R18 5AT ATF change again, 51,666 miles on my 06 coupe

[phillipguru]

So I decided to swap out my ATF again. I did this previously i think at 15-20k miles or something. I dont remember but it was probably about 20k miles ago.

On the last ATF swap I popped in 5 quarts of Quaker state Q performance atf (z1 atf compatible). This time I just went for the cheap Castrol "Import ATF" which specifically says its compatible with Honda Z1 and Toyota Type 4. With a 7.5 court pan, a flex tube filler tube, and 7 quarts of ATF (5 for the change and 2 just in case something happens) it cost about $36. I raised the car by the frame, not by the jack point.

Drained and filled 5 quarts in about 40 minutes. The old fluid had only about 20k on it and was very brown. Metal powder on the magnetic drain plug was very very minimal. The first time i changed the ATF it had a good amount.

I change the tranny fluid often because i drive over 100 miles per day, everyday, I work far away from home, usually 6 days a week, and school is 4 days a week. It feels good to do the ultimate mod...maintenance.

Tranny shifts mildly smoother at regular throttle, and much smoother at full throttle. Keep in mind it wasnt bad before, but it wasnt as good as new.

I made this thread because I think their is too much junk info that gos around on forums. "you must change with honda fluid" "dont change untill 60k miles, and if you have more than 100k miles on your tranny without changing atf dont start changing it" this is miss information.... the differences in ATF is just operating heat range, and max heat range. Thats about it. New fluid will never hurt your tranny.

people change your fluid, and change it often, your car will perform longer, I beat on my car everyday, and drive 100 miles of hills a day and 0 problems.

[06NaviEX]

I couldn't agree with you more. Auto tranny fluid is probably the third most neglected part of a car's maintenance. Right behind brake fluid and power steering fluid!

[06civictx]

how much did you torque the bolt to?

[06NaviEX]

Originally Posted by 06civictx

how much did you torque the bolt to?

Just get a new crush washer from Honda. I just torque it until I feel it "crush", and then just a bit more.

On my car, I did 6 drain and fills with Amsoil ATF over a 1.5 month period. I didn't use a new washer every time, since I knew that I was dumping the fluid in a week or so. Never had any leaks. Just make sure that your final washer is new on the last fill.

[Way2Short]

is there a DIY on this bad boy?

[phillipguru]

I just got through about 2 pages of a fuggin walk through, and my browser crapped out. I torqued it down with about 22 arm pounds, DUDE i swear i wrote an entire guide about how to locate the drain plug with your balls, omg i ahte myself now

[06CivEXJon]

Yes very interesting aswell.

[av911]

Originally Posted by Way2Short

is there a DIY on this bad boy?

It's easier than changing the oil.

-Put it on 4 jacks
-Loosen bolt...this is the hardest part
-Drain
-Clean your bolt. Mine had some shavings.
-Screw bolt back in
-Add 2.5 qts of ATF

[Way2Short]

Where's the bolt? Which one?

[phillipguru]

The bolt is closer to the front bumper than the oil plug, about a foot farther toward the front, and more to the center. The bolt is horizontal and it requires a 1/4 inch driver, its not a socket bolt. Ill take some pics on sunday

[AllShowNoGo]

u must work a far@$$ place away from home, seeing how u racked up about 4 years worth of miles in just 1....

[phillipguru]

Originally Posted by AllShowNoGo

u must work a far@$$ place away from home, seeing how u racked up about 4 years worth of miles in just 1....

yep

[ryker]

Originally Posted by phillipguru

Drained and filled 5 quarts in about 40 minutes. The old fluid had only about 20k on it and was very brown. Metal powder on the magnetic drain plug was very very minimal. The first time i changed the ATF it had a good amount.

I.

hmm. I thought that the r18 5at only allowed for a portion of the fluid to be drained at a time. Then your add new fluid. It doesn't even call for a complete flush. If you want to change all fluid then it requires a 3 drains... ? Correct?

2.5qts per drain and its a 6.3qt system



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I use redline D4 autotrans fluid. I used my pella fluid extractor to suck out the 2.5qt from the fill stick. Then added the redline fluid. Never jacked the car up and never removed the plug. Didn't even get dirty. Less than 10 minutes.

[phillipguru]

Originally Posted by ryker

hmm. I thought that the r18 5at only allowed for a portion of the fluid to be drained at a time. Then your add new fluid. It doesn't even call for a complete flush. If you want to change all fluid then it requires a 3 drains... ? Correct?

2.5qts per drain and its a 6.3qt system



---
I use redline D4 autotrans fluid. I used my pella fluid extractor to suck out the 2.5qt from the fill stick. Then added the redline fluid. Never jacked the car up and never removed the plug. Didn't even get dirty. Less than 10 minutes.

Yeah you can only drain and fill the pan unless you wanna mess with 30psi of fluid on the tranny cooler output. I drain and fill 2.5 quarts at a time.

If you wanna be slick rick you could make your own exhanger with 2, clear 3 gallon water jugs and about $100 bucks worth of tranny fluid and some extra tubing.

[ryker]

The intial posting wasn't that clear, to me. Sounded like you drained all fluid at once.