Metal shavings in my Tranny fluid....

98 Accord coupe EX V6 105,000 miles.
New to me car and I just changed the tranny fluid last night.

I was suprised by how much metal was stuck to the magnet on the end of the
drain plug.
Mostly very small particals but I did see a couple of very thin shavings
that were 3/8" long.

Is this normal? I have no Idea how this car was maintained previously.

I plan on changing the fluid again in a couple of weeks as only about 3
quarts came out.
I had the front end on ramps which I'm guessing causes less fluid to drain
because the front of the car is raised???

Now that I know where the drain is I think I can get at it without raising
the front end???

Steve

 

Not knowing the maintenance history, it could be normal. The fine shavings
are a normal part of almost any tranny, while the larger pieces are not
terribly unusual for a new one. It's something to watch, but not to lose
sleep over.

Mike

 

Manual or automatic? Any rumbling or howling from the transmission? Doe sit
shift well?

Drain, refill, check again in a week to see if there are any more shavings.
Might just be detritus from manufacturing.

 

2-3 quarts drained by pulling the plug is normal. The Honda full change
out procedure is to to three or four cycles of drain, fill, drive 5
minutes, repeat.

I don't think ramps or no ramps will yield much difference.

Some Hondas have an in line filter which can be changed. I don't know
if the '98 V6 does or not. You should be able to ask at a Honda dealer
parts counter.

John

 

===================================

Sounds about right. If you give it a week between changes you'll see
that the magnet will collect almost zero by the third time. First change
(which is what you've done) is the scariest one. That's why you
should always assume the first owner was an idiot and just change the
fluids. Brakes are next.

'Curly'

 

Good point - and don't forget the timing belt. Unless there is solid
documentation that it has been changed you must assume it has not. Many
people sell their car around that age/mileage rather than pony up the money
to change the belt.

Mike