68RFE Service & Friends

[Cummins12V98]

TransEngineer said not to run with little to no fluid in it.

That is NOT what I do. Drain pan, adjust bans and replace filter as needed. Measure the fluid removed and pour back the exact same amount. Now it's "FULL" again. Run truck until it sputters and shut it off. Measure fluid and replace same amount. Wash rinse and repeat until the fluid color changes to bright red. Measure and refill same amount, wala you are full again and have a trans that is full of fresh fluid.

Done as I said it won't hurt a darn thing.

 

[gsbrockman]

TransEngineer said not to run with little to no fluid in it.

Run truck until it sputters and shut it off.

So......I do believe even Curly, Larry, and Moe would agree that running the truck until it “sputters” is the equivalent of running it with little to no fluid in it.

Your attempts to spin words used in the English language (and always to YOUR benefit) never ceases to totally amaze me.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

I installed a drain plug in my OE pan on my first oil change. Makes the job much easier.

What drain plug did you use? How are the threads attached?

Before, I've tack welded a thin nut to the inside of a drain pan. Never had the pan off the 68rfe trans, won't need to for a while with only 17K on the truck. But, it sounds like the pan has a coating on it, which I might not want to disturb. Typically the thread-sert is too "tall" for my liking on an oil pan.

 

[kthaxton]

What drain plug did you use? How are the threads attached?

Before, I've tack welded a thin nut to the inside of a drain pan. Never had the pan off the 68rfe trans, won't need to for a while with only 17K on the truck. But, it sounds like the pan has a coating on it, which I might not want to disturb. Typically the thread-sert is too "tall" for my liking on an oil pan.

I've used the B&M drain plug on many transmissions over the years. On my 2015, I also added a washer to the inside that had a rubber-embossed seal for extra sealing.

https://www.amazon.com/80250-Automatic-Transmission-Universal-Drain/dp/B00029WR78

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-65269...fix=dorman+drain+plug+,automotive,183&sr=1-31

 

[Cummins12V98]

So......I do believe even Curly, Larry, and Moe would agree that running the truck until it “sputters” is the equivalent of running it with little to no fluid in it.

Your attempts to spin words used in the English language (and always to YOUR benefit) never ceases to totally amaze me.

And you think it doesn't have to suck fluid into the system after the pan is drained. Sorry no difference. OMG what do you think when the converter is drained when one has a drain plug???

You guys simply want to argue and have no good argument of what i do may cause harm.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Regarding fluid changes - I will agree that running a transmission empty, and not shutting it off right away could be damaging.

I didn't read the whole thread on what transengineer said so I will NOT comment on that.

I feel running it empty till it sputters (and shutting it down right away) will not cause any harm. Do you fill your oil filter before you start the truck? And just like was said, air WILL get into the pump with a new trans filter - yes, no where near as much as when it sputters.

If you really want to avoid this, fill the pan and run it a bit to pump out fluid and refill before it sputters.

I've done the sputter method for years. And yes, I've taken apart transmissions that I've done that to and never say any abnormal wear on anything due to lack of lubrication.

No, I've not done it on the 68RFE trans and No, I've not taken one of those apart and No, I've not studied the oil flow path on them.

Flame on.....

 

[Cummins12V98]

Regarding fluid changes - I will agree that running a transmission empty, and not shutting it off right away could be damaging.

I didn't read the whole thread on what transengineer said so I will NOT comment on that.

I feel running it empty till it sputters (and shutting it down right away) will not cause any harm. Do you fill your oil filter before you start the truck? And just like was said, air WILL get into the pump with a new trans filter - yes, now where near as much as when it sputters.

If you really want to avoid this, fill the pan and run it a bit to pump out fluid and refill before it sputters.

I've done the sputter method for years. And yes, I've take apart transmissions that I've done that to and never say any abnormal wear on anything due to lack of lubrication.

No, I've not done it on the 68RFE trans and No, I've not taken one of those apart and No, I've not studied the oil flow path on them.

Flame on.....

BRAVE MAN!!!

 

[kthaxton]

You guys simply want to argue and have no good argument of what i do may cause harm.

Keep in mind, this whole thing started because you questioned the standard method of fluid changes, that, not only has been used for decades, is also all that is required by the factory. You made it sound like the recommended process was absurd.

An engineer involved in the design of the transmission in question recommended against the practice. If there was an actual benefit, it might be worth the risk, but their really isn't. My motive for chiming in each time is so that an unknowing observer of these discussions, doesn't actually think the trouble you choose to go through, is necessary, or even reasonably beneficial.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

OK, I'm not saying what is right and what is wrong.

I did search and find the post that gsbrockman posted about.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...as69rc-equipped-ram-3500-pickup.251263/page-2

The way I read it I think Transengineer was referring to what was done with running the truck AFTER draining the pan to get more fluid out of the trans. NOTHING was said before that about the "sputter" method. So, did I miss something in reading that?

Also, this was all in reference to the Asin trans.

 

[JR]

What drain plug did you use? How are the threads attached?

Before, I've tack welded a thin nut to the inside of a drain pan. Never had the pan off the 68rfe trans, won't need to for a while with only 17K on the truck. But, it sounds like the pan has a coating on it, which I might not want to disturb. Typically the thread-sert is too "tall" for my liking on an oil pan.

I also used the B&M plug. If you are familiar with bulk head fittings the plug mounts the same way, with if I remember correctly 1/8 " npt plug.
I did end up cutting off a few threads that stuck up into the pan to decrease the height . Assembled dry, noted the amount of threads beyond the nut and removed and shortened.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

I also used the B&M plug. If you are familiar with bulk head fittings the plug mounts the same way, with if I remember correctly 1/8 " npt plug.
I did end up cutting off a few threads that stuck up into the pan to decrease the height . Assembled dry, noted the amount of threads beyond the nut and removed and shortened.

I've used the B&M drain plug on many transmissions over the years. On my 2015, I also added a washer to the inside that had a rubber-embossed seal for extra sealing.

Thanks!
I've never used them - always made my own. One time I welded the nut on the outside since there was so little clearance on the inside.