Automatic Transmission Fluid sample analysis. Blackstone Labs

Like many, I got caught up in the paranoia around transmission factory-fill level. I decided to check mine and found it to be perfectly full. Checking the level also gave me an opportunity to draw a sample of the factory oil, after 46,000kM (28,500miles) of relatively hard use (but not towing). Below is my Blackstone report for the curious. Looks like the transmission was well machined and well put together due to low break-in metals, which makes me happy as I plan on keeping this truck long-term. Thought some here might find this interesting.

 

Very nice, thank you.

 

Interesting, but i'm still dumping mine at year two

 

K

 

Damn.......I figured this, above all other things, would change your mind.

 

Results may vary. It would be my luck my transmission was assembled by some guy named Jake who was flirting with Jessica and dropped the filter assembly on the ground. He didn't want to throw off the Kanban so he just slammed in there complete with the dirt he and Jessica dragged in while they went on smoke break

 

Sounds legit...

 

It's your money. But I ain't changing mine until I have to rebuild the transmission. After almost 13 years and 201,000 miles I still have the factory fluid. The owner of my local transmission shop no longer advises changing fluid in any vehicle. His truck and his shop foreman's 1990's era Chevy trucks are both approaching 400,000 miles on their factory fluid.

He tells me that years ago it needed to be done, but he hasn't seen any difference in how long the transmissions go before needing to be rebuilt on anything in the last 10-15 years whether the fluid was changed or not. He does see trends among different vehicles. Some are going to tank at about 120,000-150,000 miles regardless. Some are good for 300,000-400,000 miles regardless. His advice is save your money. The $100 or so you spend changing the fluid every 30,000 miles will just about 1/2 way pay for a rebuild at 400,000.

 

This isn't the type of transmission i'm going to want to have rebuilt by Jon's transmission shop where he's been pounding out Turbo 400's and C6's all day, but is eager to have a crack at it. If this transmission blows it goes, and by it, I mean the whole truck

 

Excellent results! Good work.

How much oil (quantity) was needed for the analysis?

 

Not very much. They mail you a sample bottle for free. It’s the size of a small spice bottle or salt shaker.

 

Maybe to clarify......I only did this test because I could. I’m not looking to justify earlier or later fluid changes. I had the blackstone bottle and was cracking the plugs on the Tranny to check the factory fill level, so I thought ‘why not?’. It’s some peace of mind.

 

Thank you, I really appreciate your response.

 

How do you check the transmission fluid level? Every video you have to drain the trans and refill and NOT doing that just to check the level

 

Exactly like this:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-automatic-transmission-fluid-level-check-diy.547455/

 

Their service is great and simple to use.

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/pro...abs.net/Bstone/(S(rszgkp45lmacrnealzvhdkr4))/

 

You win the award of being the most cynical member on tw

 

Thank you for doing it....so when do you plan to change it?

 

I’m more interested in the warning signs of failure, as I use this truck for remote travel, where break-down would mean abandoning the vehicle or a costly airlift. I appreciate the peace of mind, but you do you.

 

I’ll probably change it at the recommended interval. Does anyone know what that is, or is it lifetime?