bubbles in transmission fluid? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

wc1972 · 07-31-2011, 03:57 PM

I recently changed the transmission fluid of my 99 Camry with 130K miles. Just simple drain&fill, did not drop the pan or clean the filter.

On the first round, the ATF I added was 2.5 quarts SuperTech Dex/Mer, same amount as the fluid drained. When I check the level, it appeared 1 inch over the hot/full mark.

On the second round, I filled 2.3 quarts Castrol Dex/Mer domestic multi. the level is right on the hot/full mark. But the fluid on the dipstick has a few (anywhere from one to six) dots of less than 1mm in diameter of light color after 10 miles of driving. I have never see something like this, before or after the first fluid change.

Are these dots bubbles that appears in overfilled ATF? It does not make sense if they are, because the transmission has always had more fluid than after the second fluid change by 0.2-0.3 quarts. Or could it be the Castrol ATF added?

BamZipPow · 07-31-2011, 05:55 PM

Got any piccies?

Did it look like the piccies in this post?

Not sure if it's smart to mix different brands of ATF...

From ProCarCare...

Quote:

Foamy or aerated (light in color and full of bubbles)

The level of fluid is too high (gear train is churning fluid).

An internal air leak (air is mixing with the fluid). Have the transmission checked professionally

wc1972 · 07-31-2011, 06:09 PM

Nothing to the level shown in that post. They are barely visible, and only a few of them. Maybe I am over-reacting.
At any rate, I will keep monitoring my transmission fluid as it is one big concern for me right now. I have only recently realized that transmission needs maintenance, at least fluid change after certain intervals, after negligence of seven years and more than 55K miles.

Noblunts · 07-31-2011, 07:34 PM

The trans holds 2.6 qts per:

What is the drain and fill capacity of the tranmission 99 camry 4cyl

Drain, flush, fill. I wouldn't mix brands as you don't know if the detergents and other components of the fluid are the same.

***JohnGD*** · 08-01-2011, 01:48 AM

Keep an eye on it for a while. Check the ATF level a couple more times and see if the readings are consistent. Have you drained/refilled the differential?

I doubt this is a problem with the Castrol/ST mix however. I see this mix often but with the Import MV ATF and Mercon-V.

Woodyg · 08-01-2011, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wc1972

I recently changed the transmission fluid of my 99 Camry with 130K miles. Just simple drain&fill, did not drop the pan or clean the filter.

On the first round, the ATF I added was 2.5 quarts SuperTech Dex/Mer, same amount as the fluid drained. When I check the level, it appeared 1 inch over the hot/full mark.

On the second round, I filled 2.3 quarts Castrol Dex/Mer domestic multi. the level is right on the hot/full mark. But the fluid on the dipstick has a few (anywhere from one to six) dots of less than 1mm in diameter of light color after 10 miles of driving. I have never see something like this, before or after the first fluid change.

Are these dots bubbles that appears in overfilled ATF? It does not make sense if they are, because the transmission has always had more fluid than after the second fluid change by 0.2-0.3 quarts. Or could it be the Castrol ATF added?

you might want to consider doing a real drain and pump flush.........it is not difficult at all and that way you get all the old fluid out......

-after you drain the pan. you fill the pan back up with the required amount maybe even a little more.

-then you remove the tranny return line at or around the radiator? connect a hose to it and stick it in a container. have someone start the car and run though the gears. the tranny fluid will get pumped into the bucket. it comes pretty quick. it only take about 10 seconds for a quart to come out. turn off the car and add a fresh quart. Do this as many times as need, usually about 5 but it depends on how much the tranny holds. I a new to the camry so I dont know the exact amount, but I have done this to many cars. they are virtually all the same........you will know when the new fluid starts to come out by its color and bubbles..........I would however just stick with one brand of fluid..........read "JohnGD's" post he has a lot of info about the trannys.......if there are no sticky's about doing this flush (I bet there are) let me know and I will get you a link from another site for a different car and you can at least get the general idea of it........I am glad you are doing the maintenance, fluid and filter changes are key to a long running car

When you have time create a detailed signature/profile of your car. it helps out a lot for DXing....

Noblunts · 08-01-2011, 10:03 AM

I've got to do this too and I want to maxlife the gearbox and trans... just wondering if I can flush with cheap dextronIII and fill with the max life. There must be a way. Its like $6 a qt and the supertech is way cheaper. Its going in the "garbage" but I don't want OPs problem.

Woodyg · 08-01-2011, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noblunts

I've got to do this too and I want to maxlife the gearbox and trans... just wondering if I can flush with cheap dextronIII and fill with the max life. There must be a way. Its like $6 a qt and the supertech is way cheaper. Its going in the "garbage" but I don't want OPs problem.

Flush is just a term........all you are really doing is draining the pan ad refilling then pan.....then you "pump" out 1 quart of fluid out at a time.....this fluid is running though the torque converter and the rest of the tranny....I will use my vibe as an example because I did it to the vibe. the vibe holds 6.9 quarts in total about 3 quarts comes out when you drain the pan........I drained the pan and then refilled with 3 quarts of fluid. I then removed the return line and started the car and pumped out a quart at a time and then added a quart. after I pumped out about 4 quarts I could see the new fluid starting to come out....I pumped out another quart for good measure.......in total I used 8 quarts of Toyota type IV.

the A140E tranny that goes with the 4 banger holds 5.9 quarts so if you have that tranny I would by 7 quarts of all the same fluid. whatever one you choose..........also if you have that tranny you will have a separate differential that holds less than 2 quarts.....you could use a different fluid for that one if it works out better for you....

Woodyg · 08-01-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noblunts

I've got to do this too and I want to maxlife the gearbox and trans... just wondering if I can flush with cheap dextronIII and fill with the max life. There must be a way. Its like $6 a qt and the supertech is way cheaper. Its going in the "garbage" but I don't want OPs problem.

also you should create a signature/profile of your vehicle......put in as many details as you can think of including any mods.......it will shorten the time it takes for you to get a good logical DX........

wc1972 · 08-01-2011, 08:14 PM

Thanks to everybody whose posted your comments and recommendations.
I will keep a close eye on the transmission. It works better than ever for now.

***JohnGD*** · 08-01-2011, 08:26 PM

Or flush with dino SuperTech (<$10 per gallon). Run 2 gallons through there with the cooler hose method. Then drain and refill with the thicker SuperTech Mercon-V (D-III suitable).

IMO the MaxLife while excellent but it is Dexron VI (6) thin. It's great for GM's new 6-speed Hydramatics however (I put Valvoline Fully Synthetic Dexron VI in those).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noblunts

I've got to do this too and I want to maxlife the gearbox and trans... just wondering if I can flush with cheap dextronIII and fill with the max life. There must be a way. Its like $6 a qt and the supertech is way cheaper. Its going in the "garbage" but I don't want OPs problem.