68RFE Flush

[RAMPower2017]

My question is can I pump out some of the Tranny fluid using the cooler bypass block to lower the level in the pan, so I can manage the pan without making a mess. i would run in it neutral to pump out some of the fluid.
I'm going to flush it after I fill the pan with new fluid.

 

[Burla]

I use a mighty pump for this, be careful using trans oil pump for this, it runs dry convertor runs dry you lose. In theory you can do what you say, but mighty pump is cheap. Not only that you can probably use principles of siphon to lower it. Lts of ways to skin that cat.

 

[Burla]

this used to be 19 bucks, worth it man, so handy many things powers right to battery.

here even cheaper

 

[HEMIMANN]

Damn - never even thought of that. Well, at least I got a drain plug.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Yes. I've done it a bunch of times on various vehicles over the last 35 years. Gets all the fluid out. It's really a job for the guy who has his head screwed on straight.

Overfill the tranny a quart or two after replacing the filter, etc. Use a new clear vinyl hose diverted into a white 5-gal bucket. That way you can clearly see the fluid color ...as things happen real quick. Probably 15 seconds, maybe 20 and it'll be over. Don't use a dark bucket, you can't see the fluid color.

Have a helper start the vehicle (in park) while you monitor the progress. It pumps out quick. Watch the hose like a hawk. As soon as you see it turn 'clear' red, yell to the helper to shut off the vehicle. Top off the tranny. I've had it where I stopped the engine half way and added 2 quarts just for comfort. You might have your funnel installed on the fill tube ...and two quarts open, ready to go. Forget about adding as you go.... you can't add fast enough and your attention needs to be 100% on the fluid stream.

Hints:
Don't run the tranny dry
Don't walk away and answer your phone while the fluid is coming out.
Don't go over and talk to the neighbor
Don't go grab lunch...LOL
Do at your own risk.

I only say those things bc I actually know a guy who started changing his car's oil. He decided ..very hot day, he needed a cold. Drove his car to the local gas station a couple blocks away. Came home and planned to add oil. "Hey...what's that knocking noise??"

Good luck

 

[RAMPower2017]

With the old fluid still in the trans.....I wanted to drop the fluid level in the pan so I can then drop the pan without a full pan of fluid. Easier to manage. Then I would replace the two filters, fasten the pan back, and overfill the Trans with new fluid as you said and following your procedure. What do you think?

 

[Jeepwalker]

With the old fluid still in the trans.....I wanted to drop the fluid level in the pan so I can then drop the pan without a full pan of fluid. Easier to manage. Then I would replace the two filters, fasten the pan back, and overfill the Trans with new fluid as you said and following your procedure. What do you think?

That's basically it. A helper in the vehicle is really a must.

For safety, one could run the vehicle a short bit (pump out a couple qts into bucket). Stop there, add 2 qts (have a funnel on the tube and tranny fluid ready to pour so a guy isn't fumbling around for 2 minutes). Then a helper would immediately re-start until she runs 'clear'.

One other factor to be aware of is, if there is a thermostatic operated bypass valve, which most Ram trucks likely have, the vehicle needs to be operating temperature (hot) or no fluid will flow to the radiator cooler. Or ...the fluid flow line needs to be intercepted before any bypass valves.

Obviously... these are 'experimental thoughts and conjectures and how some other people may hve performed a procedure'. These are not specific instructions or recommendations for you or others ..or your/their vehicle. I, my family/estate shall not be held liable for any issues or problems/failures/etc.

 

[vetteyog]

I have a 65RFE, but I imagine my way would work on yours; I drilled a hole; low in the side of my pan, let all the fluid drain out, and replaced the pan with a new one with a drain bolt. Worked great and now I have a drain bolt for the next fluid change.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Just make sure the drain bolt stays tight.

I've installed (welded) in tranny drain bolts before. And sometimes I've detected a slight leak at the bolt some years later. Usually the bolt gasket. A slight leak results in enough leaked-out over time. My feeling these days is, most guys change the trans fluid so infrequently it's hardly worth the trouble or risk. Spend a couple bucks and go to a farm and barn and get a wide 3-gal metal pan for a few bucks and train the fluid in that. Tilt the tranny pan on the corner to get 'most' of the fluid out before unbolting. But if ya really DO plan to change it more often, check the pan now and then and make sure there isn't a 'drop' of fluid on the drain bolt or bottom of pan.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/behrens-utility-pan-3-gal-capacity

 

[HEMIMANN]

Yes. I've done it a bunch of times on various vehicles over the last 35 years. Gets all the fluid out. It's really a job for the guy who has his head screwed on straight.

Overfill the tranny a quart or two after replacing the filter, etc. Use a new clear vinyl hose diverted into a white 5-gal bucket. That way you can clearly see the fluid color ...as things happen real quick. Probably 15 seconds, maybe 20 and it'll be over. Don't use a dark bucket, you can't see the fluid color.

Have a helper start the vehicle (in park) while you monitor the progress. It pumps out quick. Watch the hose like a hawk. As soon as you see it turn 'clear' red, yell to the helper to shut off the vehicle. Top off the tranny. I've had it where I stopped the engine half way and added 2 quarts just for comfort. You might have your funnel installed on the fill tube ...and two quarts open, ready to go. Forget about adding as you go.... you can't add fast enough and your attention needs to be 100% on the fluid stream.

Hints:
Don't run the tranny dry
Don't walk away and answer your phone while the fluid is coming out.
Don't go over and talk to the neighbor
Don't go grab lunch...LOL
Do at your own risk.

I only say those things bc I actually know a guy who started changing his car's oil. He decided ..very hot day, he needed a cold. Drove his car to the local gas station a couple blocks away. Came home and planned to add oil. "Hey...what's that knocking noise??"

Good luck

Nothing happens "real quick" in my world anymore.

I'll stick to drain & fill x 3. Thanks for info for the quicker among us.