BajaNomad

Mulege Help

Al G - 4-28-2007 at 11:58 AM

I am in Mulege again and just checked my transmission oil.
The level is OK, but looks sort of dirty or burnt.
Is there a local mechanico that can handle a large Motorhome and can change the oil?
I am at the Serenidad space 3 if there happens to be a mobile mechanico. That would be wonderful, but a lot to ask for. Thanks:?:

DENNIS - 4-28-2007 at 01:06 PM

Al----

This won't answer your question but, if you are still having problems when you get up to Ensenada, let me know. I have an "expert." He just rebuilt my big Dodge transmission for 7K pesos. My mechanic pulled and installed it. The expert has a tranny shop in the states and knows his stuff.
Good luck.

Bob and Susan - 4-28-2007 at 02:25 PM

al...

sometimes if you change the oil at this point

you'll stir-up the pot and

kaBANG its gone!!!:no:

of course you'll be in the middle of the deserted desert:(

Chin up the ice house road can do it right there
if you still need assistance ;)

DENNIS - 4-28-2007 at 02:42 PM

Sound like he needs more tranny coolers.

Al G - 4-28-2007 at 03:08 PM

Your right Dennis...I have none:(
and Bob you just scared the hell out me with the "deserted desert".
I am not leaving here until I find someone to tell me if I have a problema....Bob, "ice house road can do it right there":?::?:
Is this a Mechanico Place??

Bob and Susan - 4-28-2007 at 03:45 PM

no...
he'll come to you...

you don't want to drive there in your moto-home
too bumpy

i can come get you if you need directions...

about the stir...
i did the same thing and changed the oil
in the "burb" trans about 3 years ago...
got all the way to BARSTOW!!! desert hot

good thing for extended warranty
covered the trans and the tow...boat and all

Al G - 4-28-2007 at 04:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
no...
he'll come to you...

you don't want to drive there in your moto-home
too bumpy

i can come get you if you need directions...

about the stir...
i did the same thing and changed the oil
in the "burb" trans about 3 years ago...
got all the way to BARSTOW!!! desert hot

good thing for extended warranty
covered the trans and the tow...boat and all


Thanks Bob for the offer and since I have no clue where he is...I accept. Hope he can get a filter and gasket.
My rig has 60K and the oil was a little colored when I left Concord, but seems darker now I think. It was changed 4 years ago but I have only made a couple hard runs (Las Vegas and here) and a couple K more.

Bob and Susan - 4-28-2007 at 04:08 PM

we'll be there in 15 minutes

DENNIS - 4-28-2007 at 04:12 PM

Now ...... That is Nomad service. Too cool.

Al G - 4-28-2007 at 05:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
we'll be there in 15 minutes

When I read this I jumped and ran for my MoHo as 15 min is very fast, but now realize I should have responded. I will be here at anytime. Albert

Bob and Susan - 4-28-2007 at 05:46 PM

we were there

no AL:(

left our card on the step...

comitan - 4-28-2007 at 05:54 PM

Al

I have to disagree with Bob, have done a lot of research on transmissions and believe you should do what I just had done, Drop the pan drain,pump all the fluid including the torque converter, change the filter, and the largest Transmission cooler you can buy. They have them here in La Paz if not there, otherwise you will NOT make it back from what you have said.

wiley

Bob and Susan - 4-28-2007 at 06:50 PM

its the pig roast nite at the Serenidad...

he's left the room...

Sharksbaja - 4-28-2007 at 11:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by comitan
Al

I have to disagree with Bob, have done a lot of research on transmissions and believe you should do what I just had done, Drop the pan drain,pump all the fluid including the torque converter, change the filter, and the largest Transmission cooler you can buy. They have them here in La Paz if not there, otherwise you will NOT make it back from what you have said.

wiley


So how do you drain and flush that converter w/o pulling the trans out, thanks.:?::?:

comitan - 4-29-2007 at 05:42 AM

Sharks

You take the outlet from the transmission to the Radiator (Cooler) put it in bucket and start your engine it will pump it out. If he is uncomfortable with that he can buy 2 filters & gaskets and about 18 qts of fluid, drain it new filter drive back to where he is staying, go back the next day and do it again. Whoever he has do it just ask about a total drain if the mecanic knows how.

DENNIS - 4-29-2007 at 06:10 AM

My mechanic drained mine. He drilled and tapped a hole, then plugged it.

comitan - 4-29-2007 at 06:49 AM

What a great idea, In all that I have read about changing out transmission fluid nobody has come up with this system.

Bob and Susan - 4-29-2007 at 07:10 AM

some torque converters have a drain plug

comitan - 4-29-2007 at 08:34 AM

Bob

You had trouble after a complete change if it was done in the states through one of the machines at the oil change places they are having many problems with transmissions going out using that system, on another forum there are 2 guys that work using that system they advise not to have it done.

