XC70: Gearbox Worrying gearbox problem XC70

[RM955I]

Originally Posted by luggsey

I'm still waiting to hear about the good gearboxes that have been ruined by correct fluid changes as that seems to be one of the main reasons people shy away from a full fluid change?

I don't think anyone is saying that. What is being said is there's more than one way to skin a cat. Volvo probably use the flush as it's a one visit job: a series of sump dumps at home is in my experience a good if not better solution.

I think reports of full flushes and failed 'boxes really relate to too little, too late. If they were FUBARed, they were FUBARed anyhow and no amount of sump dumps or flushes would change that.

[luggsey]

I totally agree with your last comment, I also agree that Volvo garages would not be interested in doing sump dumps as it's not the manufacturer approved method?
All I can say for sure is a oil change done up top using the oil pipes is a very easy and relativity clean operation, takes about an hour if you are familiar with the process and takes in my experience 14ish litres of oil.
It is a more involved job then draining the sump but you still have to get to the filler plug so really plugging on a pipe is not much of a chore.
I'm a pumper not a dumper!

[Cantankerous One]

Originally Posted by S60D5-185

That's my point Luggsey, I have no desire or interest in trying to try to prove you wrong or that I am right. We simply agree to disagree.

If you're happy to do things your way that's fine and it's certainly better than doing nothing.

+1

[pierremcalpine]

Good discussion - I think I'm getting a better appreciation for the benefits of the multiple dumps. I never considered that the dealership might prefer the full flush simply because it makes it easier for them. That does put a different perspective on things. Having done 4 consecutive drain and fills on my v40 I can attest to the colour changes over time and the fact that one does achieve a good solid red after a few iterations...it is a bit of a pain though. Good food for thought guys. Thanks!

[Tannaton]

Ok so I would ask those in favour of sump dumps - when you change your engine oil do you drop 50% of it and then fill with fresh - five times? If not, what's the difference?

[RM955I]

The analogy is too simplistic - I believe the merits of a sump dump have been adequately covered already...the question is just going over old ground.

[kenny]

Originally Posted by RM955I

The analogy is too simplistic - I believe the merits of a sump dump have been adequately covered already...the question is just going over old ground.

Well said that man.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by RM955I

The analogy is too simplistic - I believe the merits of a sump dump have been adequately covered already...the question is just going over old ground.

I disagree - the analogy is very relevant - why do you think it is not?

I don't disagree with any of the points made about multiple sump-dumps but the real world issue is that for those people who aren't able or inclined to do their own maintenance like this - it's not practical or cost effective to go to the dealer 5 times for a gearbox fluid change (or engine oil change for that matter).

I'm saying the best way of doing it is a couple of gibbons method flushes that start with a sump dump. So you drop the contents of the sump and replace with clean fluid, then pump that around the gearbox until it makes it to the cooler pipe. Replace the fluid lost with clean and then repeat in say 1000 miles time.

Think about it - you get the benefits of both methods and can be done in two relatively short processes.

[luggsey]

I tried to explain how you get full benefit of fresh oil full of detergents against a mixture of dirty sludge oil and some fresh.
The detergents will get partly used up bonding to the sludge in the old oil, you want the detergents working 100% on the gearbox internals.
There is no logic to the sump dump procedure when compared to a complete (as possible) oil change.

[luggsey]

Double posted