Should I change my tranny fluid?

[Aaron]

I've got an 86 GW with the 727 trans. It has 106k, and I put 3-4k on it a year. The trans has never been rebuilt to my knowledge, and it shifts smooth, and at the right time. The only problem with the trans is that I have to put it in neutral for 4-5 sec after I start it to get the fluid back in the converter. The trans also has a small leak somewhere, it leaks about a pint of fluid every 1000k or so.

My question is should I change the fluid and filter? The fluid in the trans smells normal and not burnt, but it isn't bright red anymore, more of a redish brown color. I figure changing the fluid would prolong its life, but I am hesitant to mess with it, becuase after I changed the fluid on an S10 with a 700r4(115k)I had, it quickly developed a huge leak at the front seal or TQ, and required a rebuild.

I know there are two schools of thought on old autos. 1st is that changing the fluid makes them shift better and extends their life. 2nd is that changing the fluid can release trapped crap and cause leaks or worse yet move some trapped particle to a differnt location where it can clog a valve.

what do you guys think? Should I just leave it alone, it does work fine right now. Should I risk changing it?

[graham]

My .02, 17 years old and 106k, change fluid and filter. Not a great expence, DIY.

[sailingjeep]

Kinda sounds like an urban legend, but I changed mine at around 118,000 for the first time in my ownership, preceeding a road trip. Needed a rebuild when I got home, I did pull a 700lbs trailer. Coincidence??

[AM Woody]

Yeah, I've been pondering the same thing. Ours has 140K and the fluid has gotten brownish - seems like after we bought it 2.5 years ago. Shifts just fine, hasn't lost a drop. It is a tough call, you don't want to end up causing yourself more problems.

A couple torqueflite experts have told me to let my 727's pump up in neutral before driving off, but I don't know if your symptom is anything to worry about or not. - Andy

[Aaron]

Seems like the running in neutral for a couple of secs is a SOP for many 727's.

[reddog]

The line pressure is lower in park, that is why you check the fluid in NEUTRAL with the 727. Putting it is neutral is normal for getting the fluid circulated after it has been sitting.

Change the fluid/filter.

Kerry

[ January 28, 2003, 09:55 AM: Message edited by: reddog ]

[tuckers89GW]

change it.

[Rusty Wag]

change mine to while your at it