Sorry

Al G - 4-29-2007 at 09:28 AM

Bob...I went back in to the only place(Serenidad office) I can connect and as I explained above. My timing is really bad, and I feel worse then that. I am sorry I wasted your time. Thanks for the major effort. Not a lot of people would jump up that fast to help. I still don't know how I had such bad timing. Well I guess Baja does that to me:biggrin:

Al G - 4-29-2007 at 09:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by comitan
Al

I have to disagree with Bob, have done a lot of research on transmissions and believe you should do what I just had done, Drop the pan drain,pump all the fluid including the torque converter, change the filter, and the largest Transmission cooler you can buy. They have them here in La Paz if not there, otherwise you will NOT make it back from what you have said.

wiley


I think this is what I must do. The cooler is as important as a complete change. I am worried that my spanish is to poco, but I will get it done. I had to come to town to get on the internet so another setback. Got to find a parts house and see about a cooler.

Al G - 4-29-2007 at 09:58 AM

Would I have better luck in Santa Rosalia?

comitan - 4-29-2007 at 10:04 AM

I think Santa Rosalia will have everything you need, is it a chevy engine? If so all parts easy.

Al G - 4-29-2007 at 10:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by comitan
I think Santa Rosalia will have everything you need, is it a chevy engine? If so all parts easy.


Yes it is a 454 chevy, but I don't know what transmission. Filter and gasket is the Question....cooler would be generic.
Well I am off to talk to people in bars for some help...a lot of things are closed, I guess over the steet paving...looks like they are almost done.

comitan - 4-29-2007 at 10:22 AM

Al

It is probably a TH400 used in just about everything, only difference is RV Torque Converter.

Hook - 4-29-2007 at 11:09 AM

Here is a description for draining/changing the ATF in Ford trucks. While Al's vehicle is not the same, this generic description can be applied to many vehicle except, of course, the tranny capacity and the description of the return line. I have done this twice in my truck.

Changing ATF in a '99-up SuperDuty

I've done this alone. It's easier with a second person, and sometimes helps prevent spills.

1. Things you need to get started:
a. The transmission system holds almost 18 quarts of ATF, and you must waste a couple of quarts to be sure you get it all purged and replaced, so buy 20 quarts of MERCON ATF (do NOT buy MERCON V!). Ford also warns against using a fluid that has a dual MERCON and MERCON V rating. You may use either conventional or synthetic, as long as it meets the above requirements.
b. A 10 foot length of clear tubing and one hose clamp, sized to fit over your cooler hose. There have been different size cooler lines over the years, so check before buying!
c. If you don't already have a special funnel that fits into the transmission dipstick tube, then you will need one of those, too.
2. Drain the pan, then replace and tighten the drain plug.
3. Pour 7 quarts of new ATF into the filler [dipstick] tube.
4. Disconnect the transmission-fluid return line at the transmission - from where the ATF returns to the transmission from the cooler. This is the line towards the rear of the transmission. Clamp the clear tubing over the line that you removed from the transmission. This is where the old ATF from the torque convertor and coolers will come out.
5. This is where the second person comes in handy. One person starts the engine, while the other holds the line over the drain bucket. A clothes pin can replace the person holding the line in the bucket.
a. Run the engine until you see some air in the clear tubing. As soon as you see air shut off the engine.
b. While the engine is running in step 5a above, move the shifter through each position from P to 1, pausing about 5 seconds at each position. This will change some fluid that would otherwise be trapped in the valve body, accumulators, and clutches.
c. Refill through the dipstick tube with 6 quarts of new ATF. (That's 13 quarts total so far).
6. Repeat steps 5a and 5c. (That's 19 quarts total so far).
7. Remove the clear line and reconnect the cooler line to the transmission.
8. Check the fluid level and use the last quart of ATF to top off.
9. Properly dispose of the used transmission fluid.
10. Congratulate yourself! And your engine starter/killer person.
11. Then get back in the '99-up forum and tell us your "lessons learned" for those that follow you.

Now that we understand the basic procedure, let's muddy the water with the options:

Optional: Change the tranny filter. Revise paragraph 2 above to read:

2. Drain the pan, remove the pan, replace the tranny filter, install the pan, then replace and tighten the drain plug.
Don't buy a new pan gasket. The original is reusable.
I replace the transmission filter every other fluid change. Note that Ford does not recommend ever changing the filter. I've opened filters with over 300,000 miles that were not even close to being clogged.
It just pulls out, there are no bolts that hold it. It is held in place by the pan. Make sure that the O-ring is removed, too. Sometimes it does not come out with the filter.

