Step By Step Instructions

[nigel129]

The way to change the lot involves pulling hoses off either side of the bottom of the rad, putting one in a bucket to get rid and the other in a new container of ATF. One sucks, the other blows (like those twin sisters I still haven't met) and it replaces the entirety of your ATF fluid and is by far the best way to do it.

As a confessed mechanical numpty I did it the other way which involves draining as much as you can via the drain plug. Basically get the front of the Surf off the ground if you want more room to play with and slide on your back along the rear edge of the front wheel until you're head is under the middle of the Surf and below where your gear lever is.

You should see a boxy looking piece of metal under where the gear stick is. It will have a drain plug (basically like a bolt to remove) at one end of it in the middle.

Follow the instructions on the other threads (if memory serves do it after a short run so its warm (Careful its not too hot and burns you) Also I seem to remember its best to have the surf level so you could always undo the drain plug half a turn whilst the surf is up on stands so it saves you straining and fiddling later on.

Put something to catch the fluid underneath it and (ideally wearing plastic gloves) undo the drain plug and leave it to run out until it stops (be aware it may not run straight down so have a reasonably sized container.

Claen around plug and screw it back in then work out how much has drained out then refill with the same amount. You have to refill via the ATF dip stick tube. I found a double page form a magazine folded into the longest, thinnest tube possible and duct taped up worked well)

dont overfill. Go for a decent run so its hot, stop, with foot on the brake go though all the gears and check the level wioth the engine running.

Too much ATF can be almost as bad as too little so do be careful.

this is based on 2nd Gen 3 litre but I presume its the same or similar on 2.4

GREAT, copied and printed, job for tomorrow if weather holds,Thanks

[Albannach]

GREAT, copied and printed, job for tomorrow if weather holds,Thanks

Remember you'll need 2-3 times as much fluid to properly change it out using this method, but it is the best way to do it.

And as for not liking amateurs fixing their cars, I'm sorry, but I don't. In my years as a mechanic, I've seen people killed due to inept repairs. I never ever advocate working on a car/truck/bike/bus/lorry whatever, unless qualified to do so. I could easily step you through how to do anything on a vehicle, but I never will. How could I square it with myself if you killed someone because you didn't do exactly what I said, or you misunderstood something, or I missed a step?

Yes there are numpty mechanics out there, just like there are numpty computer geeks. The difference between stepping someone through fixing a PC and stepping them through fixing a Surf is that if the PC repair goes wrong, you potentially kill the PC, if the Surf repair goes wrong, you could potentially kill someone.

The step through I gave above is exactly what I would advise you or anyone else to do, if it's not the advice you were looking for, I apologise; but sometimes the best advice is not what you want to hear.

I too have a list of qualifications, in IT and Auto Engineering (amongst others), but modesty prevents me from publishing it.

[Albannach]

Feel free to contact me when your puter packs up and ill multimap a selection of local repair shops for you.

Nah, you're alright, I'll be fine.

[Maverick]

The step through I gave above is exactly what I would advise you or anyone else to do, if it's not the advice you were looking for, I apologise; but sometimes the best advice is not what you want to hear.

But then surely it's best to help out, in order to stop someone going it alone, and making it worse.

After all this forum is here to help others out by sharing experiance.

[sv1000spilot]

Some of the 500ml bottles have "spout / tube" built in that you pull out - looks like very fat straw.

These fit straight into the dip stick / filler tube. Once the contents are in, cut the bottom off and you've got a perfect funnel.

[biosurf]

Remember you'll need 2-3 times as much fluid to properly change it out using this method, but it is the best way to do it.

Just to confirm that you will need more fluid if you do it the pulling hoses off way and it is better. However my 'walk through' you're referring to (which as I say is done through hazy memory so do check other threads for verification) , will only use as much new fluid as you drain out old.


Albannach, I could be forgiven for thinking you didnt read my whole post...

[Albannach]

But then surely it's best to help out, in order to stop someone going it alone, and making it worse..

I'd be more than happy to show someone how to do work on their car.

After all this forum is here to help others out by sharing experiance.

I am sharing experience, that's why I say not to do it!

[Albannach]

Albannach, I could be forgiven for thinking you didnt read my whole post...

I did, but I forgot you'd given 2 methods, sorry...

The 2 hoses thing changes everything, but, as you said, uses much more fluid. The drain and fill method can be done 2 or 3 times (a few days apart) to dilute the old fluid left in the 'box & Torque Converter.

[sv1000spilot]

I did, but I forgot you'd given 2 methods, sorry...

The 2 hoses thing changes everything, but, as you said, uses much more fluid. The drain and fill method can be done 2 or 3 times (a few days apart) to dilute the old fluid left in the 'box & Torque Conberter.

eh???

[sv1000spilot]

On a serious note. When you have finished make sure you check fluid level after a drive making sure you've gone through all the gears and that the gearbox has warmed up.

[Albannach]

eh???

Just a typo., fixed now.

[nigel129]

Remember you'll need 2-3 times as much fluid to properly change it out using this method, but it is the best way to do it.

And as for not liking amateurs fixing their cars, I'm sorry, but I don't. In my years as a mechanic, I've seen people killed due to inept repairs. I never ever advocate working on a car/truck/bike/bus/lorry whatever, unless qualified to do so. I could easily step you through how to do anything on a vehicle, but I never will. How could I square it with myself if you killed someone because you didn't do exactly what I said, or you misunderstood something, or I missed a step?

Yes there are numpty mechanics out there, just like there are numpty computer geeks. The difference between stepping someone through fixing a PC and stepping them through fixing a Surf is that if the PC repair goes wrong, you potentially kill the PC, if the Surf repair goes wrong, you could potentially kill someone.

The step through I gave above is exactly what I would advise you or anyone else to do, if it's not the advice you were looking for, I apologise; but sometimes the best advice is not what you want to hear.

I too have a list of qualifications, in IT and Auto Engineering (amongst others), but modesty prevents me from publishing it.

Not to push a point too far, but ive been responsible for the software that keeps the High Speed trains on the West coast. The software for the tamper trains and on board passenger trains is meant to keep the train on the track, and prevent over tilt in places where a standard train on a parallel track may colide, or even a bridge strike. So i could, potentionally,kill quite a few people if i didnt pass on information correctly, though i do take your point.
nigel

[nigel129]

I did, but I forgot you'd given 2 methods, sorry...

The 2 hoses thing changes everything, but, as you said, uses much more fluid. The drain and fill method can be done 2 or 3 times (a few days apart) to dilute the old fluid left in the 'box & Torque Converter.

So assuming cost and time are no barrier, which method would you recommend given my lack of experience.

[Albannach]

So assuming cost and time are no barrier, which method would you recommend given my lack of experience.

Sorry, just noticed this.

If cost isn't a barrier, I would honestly take it to an Automatic Transmission Specialist, that's what I would do.

Otherwise, do the 2 hoses thing, there's less risk of you doing something silly like stripping the gearbox sump nut. Just make sure you have enough ATF fluid (buy 15 litres, put 10 in the bucket first, then if you need the other one, use it. If not, take it back for a refund.) and make sure you put the right bucket with the right pipe!

[gwh200]

Unless you are confident in your ability I'm with albannach on this. Once you have seen it done and noted any pitfalls,perhaps then you can try. Albannach, diesel weasel and others always advise that if you need to ask for advice on, for instance,any work on a braking system then you need expert advice on such a safety critical issue


Edit..
I have now worked in Scotland long enough to not take offence at a Scottish members advice.......it's going to generally be forthright
I mean after all where else in the world is "to glass"
considered a verb !!