1987 325 coolant invaded automatic transmission. How to clean out?

[ralph]

My 1987 325 with automatic transmission had an ATF tranmission oil cooler line break inside the radiator. I replaced the radiator and the problem was fixed and cleaned out the radiator but now how do I clean out the bad fluid in the radiator which is mixed with coolant? I tried draining the trans oil several time from the bottom of the sump but it still looks contaminated with coolant several times after refilling and draining the ATF. Some mechanic offered to do it with "special machine" that will suck it out for $400.00. Ouch! There must be a cheaper alternative. Maybe just keeping changing ATF oil 5 more times. Do I need to drive it a bit before draining it to get the oil out of the torque converter?

[Ross]

Driving the car, gently, ought to distribute whatever contamination you have, then changing trans oil afew times should get the concentration nil.
There probably wasn't much to begin with as atf pressure is many times greater than whatever is in the cooling system,except when you turn the car off.
The heat will boil off ant water and the rest hopefully you can dilute enough with several fluid changes.
The flushing machines used at the oil change places would probably be your most efficient method but should cost under $100. Change the filter after all is done.
Bummer of a thing to happen, good luck.

[genphreak]

Driving the car, gently, ought to distribute whatever contamination you have, then changing trans oil afew times should get the concentration nil.
There probably wasn't much to begin with as atf pressure is many times greater than whatever is in the cooling system,except when you turn the car off.
The heat will boil off ant water and the rest hopefully you can dilute enough with several fluid changes.
The flushing machines used at the oil change places would probably be your most efficient method but should cost under $100. Change the filter after all is done.
Bummer of a thing to happen, good luck.

As soon as you turn it off the coolant would be pushing its way into the tranny to relieve the pressure via the transmission overflow. I'd definately flush the transmission with a specialised tool- you don't want water in your tranny, coolant or any of the **** it will create given enough time.

After that I'd still be cycling the fluid more than usual, just to be sure.

Nick

[winfred]

change the fluid many times, sometimes the glue that holds the clutch friction material to the plates is water soluble, you want the coolant out of there now