How To Fix Coolant In Transmission

What If Antifreeze Gets in Automated Transmission Fluid?

by Chris Weis

Mike Powell/Photodisc/Getty Images

Information technology may seem similar a rather remote possibility, simply engine coolant, or anti-freeze can get into automatic transmission fluid. The temperature of manual fluid is regulated inside the engine cooling system. The fluid passes through a pocket-size tank inside the engine's radiator. Engine coolant surrounds the tank to assist go along the fluid within at a constant temperature. Any rupture of the internal radiator tank can permit coolant to mix with, and contaminate manual fluid. The engine coolant tin also become polluted by the transmission fluid, as the pressures of either liquid vacillate. The extent of harm to either circuit depends on the severity and longevity of the internal leak.

Transmission Pumps

Information technology is a fact that water and oil do non mix, and anti-freeze is mostly water despite the additives involved. Notwithstanding, the transmission pump comes close to completely combining the two liquids. Automatic transmission pumps are comprised of gears that mesh to compress and impel the fluid, which is basically hydraulic oil. Considering of the tight tolerances between the cogs, the gears are capable of mashing the diverse particles of coolant and oil into a frothy mess. Minor contamination may be noted past foam seen at the peak of the fluid level displayed on the transmission dipstick. More severe cases are exhibited past a dipstick covered with a substance that resembles a strawberry milkshake.

Water Pumps

The pump that pressurizes and circulates coolant uses vanes rather than gears to drive the anti-freeze. The vanes lack the tight tolerances of gear-style pumps, and the fluids are not mixed so well. Small droplets of manual oil carve up and rise to the surface of the coolant in the radiator. This inspection ofttimes involves the removal of the radiator cap, and this action should never be attempted until the radiator cools completely. The fourth dimension required for the cool-downwardly is more than sufficient for the aerosol to form. An oily sheen, or oil droplets seen in the radiator or coolant recovery reservoir tin can indicate a ruptured transmission cooler tank. The underside of the radiator cap may exhibit a mucilaginous residue besides.

The Impairment Done

Automatic transmissions often succumb to seemingly slight deficiencies in fluid quality or quantity. Therefore, information technology is not surprising that grossly contaminated fluid tin cripple the complex component. The fluid pressures required to operate and lubricate the manual can not be achieved when the oil is diluted. The polluted fluid resists uniform pinch necessary for hydraulic functions, and the transmission either slips in certain circumstances, or fails to engage at all. Lubrication failure tin can occur while underway, and the friction and resultant estrus ruin vital transmission parts. Consequences can exist less severe for the engine cooling system. Coolant function is compromised by the contagion, but overall effects are unremarkably mild.

The Fix

The transmission libation tank in the radiator is not serviceable in modern applications, and the radiator and tank are replaced as one unit. The engine cooling organisation may be completely restored by a thorough flushing and the installation of new hoses and coolant along with the new radiator. In some instances, the transmission might recover after the internal filter is replaced, and the fluid flushed out and renewed nether pressure past a professional. Should the manual be in use for whatever appreciable fourth dimension while the fluid is polluted, all-encompassing repairs tin be required. In some cases, a rebuilt or re-manufactured transmission costs less than restoring the original.

References

• Basic Auto Care Illustrated 2nd Edition; William Flerx et al

Writer Bio

Chris Weis is a freelance writer with hands-on feel in accident investigation, emergency vehicle operation and maintenance. He began his writing career writing curriculum and lectures in automotive mechanics at New York Technical Institute. Weis has contributed to "Florida" magazine and written procedure and safety guidelines for transportation concerns.

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