big ball of fine metal on auto pan magnet

[rraulston]

did my trans filter today. Easy. Had a big ball of metal on the pan magnet. I think thats normal for 40K. I just bought the truck and doubt the previous owner ever changed it. My owners manual says atf +4 but my dipstick says mopar 7136?? dont remember but it was a number like that. I used atf +3. I hope that works. Just rambling... RRR

 

[John]

Describe the "ball"? Was it aluminum? or did it look more like clutch material (I realize you stated "metal")?



At 40k mi. I had no such contaminents in my transmission however, I switched to Red Line synthetic 7176 ATF+3 at 7k and changed it again at 31k, switching to Amsoil Universal ATF+4 synthetic at about 46k and changing it again at 50k or so.

 

[Jar Head]

I did mine at 30k. Mine was the same way. It's fine and so is +3.

 

[turboramin]

I had the same fine black metal shavings on the magnet in my 2000 Auto trans at 24,000 mi. I found that the front band was way out of adjustment. I called DTT and they told me how to adjust it. Before the adjustment I noticed that the shifting was slipping from 2nd to 3rd. After I adjusted the band and increased the pressure the shifting was fine. I am the original owner and I did not pull anything or drive it hard. I think the factory didn't adjust it right to start with.



Before I upgrade the VB and TC I will need to replace the front band and some seals. I am going to wait until spring until I start that project.



Good Luck!

John

 

[rraulston]

it was ultra-fine metal. not aluminum. Doubt that AL would stick to the magnet. There wasnt even a grain of sand size in there . Like a corn starch texture. If anyone knows where i can find instructions on adjusting my bands, i would give it a go. I like doing my own work. Just cant seem to trust many people.....

 

[turboramin]

I had the same stuff on my magnet. It was not aluminum. I suspect that the first band being so loose caused the drum to get worn a little. When I tear it down I will find what was wearing.

You should give Bill or Daren a call at DTT. They can help you with the adjustment and also checking of pressures. Go to www.dieseltrans.com they will clear up all your questions. I have even called them on a weekend and they were there. Maybe I was lucky to catch them on the weekend; but give them a try.

 

[John]

Originally posted by rraulston

it was ultra-fine metal. not aluminum. Doubt that AL would stick to the magnet.

Correct! It won't!



Although, it reminds me of a trick a couple of co-workers of my X-wife (now) played on her. She used to work for the Boeing Co. at the Everett plant (767 mockup when that plane was still being developed). She came home one day thrilled about this trick little magnet that would stick to aluminum. After I quit laughing and/or when she quit smacking me, I told her that she had been duped! She swore up and down that these "special" little magnets complete with Boeing part number and everything would stick to aluminum and her co-workers had even proven it to her! After I regained some semblance of composure, I told her one of the guys had to have either held up a piece of steel to the inside of the airplane fuselage or had it taped there. That way, when she "witnessed the magnet stick to the aluminum skin of the fuselage" it was really "sticking" to the steel behind it. Nothing doing, she was adamant the "special" magnet would stick to aluminum!



Well, apparently the next day she told her co-workers what I had said and they came clean followed by nearly killing themselves rolling on the floor in laughter. :-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[PRout]

Hey John,



I know this is veering off subject, but couldnt help it.



At least she knew that aluminum doesnt normally attract to a magnet. Thats better than some of the uh--ummm. . "mechanics" that worked on the assy line at Douglas in Long Beach.



They had "mechanics" that had fingernails sooo long they couldnt even get a drill bit in the chuck without asking for help. I was an electrician, helping these "mechanics" chuck up their drill, so they can drill holes in the skin of a MD-80!! Help!!!!!!



Had an aircraft structure mechanic named "Princess" (seriously - no b. s). She had fingernails about 3 inches long.



Was too much, I had to get out of there.



Sorry, wasnt much help on the trannie. Im sure some fine shavings is normal.

 

[John]

Also OFF THE TOPIC...

I used to work with a gal (oops! That's right, we can't refer to them as gals anymore... ) that had fingernails at least two inches long! However, they looked different than the other long ones I had noticed on women. Well, when I asked another gal in our area about the previously mentioned gal (and her long fingernails) she commented that they were natural, not fake!



He!!, maybe I'm gettin' old but, they looked more like talons to me.



I still have a hard time wondering how she can perform her (manual labor) job.

 

[swalls]

Bill Kondalay gave me that answer to that one: There is a tork screw (older models 5/16 square head) just above your shift linkage on the left side of the trans. Loosen the jam nut with a 3/4" socket, then turn the tork screw IN until you measure 72 inch-pounds. Back it off 2 full turns and lock the jam nut down. The other band adjuster is inside the pan; same setup. Torque it to 72 in-lbs; then back out 2. 5-3 turns.

That Bill is sure a nice guy!Oo. Oo.