The right ATF and Coolant

[Sphinx]

Im looking through the forum and am having trouble finding the right ATF and Coolant we can use.
Im having my tranny flushed (not sure when it was last done) even though it looks OK and smells fine.
What brands of ATF and how much should I get because Im bringing my own fluids to get flushed. A buddy is a Nissan tech and is happy to do the flush.
Same thing with coolant. Hes gonna flush same time the ATF is. I know I need 7.4 quarts (correct me if Im wrong) and no alcohol or methanol. What else do I needs to know?

Sphinx

[RedGalant2k1]

You need Mitsubishi Diamond SPIII transmission fluid.

And green 50/50 glycol coolant is adequate, any brand, personally I use Prestone.

[Sphinx]

Quick response! Very nice!
How much tranny fluid should I pick up?
Any recomendations where to get it besides the local Mitsu dealer? (theyre not close by)

[RedGalant2k1]

To my knowledge that is the only source for it, however, you can contact www.DonHerring.com (Mitsubishi Dealership in Texas). They've dealt with TGC for quite a long time now. And yes, you can ship transmission or motor oil.

I would suggest 12 quarts. Though automatic transmission fluid fill specs is 7.7 quarts. So, if you want to be safe, buy at least 9 quarts. The COOLANT system is 7.4 quarts, or just under 2 gallons on the 4G64.

[Sphinx]

Rockin!
Thats why I love this forum.

[tamim13]

Just to add to what Dave said, I believe if you're doing a flush you need at least 16 quarts of Transmission fluid, if your friend is planning to use one of those transmission flush machines. Last time I heard, even though the transmission will only need about 8 quarts the rest stays in that machine. Ask your friend how much the machine needs.

One more thing, Mitsubishi does make factory coolant too, which you can get from the dealer for about $12 for a gallon of concentrate and then you mix it.

[RedGalant2k1]

Just to add to what Dave said, I believe if you're doing a flush you need at least 16 quarts of Transmission fluid, if your friend is planning to use one of those transmission flush machines. Last time I heard, even though the transmission will only need about 8 quarts the rest stays in that machine. Ask your friend how much the machine needs.

One more thing, Mitsubishi does make factory coolant too, which you can get from the dealer for about $12 for a gallon of concentrate and then you mix it.

Most flush machines stop when the system (transmission or coolant) is full. Usually all you put in the transmission flush machine is enough to cover the service. In this case, 8 quarts should cover it.

[M-Rod]

To my knowledge that is the only source for it, however, you can contact www.DonHerring.com (Mitsubishi Dealership in Texas). They've dealt with TGC for quite a long time now. And yes, you can ship transmission or motor oil.

Select CarQuest stores also carry Diamond SPIII and many other OEM fluids :)

[shadow83]

I flushed my 2002 3.0 and used 10 quarts. Once I found the drain plug it was MUCH easier than I expected. Just make sure that you have enough catch containers. Castrol's Import auto fluid is 100% SPIII approved and a LOT less expensive than the Mitsu stuff. And it worked fine.

[RedGalant2k1]

I flushed my 2002 3.0 and used 10 quarts. Once I found the drain plug it was MUCH easier than I expected. Just make sure that you have enough catch containers. Castrol's Import auto fluid is 100% SPIII approved and a LOT less expensive than the Mitsu stuff. And it worked fine.

You are best off using factory fill fluids, especially transmission fluid.

[Sphinx]

My only car .... Im going with the Admin who has 5,000 + posts ... Thanks for the info!

[Sphinx]

Bloody Hell! My dealership sells the ATF for $7.49 a quart!
Do I need to replace the filter while Im at it?
Also, since Im flushing coolant I think it would be smart to replace the thermostat, correct?

Thanks!

S

[tamim13]

No filters on the 2.4 from my experience. And yes, when you're doing your coolant, the thermostat and gasket would be a good option.

[Sphinx]

I have also heard that there aren't any filters (external) on the 2.4 but I do see what looks just like an oil filter right new to the tranny fluid dip-stick. I can't find a mention of it in my Chilton guide.
Any idea what Im seeing? I might need to take a pic if for nothing other than curiosity.

S

[tamim13]

Actually there is a filter, but it's internal and non-serviceable. The round oil filter like filter you see I believe is for the v6.... or maybe for the 99-01 Galant. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, because my 03 doesn't have one for sure (replaced my transmission 6 months ago).

[Sphinx]

LOL! Mystery filter?
I do have a 2000 year model ES.
Ill take a pic tomorrow and post it.

S

[Sphinx]

Yup! It has an external filter. Now I get to buy one of those for my flush ... any idea how much they should cost? Ill call next week.
Picked up my Preston, brake fluid, other stuff ... Still need to go get the ATF from the dealer ... fuggin at the north end of the greater Seattle metro area ... :-P

[wright06jhs]

Yes, all 99-00 Galants and Eclipse came with an external tranny filter. My 00 Eclipse Gt has one as well.

[jamesgalant]

a sphinx where is the external filter for trans located....Iv dont countless oil changes and even flush my trans oil but never replace the filter...i was told that it had an internal filter..unserviceable......If so, lemme know where it is located....I too have a 2000 galant 2.4........thanks

[wright06jhs]

It should be right on top of the transmission (if yours has it), looks just like and oil filter but pointing straight up.

[tamim13]

Here's a picture from the Mitsu catalogue. You can see where it goes on the top of the transmission (No. 3)-

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WKmry7pciLc/TDKWcvza6nI/AAAAAAAAAVc/QX1tBkcCg1c/s800/transaxle_parts.gif

[P'NOYcaL]

Just finished my radiator flush!
it wasnt that bad actually...thanks to HAYNES Repair manual!

[Sphinx]

NEW QUESTION:

When replacing our external AT filter which unit do we buy? The one from O'Reilys made by powermax/powertorque for $8 or the OEM from Mitsu parts for ~$30?

I think I might just save my money and buy a bicycle lol

[tamim13]

Personally, under the hood, I try to stay OEM or high quality stuff only, especially when it comes to filters, etc. Go for the $30 filter, it's an investment that you won't have to replace for another 50-60K miles.