path1 wrote:
Changing fluid in Ford 2003, transmission type is 4r100. It has an magnefine external filter http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MAGNEFINE-TRANSMISSION-FILTER-INLINE-MAGNETIC-/260524361006. Took pic and went to Ford guy to get new one. Part guy said to take it off. Only supposed to be on after re-building trans until next trans serving.
Then he got way above my head with line pressure, cooling flow etc and gave good his views why.
Question...Before I eliminate something as important as a filter I would like to have this confirmed.
Ford guy was "part" guy. Not Ford "mechanic". Big difference IMO and both of them have their expertize.
Tried to look up in other web sites , but sort of hard to get straight answer being so many people try to outsmart the OEM. Just want to do right thing, not interested racing or hauling way more than vehicle designed for.
Are those filters supposed to be taken off at first trans servicing after re-build?
Thanks
I highly recommend you keep it on there and replace it every 15 to 25K miles. This filter is as you found out installed after either a tranny failure or rebuild and is typically installed after the stock coolers. The reason is after a failure debris will get lodged in the cooling lines and especially in the two tranny coolers and unless all the lines and both the coolers (one is internal to the radiator and basically requires the radiator to be replaced) are replaced you can NEVER FLUSH all the debris out so as a cost saving measure FORD installs it for added protection. They found failure to do this resulted in redundant tranny failures from contaminated coolers in short order. Thus I would question the advisability of removing it after only one tranny service interval, but the risk should go down over time. However, for the minimal cost and positive benefits I would not eliminate it and in fact many of us installed it even w/o a tranny failure as just added protection. I have been running this filter on my tranny (also a 4R100) since 2002 and for over 65K miles with 3 changes so far. I even have one installed on my power steering for protection there. This filter does a FANTASTIC JOB since it has both a very powerful "earth" type magnet and a paper filter and includes bypass function if something should happen and it clogs. I have even done one post mortem on one with pics and what it collects is just as much as you normally see on the magnetic tranny pan drain plugs. I put mine on before anything happened at around 20K miles from new and installed it pre coolers to get additional protection of the coolers.
You need to double check since mine if on a 7.3L engine and tranny, but I'm almost positive you need the 3/8" size and the link you showed was for a 1/2". You can either get one from FORD or directly from Magnefine.
Now my info is somewhat dated since I have like 6 or 7 of these on hand for use and haven't kept current on any potential changes in it's recommended use since around 2007 so let me know if you have anything that says something different than what I'm posting here and include the source and I will check it out and report back.
P.S. I see after my initial post a recommendation to see what Mark K. says and I second that if you can get ahold of him and I would go with whatever he said "for the most part" ... except if he says to remove it I would want an good explanation of why from him, but in the end he IS THE TRUE EXPERT HERE.
Larry