Optional: Drain the torque convertor. Add the following to paragraph 2 above:

If your truck was built before August, 2001, then you may have a drain plug in the torque convertor. If you do, then you can also drain the torque convertor as part of step 2 above. Some people think it is necessary, but I don't. Running the engine in the next steps will pump the fluid out of the torque converter. If your transmission was built after August 2001, you don't have a drain plug in the torque converter.
To drain the torque converter remove the shield (but NOT the upper right bolt - this one only needs to be loosened) and turn the flywheel until you see the drain plug. If you drain the torque convertor, be sure to replace the drain plug before you continue.
If you drain the torque convertor, then the old ATF won't come out of the end of the cooler line until the torque convertor is filled with ATF. So instead of waiting until you see air bubbles in the drain line in step 5a, run the engine for about 30 seconds while changing gears for step 5b, then cut off the engine.

Optional: Blow out the coolers. Add the following to paragraph 4 above.

It's not necessary, but some folks want to get every possible drop of the old ATF out of the system before they add new ATF. If you drained the torque convertor, then you might also want to blow the ATF out of the coolers and cooler lines. If you have an air compressor, you can reduce the pressure to about 15 PSI, remove the cooler "hot" line from the front of the tranny, and blow air into that line. That will force the ATF in the coolers and lines out the cooler return line at the back of the tranny. DO NOT use air pressure of more than about 15 PSI! Then be sure to reconnect that line before you continue with paragraph 5.

Optional: Don't even drain the pan!

The tranny pump will get almost all of the ATF out of the pan, so some folks don't even drain the pan before they begin. Move paragraph 4 up to the top before paragraph 2, then instead of draining the pan paragraph 2 would say you simply run the engine until you see air bubbles in the drain line.

Al G - 4-29-2007 at 11:37 AM

Wow Hook what tranny shop do you own??Thanks

comitan - 4-29-2007 at 11:50 AM

Al

Whatever you do, when your ready to head up that hill with the engine hot check the transmission fluid to make sure its not to full, I know of 2 rigs that where overfilled blew the fluid out onto hot exhaust on that grade and burnt to the ground along with the vehicle they were towing.

Bob and Susan - 4-29-2007 at 12:13 PM

i sent chin over to "take a look"

he was driving around and i stopped him

remember today is sunday...

bajaguy - 4-29-2007 at 02:49 PM

Sharks.....go to any large feed store, ask them for some elbow length disposable gloves, really inexpensive, keeps yer hands clean!!!

Al G - 4-29-2007 at 03:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
i sent chin over to "take a look"

he was driving around and i stopped him

remember today is sunday...

You keep trying to help...today I was out looking for parts houses and pro bely missed him too!:(
Hopefully he will return as I really need him.
I have a Polaris quad with GPS...a long shot but if you had a lat/long for GPS I could find him. if I get there I will fix it and post lat/ long headings to get him more work from Nomads.
I hope you told him I hang-out in the oficnia/bar/pool area too:biggrin:

Identification

Al G - 4-29-2007 at 03:28 PM

Forgot to mention I am the good looking guy with a "GOT BAJA" hat or big Dell laptop with a "GOT BAJA" sticker.

Bob and Susan - 4-29-2007 at 03:55 PM

the store next to Mely's has Awesome...

it's AWESOME:lol:

you get the stuff at the 99cent store in the USA
here it's a little more:o

[Edited on 4-29-2007 by Bob and Susan]

Awsom.jpg - 45kB

Al G - 4-29-2007 at 04:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
the store next to Mely's has Awesome...

it AWESOME:lol:

you get the stuff at the 99cent store in the USA
here it's a little more:o


:?::?::?:

Bob and Susan - 4-29-2007 at 04:55 PM

al

this stuff removes oil and oil products

it's the BEST stuff on the market hands down:yes:

~$4.50 HERE 99 cents in the USA

Hook - 4-29-2007 at 10:12 PM

One other modification I made on my truck was to route the rubber return hose (from the cooler to the tranny) into my passenger side wheel well. I mounted a generic filter mount (a cheap Derale) that accommodates your basic PH8A type oil filter. Also had to buy a small 1 foot section of tranny-rated line, a couple hose clamps to make it work but it increased my capacity by about 1 qt and I will never have to deal with cleaning the internal screen inside the valve body. This also filters down much finer than the screen and is easy and clean to replace. For protection from small rocks that might be thrown up by the front tire, I cable tied an "envelope" of galvanized metal mesh around the filter that still allows for ventilation.

BTW, I didnt mean to imply the draining method I posted was my invention. I got it off the dieselsite.com site.

But the biggest thing you can do for your tranny is to switch to synthetic tranny fluid. It's well worth the extra cost as it's breaking temp is supposedly around 100 degrees higher than conventional fluid. Have to thank Roberto for convincing me to go this route.

Walmart is now carrying the Mobil 1 brand....it's around 6.00 quart.

DENNIS - 4-30-2007 at 06:32 AM

WalMart Ensenada ----- Mobile 1.........Ten dollars a quart.

