External tranny filter?

dejongmc · Post by **dejongmc** » 12 Jan 2007, 20:29

I was wondering if somebody has experience with an external tranny fluid filter?

The Volvo '97 850 has a filter in the tranny, but almost nobody is dropping the pan to clean it (I don't). So an external filter between transmission and radiator could be a good thing to keep the transmission clean.

Anybody?

cocka · Post by **cocka** » 12 Jan 2007, 22:50

"Magnafine" has ones that fit in the fluid lines. have ones for power steering as well, dont know how good they are but they couldnt hurt (would do a fluid change first though).

dejongmc · Post by **dejongmc** » 13 Jan 2007, 10:42

Does anybody have experience with Magnafine?
How to install it?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Jan 2007, 12:54

Instructions come with it. It's pretty easy. Just cut the ATF return line that goes to your radiator (the one you disconnect to do a flush) and stick it between the two cut ends with clamps. I personally don't use one. There is some controversy about them. I for one would not install one until after a good flush. Concern is flow rate as well as what happens if it gets clogged up?

dejongmc · Post by **dejongmc** » 13 Jan 2007, 13:19

I see on IPD website that one filter costs $28.
If you have to replaced this filter every 20k I rather leave the return like it is, put some good dino ATF in there and do a total flush every 20k for the same money.

I also read on other boards that these Magnefine are hard to get and once you cut the return line, there is no way back, unless you want to replace the hole line, wich is not so easy if you look at the hose connection at the tranny side.

This was just a wild thought from my side.
Second thought, I will not use one and prefer to do more frequent flushes.

Post by **luketrash** » 13 Jan 2007, 16:13

Is the filter inside the transmission pan just like that of any other vehicle? I thought there was no filter in there?

On my RWD pickup, it's a filter I can buy at the store and replace when I drop the pan (what a mess!) but at least it's changable.

I thought the 850 didn't have a removable filter... Anyone?

Speaking of which, I just replaced my transmission fluid about 1000 miles ago, and it's already dirty. It hadn't ever been changed before I owned the car, so things are getting knocked free.. I'll be flushing this stuff out once spring comes. It only cost me 23 bucks for the case of house brand fluid.

I was thinking of trying some Auto-RX in there this spring/summer if my engine treatment goes well.

uwackme · Post by **uwackme** » 13 Jan 2007, 17:20

Come on folks, some common sense. That is a very nice product, and it would take a crap load of garbage in your transmission to clog it to the point of blocking flow. The tranny would be dead by then anyway.

Im going to get one and install it. Get a pipe flaring tool, and cut out a section of the tranny outlet pipe and flare both cut ends and use the short peice of rubber hose and clamps to install the filter.

If you ever want to UNDO it, just use ONE longer piece of hose to reconnect the tube ends w/o the filter.

While you're at it, if you really want to extend tranny life, install a good external cooler, and bypass the radiator based cooler all together.

Im definately going to move the tranny and engine oil cooling functions to external coolers that Ill mount in front of the AC condensor. I do NOT want to risk a disaster of coolant/oil/tranny fluid mixing from a radiator failure.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Jan 2007, 17:50

uwackme wrote: Im definately going to move the tranny and engine oil cooling functions to external coolers that Ill mount in front of the AC condensor. I do NOT want to risk a disaster of coolant/oil/tranny fluid mixing from a radiator failure.

I think that's an excellent idea. When you do it make sure and take some pictures!

You may be right about the filter...I just have some reservations that may be unfounded, but never-the-less, I have them.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Jan 2007, 17:53

luketrash wrote:Is the filter inside the transmission pan just like that of any other vehicle? I thought there was no filter in there?

On my RWD pickup, it's a filter I can buy at the store and replace when I drop the pan (what a mess!) but at least it's changable.

I thought the 850 didn't have a removable filter... Anyone?

Luke, don't panic...we're talking about ADDING a filter. No, as far as I know, our cars don't have them built in.
Btw, an interesting discussion has been going on here between me and another guy (you'll have to read to the end): http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=71224

Post by **hausmeister** » 15 Jan 2007, 09:27

uwackme wrote: While you're at it, if you really want to extend tranny life, install a good external cooler, and bypass the radiator based cooler all together.

I don't have an automatic so I'm not sure if that would help, but if there is already a radiator, maybe just put a 12v Fan on it that cools it?