AW55-50SN woes-easy to repair? Topic is solved

[precopster]

Magnefine x 1 is in place. Everything checked for leaks. Fluid level is perfect. Transmission continues to impress with a seemingly "cured" 1-2 shift after a further 60kms.

Not going to remove the transmission to mess with what's already working well and will definitely be keeping up the transmission filter and fluid changes from now on.

The Magnefine is certainly a better way to filter than that ridiculous cost-saving gauze Aisin fits.

A special thanks to Cuhfs who brainstormed the idea of drilling the transmission case and Nautic who provided extra photos and videos; I would still be driving the wife's old 2002 XC70 with semi-working A/C.

Total cost of the repair including new fluid, filter and various hoses/syringes and clamps would be in the vicinity of $250 though I had the thread taps, bolt and washer/o ring in stock.

Another T5 gets a reprieve!!

[mrbrian200]

Are there piezo elements that can fit into an 18mm hole?

Maybe. I looked on fleabay some of the ones that came up look 'close' with a cylindrical design and the element facing out one end. Most of them say 60 watts. I don't know if that's strong enough or not.

You could drain the existing trans fluid out, then fill with solvent that would normally be used in a ultrasonic bath. Power the cleaner for awhile, drain the solvent, flush/clean the junk that dropped from filter by whatever means, followed by a full flush of the trans with 3309.

The piezo element could be mounted/incorporated into a threaded plug that screws in just like the normal drain plug. The trick for it to work would be that the radiating element on the end of the thing contacts the fluid inside the trans at or very near the filter inlet. If it doesn't fit through the drain hole in the trans it could be fixed externally to a hollowed out drain plug.

Still less trouble than pulling the trans if you ask me. Though a bit of custom fab might be necessary.

[vtl]

Can't believe nobody mentioned these Magnefines are made here!!

Make sure to install it against the flow down there!

[precopster]

Thanks vtl flow direction is marked on the filter body with an arrow.

The main issue I see with the whole ultrasonic scenario is the fluid level and whether it can reach the filter screen.

If you fill the crankcase with say 5 litres would it even reach the screen or would it overflow into another part of the transmission? Something tells me our first guinea pig isn't far away

[abscate]

That flow arrow is for the Northern hemisphere though.

I'm with you , vtl

[01_Nautic_V70]

When you flush a transmission in Australia, which way does the fluid swirl?

[precopster]

That flow arrow is for the Northern hemisphere though.

I'm with you , vtl

If they're made here it's the Northern hemisphere boys that need to go against the flow arrow.

Nautic that's easy to answer. Haven't you noticed it's the same direction as merry-go-rounds (carousels) turn in the Southern Hemisphere? Sheesh!! Sure as Santa rides a surfboard!!

[precopster]

Still going strong no issues even in stop start traffic.

Over 600kms now.

I was speaking to a friend of mine about this marvellous Magnefine external filter. He owns a 2003 model Subaru Legacy and a Hyundai Lantra. He mentioned that both of them have screw-on type transmission filters very similar to engine oil filters.

Begs the question why didn't Aisin protect their units with the same? Even the newer 6 speed TF-80SC doesn't have this feature. Clutch material can do the same to any filter unless the filter material has been improved to prevent clogging.

[cuhfs]

Nice!

[precopster]

Another 1000kms and now the TCM has adapted to the new fluid pressure. 1st to 2nd is perfect and no thumping on downshifts at all. Smooth as silk......

I can now slip the gear lever into the manual gate, rev the motor to 5,000rpm with full throttle and change gear to 2nd with a clean snappy shift.