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ATF premature ageing; Getting hot?
Topic Started: Tue Apr 27, 2010 1:38 pm (821 Views)
Gaz2N
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Old Merc nutter
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Dear Friends,

I am again after some info.

I checked the level of ATF in the auto box on Sunday. The level seems ok but the colour seems to be slowly turning brown with a slightly burnt smell. I have had the ATF changed twice since I have owned the car and the filter/gasket were changed last August. I have only done 2500 miles since this last change so the ATF really should still be fresh. Based on my very limited knowledge I think that the transmission is getting too hot. If this is the case any ideas what would cause this? I understand that the atf cycles through a radiator which keeps it at the correct temperature. Maybe this is not happening?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated as always.

Thanks

Gary

PS. The gearbox appears to be functioning correctly.

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shrekky
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ATF is like engine oil,in that it will discolour over time,even if you dont do that many miles.......................however the burnt smell could be a symptom of a accumilating problem,auto boxes uses a multi-plate wet clutch to change gear,it could be that this is starting to slip and burn the oil,there is adjustment on it,but this is only for a auto box specialist to adjust........i'm only speculating, so might be wise to go have a word with a auto box specialist(wouldnt trust what the dealer told you....lol )....................see what he said ;)

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Gaz2N
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Thanks for your reply Shrekky,

I have tried to find a auto box specialist in my local area but there seem to be none whatsoever! The Merc specialist I use does not think that there is one either.

I wouldn't think that 9 months and less than 2500 miles would be enough to discolour the atf so I assume there must be something seriously wrong. It may just be easier to wait until it starts to give me problems and source a good used box, then get my local garage to fit it for me!

The MOT is due in two weeks so I will ask my local garage to have a little look at the cooling pipes etc..

Thanks again.

Gary
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stwat
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The ATF should stay nice and clean/red for many thousands of miles. If it goes off colour and smells burnt then there is defiantly a slipping clutch or suchlike in the box.

I had the very same problem on my Range Rover. It would slip in 4th when under load and get very hot. I could feel the heat radiating through the transmission tunnel. The oil was also very brown and had the burnt smell.
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Johnboy Mac
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It should'nt discolour that quickly. Worn clutches would cause it. If the a/box is operating o.k., change the ATF and filter again and also drain the torque convertor too. Then continue to drive and see what happens.
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Gaz2N
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Thanks Stu,

Your input is appreciated.

It does not seem to slip, however this is the only auto I have ever driven so I've nothing to compare it to.

The change between 3rd and 4th can be harsh under load. The other changes seem fine.

Would you suggest looking out for a good used box rather than potentially wasting time/money diagnosing the problem?

I am not someone who skimps on maintenance. As I have no depreciation to consider I don't mind spending money to keep my 190 in top condition. So far I have been lucky and have enjoyed 100% reliability. Prevention rather than cure is my mindset here.

Thanks

Gary

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Gaz2N
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Johnboy Mac
Tue Apr 27, 2010 10:37 pm
It should'nt discolour that quickly. Worn clutches would cause it. If the a/box is operating o.k., change the ATF and filter again and also drain the torque convertor too. Then continue to drive and see what happens.
Thanks Johnboy Merc,

When I bought the 190 the ATF was very dark brown. I got the ATF changed as I assumed it had no been done for a while. 6 months later it was brown again. I then waited until August last year before buying a new filter and gasket and had the ATF changed again (including the torque converter).

I have noticed a slight grumbing noise when reversing recently. This was present when I bought the car but dissapeared when I had the 1st ATF change.

I am guessing that a worn clutch would mean either a rebuild or new box?

Many thanks

Gary
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stwat
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Well a strip down and inspection is going to cost a fair amount i would have thought. Let alone any repairs that may need to be carried out. So finding a good second-hand box would probably be the better option.

Good luck with it.

Stu
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Johnboy Mac
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If I'm correct the autobox cooler and eng. rad are all one unit. If this is so, it's possible that some eng. coolant could be getting into the AFT fluid thus discolouring the ATF. Just bear that in mind.

Since the AFT was brown when you originally got the car it sounds like it was'nt changed in a long time. So do what I suggested, new fluid, filter and this drain torque convertor too, drive it and go from there. It a cheap option for the time being.
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