Pompano - 4-30-2007 at 07:23 AM

Al G...How is your tranny problem coming along? I know lots of supply stores, parts depots, mechanics in Mulege. We are coming into Mulege later this afternoon...around 4:30 - 5:00. Will check on you at Serinadad or meet us at Jungle if we miss you. Also will have fishing suggestions.

Al G - 4-30-2007 at 07:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
Al G...How is your tranny problem coming along? I know lots of supply stores, parts depots, mechanics in Mulege. We are coming into Mulege later this afternoon...around 4:30 - 5:00. Will check on you at Serinadad or meet us at Jungle if we miss you. Also will have fishing suggestions.


Pompano...Thanks and I will see you here or there...Jungle has not had any life since I have been here...checked 3 times yesterday....also Scott's pelican bar in town is closed too?? Hoping Bob's mechanico come by this morning, but if not We will talk and maybe you will have my answer. I need to put a tranny cooler on to. I am sure I need to change the oil, but may be panicking for nothing over the oil color. I am a fair mechanic because of my racing years, but auto trannys were not part of my experince...infact Hook has giving me enough info to make me feel more comfortable. Finding a big cooler is going to be the big deal.

DENNIS - 4-30-2007 at 07:58 AM

Al ----

Some months back, I pulled the stick from my tranny and the oil looked like a strawberry malt. Yep, water in the oil from an aborted cooler.

See Albert ? Things could be worse.

You'll be OK.

rpleger - 4-30-2007 at 08:15 AM

We have a lot of good mechanics here in Mulege. I personly recomend Marcos under the bridge...153 0125.
I'm sure that he can take care of you.

Richard on the hill

[Edited on 4-30-2007 by rpleger]

Al G - 4-30-2007 at 08:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Al ----

Some months back, I pulled the stick from my tranny and the oil looked like a strawberry malt. Yep, water in the oil from an aborted cooler.

See Albert ? Things could be worse.

You'll be OK.

Thanks for the encouragement Dennis:D
If I had worked on my Spanish more I would not feel so disabled in an adequate society.:no:

Bob and Susan - 4-30-2007 at 11:23 AM

i took al to chin's this morning...

chin will be there tomorrow 9-10AM
he has a repair in the bay area today

Pompano you NEED to take him to the "jungle" for medication

DENNIS - 4-30-2007 at 12:56 PM

Yeah Pompano ---- Al needs a Pacifico transfusion, soon.

Al G..never fear...

Pompano - 4-30-2007 at 01:33 PM

Pompano is near.

-0.8 (maybe).jpg - 46kB

Pompano - 5-1-2007 at 02:47 AM

Al G...Last night I forgot to give you some telephone numbers for those parts supply houses and mechanics. Here you go:

Use the Serinadad desk phone to call these numbers and they can also give you a city map with all the locations of businesses.

Auto parts: Marcos Canett - "Autopartes y Servicio Canett" .... 153-0661 & 153-0020. His shop is just past the Equipales Cafe on the one-way street headed back to the highway from downtown. He can order any part you need.

Other auto parts stores: "Autopartes Hugo" - 153-0124 ..Oscar Yee - "Oscar Auto Parts" - 153-0139 "Refaccionara Mulege" - opposite water store downtown - 153-0041

As I mentioned, a few good mechanics in town for your tranny would be:

-Marcos under the bridge...sorry, no number, but he is very good.
-Oscar Luna "La Chispa" on ice-plant road just off main highway - 153-0387
-Chuey Fontes garage on the right as you exit Mulege northbound.

It was nice to meet you. Stop by the house if you get the chance. Good luck with the fishing. If you can't connect with Mateo or Alex try "Gringo"
Abel Maxia at 153-0653. Next time around we will go in my boat.

Al G - 5-1-2007 at 11:24 AM

Well it is noon and no mechanico:(
Had to go to town for my insurance (ran out because of delays) and me not paying attention:biggrin:
I want to thank you Bob your efforts are supreme. Chin hesitated when we were setting the time.....so maņana is manana....when ever that is:lol::lol:
Bought 2 gal. coolant at guy across from the ice plant $520.00 mn.... WoW that is almost 2 bottles of J.D.:lol: Well I am at least more safe then sorry....until I find out I don't need it.
Thanks for all the help...Nomads are the greatest.

Bob and Susan - 5-1-2007 at 03:00 PM

i'll bet he didn't relize today is a mexican holiday

Al G - 5-1-2007 at 03:58 PM

No problema....manana is manana....is Pacifico time now

Hook - 5-1-2007 at 04:20 PM

520 pesos for two gallons of coolant, Al?

Oh god, what are they charging you for Pacifico?

Congratulations, Al. I believe your arrival has singlehandedly reversed the fortunes of Mulege since the floods. :o