PTU fluid - How to get more fluid out?

[WojoMojo]

I know there are a lot of forum posts about this, but figured I'd just start a new one since I couldn't find what I was looking for. I went at changing the PTU fluid on my 2010 SHO today. Was able to get the plug off and started extracting fluid. Was only able to get about 5 ounces out before I couldn't get any more out.. I tried every possible angle to get the tube down but it would just stop after a few inches.. Any hints on how you guys did it (for those who did it themselves)? I put about 5-6 ounces of fresh fluid back in.. Tried to flush it out a bit. I'm going to drive it for a few days and try to work in the new fluid and attempt to change it again..

P.S. fluid was pretty nasty.. plug was sludged up and had tiny metal shavings all over it.. My finger was sparkling like crazy. I filled up a bottle and going to send it off to get tested over at blackstone, and I'll be sure to update you guys when I get that info back. Thanks!

 

[SHOdded]

Metal shavings = not good. Due to what it seems like factory underfill and/or evaporation, it would not be unusual to get less fluid out than recommended capacity. Be sure to fill to capacity each time you drain/fill. Hopefully you caught the problem in time and the next drain/fill will go much easier. Supposedly you can "flush" with kerosene or some such fluid, but I don't know how you would agitate sufficiently to get it all back out. Still would require a couple extra quarts of the PTU fluid I'd think.

If you want to consider installing a drain plug, there is a writeup on the Edge forum starting with this post:
http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/10914-ptu-leak-failures/#entry89270

 

[SHOnUup4]

I used a cheap pump from local auto store to get the fluid out. With that pump I had to cut the little hoses down on each side of the pump for a smoother flow without fighting gravity.

At a point I thought it was done when it was just barely dripping. I decided to walk away at this point, and like 15 minutes later I had double what I had initially pulled out.

I'm really thinking these weren't underfilled at the factory, there is a vent on the top that I think is the culprit. There is a TSB for this vent to get a "hose" extension I think.

Was there any visible staining down the side of the PTU?

Any kind of drive ability issues you could feel prompting the fluid swap?

I'm thinking, like Shodded suggested before, using something to check the fluid level prior to changing would help determine if all the fluid has been removed.

Good luck with this, and I hope those metal shavings were just from the original making of the PTU.

Rich

 

[WojoMojo]

Here is what that "fluid" looked like around the plug. Can see the metal shavings.

It wasn't driving bad, it just has almost 70k miles and I drive it hard. Figured it would be a good thing to change. I'll try get some smaller hose and maybe get further down to more fluid next time.

 

[SHOnUup4]

Here is the pump I used

My plug

Rich

 

[SHOnUup4]

How much did you get back in?

I used 4 jack stands to keep car level also.

Rich

 

[WojoMojo]

Alright just an update.. Attempted another fluid change today and was VERY successful! I managed to get about 15 ounces out. My problem was that I was using a very stiff hose, and when snaking it into the fill hole it would just push to the back end and get jammed (not deep enough) and only get a few ounces out. What I did was use a softer but still stiff hose and gave the end a slight bend. The goal was to get the hose down directly below the fill hole, which worked perfectly to get most of the fluid out. I used royal purple gear oil. Test drive didn't really give me any immediate impressions.. If anything it definitely seems to coast better down the road. We will see as time goes on.. All I know is that any time I floor it below 30mph, tires like to lose traction

I am going to send off my fluid tomorrow to blackstone laboratories and see if they can find anything unusual with it.

 

[SHOdded]

Cool beans! I am sure you will continue to notice the difference when you get on it And good call, Rich, on trying a different hose

 

[Feffman]

What weight fluid for the PTU? I see 75W-140 in a photo above. Is that the correct weight?

Feff

 

[SHOnUup4]

What weight fluid for the PTU? I see 75W-140 in a photo above. Is that the correct weight?

Feff

Yes that's the correct one.

Rich

 

[SHOdded]

Correct. 75w140 for PTU, 80w90 for RDU.

 

[Feffman]

How many ounces or quarts?

 

[SHOnUup4]

18 ounces is capacity.

Rich

 

[Feffman]

Correct. 75w140 for PTU, 80w90 for RDU.

18 ounces is capacity.

Thanks gents. SHO is at the dealer for oil change, PTU fluid change (fingers crossed they don't screw it up), rear tail light trim peeling and passenger front seat lumbar inflation mystery.

Feff

 

[SHOnUup4]

Thanks gents. SHO is at the dealer for oil change, PTU fluid change (fingers crossed they don't screw it up), rear tail light trim peeling and passenger front seat lumbar inflation mystery.

Feff

Good luck...my dealer quoted me price for PTU fluid change and then said they couldn't do it.

Rich

 

[Calgary]

Ya they seem very reluctant to replace the fluid. I always get the anwser that "its good" when i ask for quote or what mechanic thinks. feffman the inflation thing is a module problem under the seat. ive seen a good thread on it you should be able to find it in the search. still need to get it fixed myself lol

 

[Feffman]

Good luck...my dealer quoted me price for PTU fluid change and then said they couldn't do it.

Rich

Ding, Ding, Ding! What happened to real mechanics? Seems now we simply have a lot of "parts replacers".

Feff

 

[Calgary]

got a quote for tranny and ptu fluid remove and replace both. 230 and 198 is that alot?

 

[SHOnUup4]

got a quote for tranny and ptu fluid remove and replace both. 230 and 198 is that alot?

Yes...but I guess it could vary by location quite a bit. $160 for trans for me (ended up doing it myself though...$96 for 18 quarts and it's better than any of their services offered)...quoted me around $90 for PTU, but then said they couldn't do it.

Rich

 

[mullen78]

I was told by my local dealership the PTU had to be removed! How's that for b.s. As for what happened to good reputable mechanics, you can't get kids interested in turning wrenches nowadays(I know generalizations suck) it isn't glamorous enough.