Mixed Tranny fluid

[kappy5003]

Hi Brains Trust,
Seems I screwed up.
I just performed a Tranny Service on my 2005 T1N 316, included filter n gasket.
I had the pan off for a considerable time while I reversed a RSN modification I performed years ago.
I didn't drain TC.
After the fact I discovered DOH!!! that I used 4 litres of Mineral oil and suspect the previous service I used Fully synthetic.
So what's in the TC is mostly Synthetic, but old.
The fluid I drained was pretty gross.
How compatible is this? potential damage?
If I completely redrain and replace with full synthetic will any
minor residue be detrimental?
Also observed that 4 litres wasn't enough to fill to suggested level.
Any guidance appreciated.
TIA

 

[owner]

Have you run the engine since filling? If you haven't then there will be no mixing of the old oil in the TC and the new oil in the pan yet. So simply drain and refill with synthetic.

If you have run the engine, and hence mixed the brew, then it should still be ok to drain and refill the pan with synthetic. This will result in a semi-synthetic blend, which is ok to use in the sprinter according to the owners manual, as long as you don't go long mileage intervals. Or if it was me and it was mixed, I'd probably just do a full pan and TC drain.

 

[kappy5003]

If you have run the engine, and hence mixed the brew, then it should still be ok to drain and refill the pan with synthetic. This will result in a semi-synthetic blend, which is ok to use in the sprinter according to the owners manual, as long as you don't go long mileage intervals. Or if it was me and it was mixed, I'd probably just do a full pan and TC drain.

Drove up and down the driveway probably 1.5km , I have a long driveway.
Yes, gonna drain both, the condition of the pan was pretty old so the TC is probably the same.
In future I will do the tranny every oil change.

 

[3Play]

By mineral oil, are you referring to straight 30wt. non detergent motor oil?
Or mineral oil like you would use in R-12/R-29 AC compressors, or to refinish your cutting board?

 

[kappy5003]

By mineral oil, are you referring to straight 30wt. non detergent motor oil?
Or mineral oil like you would use in R-12/R-29 AC compressors, or to refinish your cutting board?

Don't understand 30 WT, used Valvoline mineral based DX3 ATF.
Not important now as drained and replacing with Full synthetic.

 

[kappy5003]

Just an update.
Drained both pan and TC this morning.
Revealed 2.5 litres from TC, quite putrid. and 3.6 litres from pan, although refilling a few days ago with 4 litres.
Sadly didn't meaure what came out of original drain, with pan off and filter change, considerable continued to drain with pan off.
Is there a way to drain more before I refill with new, approx 7 litres? Will what's left be detrimental to new fluid?
TIA

 

[3Play]

Don't understand 30 WT, used Valvoline mineral based DX3 ATF.
Not important now as drained and replacing with Full synthetic.
View attachment 402977

Ok, ATF/Dextron.
You should be ok with that total drain, it would not have mattered had the old fluid been in better condition.
Any residual fluid will dilute.
I have been through a umber of tranny issues, the last one had a DARF fix and was slipping too much, so I reversed it, then is had a bad RSN (Brand new rebuild).
I talked to Doc A who said the original fluid specs are sort of useless since multiple rebuilders are getting different friction products from other rebuilders and none of it is completely original benz-spec.
I talked to my rebuilder, who suggested replacing a couple quarts of the synthetic with straight 30wt. non detergent motor oil to make the TC lock up earlier.
I did this and it worked great. There is still a touch of RSN at 1200 rpm when it's heat soaked and unloaded, so on the next change, I will bump up the percentage of 30wt. up a little bit.

 

[kappy5003]

Seeking some advice please.
Having drained pan and TC, I have added 7.5 litres of new fluid at intervals.
I have idled the van several time and gone for a short drive.
Still getting some rumbling more under load/acceleration.
Using the dipstick that came with the filter/gasket kit, I'm still unable to get any indication of fluid on the dipstick.
I have no knowledge as to the accuracy of the dipstick.
Do I just accept that 7.5 litres combined with whatever residual may have be left behind after draining, is enough?
TIA

 

[kappy5003]

Hi Brains Trust,
Really have a dilemma here.
Having done a complete trans fluid service including TC, followed all suggested procedures.
Topping up slowly, engine running, shifting through gears etc.
Using supplied dipstick when I hit 1st resistance no fluid on stick'
If I push all the way in the black section is covered in fluid.
Installed 7.5 litres.
However on a short test drive, the noise shuddering is way worse than before.
One suggestion is an airlock in TC, if so how do I remedy,PLEASE.
I've done the shifting through gears the gears. engine running, foot on brake.
Do I drain the TC and start again?
TIA hoping to get mobile by Saturday.
EDIT:
Today I drained the TC, and managed to retrieve 3.7 litres, is that too much.
Apart from reversing the RSN modification, I've only changed the fluid, what could I have done.
Can air in the system cause this change.