a manual trans, is just like a motor. Moving parts, but no friction materials inside.

Just make SURE it's GM Syncromesh and not something else.

[WideTrackGP_92]

Ok, that's what I thought...excellent! Thanks!

[abycat]

hey guys i work at mr lube and have a mobile handyman service business
and have flushed 1000's of tranny's without knowing previous history and have never had a problem. if you have outdated type of atf and better stuff has been realeased you could even bennefit from the new technology with the fluid. most people say wow my trans shifts way better. so do it up and most shops are warranty approved. and it is a fluid exchange with or without pan service.

[Superdave]

i wouldn't call it a flush on a manual trans.. drain the old and dump in the new.


Royal Purple Syncromax works well

[IsaacHayes]

Stupid question, where is the drain plug on a 282 ? Is it on the bottom somewhere easy to see? lol And is there supposed to be a dipstick or just a plug where you add fluid?

[pocket-rocket]

If it's like the 284 in that aspect, the drain plug is at the bottom of the diff, and yes, there is a dipstick.

[WideTrackGP_92]

Yeah, I didn't mean "flush"...I just meant "changing", as it draining the fluid and putting new stuff in. Sorry for the confusion!

[IsaacHayes]

Hmm. My 282 has red plug on it.. Maybe there is a stick under it?

[pocket-rocket]

Mine is red. If you pull it out it also has a ~6" stick on it. It's the locking style like the newer tranny sticks that you have to flip before pulling out.

[IsaacHayes]

Ahh cool Thanks.

Now there is just the problem of reaching it.... (ABS master cylinder in the way) Maybe from the under side? LOL

[pocket-rocket]

I turn the wheel right and reach behind the drivers side tire through the wheel well to get mine. On a W the splash guard doesn't go back far enough to block it.

[IsaacHayes]

Cool, good idea. I bet I can get to the VSS this way too.

[HayesPerformance]

It makes a big difference WHICH flush machine is used. If all they have is the S***y cheaper machines, then she's right, But this is in regards to an automatic.

there are ONLY a couple companies that make tranny flush machines that work amzing and are safe, BUT there very expensive.

Did she know you have a manual? LOL