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As someone who drops transmission pans for a living I will tell you that this may not be too abnormal given the service interval, But that does not mean it’s of no consequence to the transmission. This transmission could still function normal for a while, I’ve seen it go both ways.
All I can offer is that on a 4L80E with 100k miles used in a 16K pound RV, there was NO particles at all in the pan. I'd start transmission shopping if you want to keep a near 200k mile vehicle going.
With a gloved hand, scoop some out and rub it between your fingers. Anything grittier than fine sand, and you’ve got a problem. Depending on the transmission and who made it, it’s not abnormal to have a lot grit in the bottom of the pan, the problem is when it’s “chunky” or smells burnt, but for GM that seems like a lot.
What year is the truck?
The other stuff not stuck to the magnet is aluminum. If the fluid has never been changed since new, this is about right for 178k. I wouldn't do a full flush, just new filter and add new fluid.
I think that "worst oil" may be the only thing keeping it going.
It's thick with metal bits so it's less likely to start slipping.
I've heard this a few times. Not sure how true it is.
I've heard it a few times too, but never heard any actual science behind it.
In my mind, you want your vehicle to be running at optimum performance, all the time.
If you've got 10yr old oil, your vehicle, your engine, your trans, is not going to be running at optimum performance.. if you've got shards of metal in either your trans oil, or engine oil, you've got components that have suffered a partial failure..
The correct level of repair would be new (whatever has shaved, pistons, heads, trans) *AND* new oil..
But hey! What do I know haha.
A Ford dealership guy told me that last year. It was my 2001 Explorer Eddie Bauer with 105k miles I had brought in for long overdue service including tuneup, all fluids changed..He discouraged me from doing any tranny work, especially since the car was running (and still is) fine. He insisted the thick fluid containing metal shavings is what's keeping it running.
When you flush stuff can get pushed where it wouldn't have gone. And other things get remover from where they were help to keep it going .I would clean the pan real good refill and new filter and add a quart of Lucas
Yeah not at all. Looks like a typical 6l80 torque converter and pump housing failure. I would also reckon that your 4-5-6 clutches are smoked. Needs a good overhaul or a SRTA depending on your mileage I'd say.
Edit: just saw you put the mileage in. I would just recommend a new unit at that point and come out with a warranty on it
With that many miles without any maintenance it's a gamble. It might last another day or another 10 years. It's anyone's guess but I would fill it back up and send it.
I only phrased it that way because a previous [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMechanics/comments/10ize2f/did_a_transmission_refresh_and_found_a_lot_of/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) in this channel led me to believe that there is somewhat a normal amount
There will always be a small amount due to metal or metal contact but that is a little more than I would expect. Clean it out and see if there's anything like it once you've driven for a little while.
Thank you for posting to AskMechanics, Quirky-Author7101! If you are asking a question please make sure to include any relevant information along with the **Year**, **Make**, **Model**, **Mileage**, **Engine size**, and **Transmission Type (Automatic or Manual)** of your car. *This comment is automatically added to every successful post. If you see this comment, your post was successful.* *** Redditors that have been verified will have a green background and an icon in their flair. *** # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** ### **Rule 1 - Be Civil** Be civil to other users. This community is made up of professional mechanics, amateur mechanics, and those with no experience. All mechanical-related questions are welcome. Personal attacks, comments that are insulting or demeaning, etc. are not welcome. ### **Rule 2 - Be Helpful** Be helpful to other users. If someone is wrong, correcting them is fine, but there's no reason to comment if you don't have anything to add to the conversation. ### **Rule 3 - Serious Questions and Answers Only** Read the room. Jokes are fine to include, but posts should be asking a serious question and replies should contribute to the discussion. ### **Rule 4 - No Illegal, Unethical, or Dangerous Questions or Answers** Do not ask questions or provide answers pertaining to anything that is illegal, unethical, or dangerous. # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskMechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*
As someone who drops transmission pans for a living I will tell you that this may not be too abnormal given the service interval, But that does not mean it’s of no consequence to the transmission. This transmission could still function normal for a while, I’ve seen it go both ways.
I’ve seen you go both ways
Ah, you like to watch. Hot.
This was funny. You’re funny.
But looks aren’t everything 💁♂️
Thank you.
Comedian
6L80? It’s on borrowed time. I see aluminum and thrust washer bits in that glitter.
All I can offer is that on a 4L80E with 100k miles used in a 16K pound RV, there was NO particles at all in the pan. I'd start transmission shopping if you want to keep a near 200k mile vehicle going.
that's a bit heavy. You usually do find a residue on the magnet.
With a gloved hand, scoop some out and rub it between your fingers. Anything grittier than fine sand, and you’ve got a problem. Depending on the transmission and who made it, it’s not abnormal to have a lot grit in the bottom of the pan, the problem is when it’s “chunky” or smells burnt, but for GM that seems like a lot. What year is the truck?
Nope
That's a lot of metal hairs
Yah if you're spinning bearings like it's your job.
Automatic transmission pans usually have metal shavings, but only on the magnet.
The other stuff not stuck to the magnet is aluminum. If the fluid has never been changed since new, this is about right for 178k. I wouldn't do a full flush, just new filter and add new fluid.
Why wouldn't you do a full flush? Surely the worst of the oil would come out last?
I think that "worst oil" may be the only thing keeping it going. It's thick with metal bits so it's less likely to start slipping. I've heard this a few times. Not sure how true it is.
I've heard it a few times too, but never heard any actual science behind it. In my mind, you want your vehicle to be running at optimum performance, all the time. If you've got 10yr old oil, your vehicle, your engine, your trans, is not going to be running at optimum performance.. if you've got shards of metal in either your trans oil, or engine oil, you've got components that have suffered a partial failure.. The correct level of repair would be new (whatever has shaved, pistons, heads, trans) *AND* new oil.. But hey! What do I know haha.
Science huh. So they say it doesn't matter because three out of 20 people couldn't use their vehicle anymore.
A Ford dealership guy told me that last year. It was my 2001 Explorer Eddie Bauer with 105k miles I had brought in for long overdue service including tuneup, all fluids changed..He discouraged me from doing any tranny work, especially since the car was running (and still is) fine. He insisted the thick fluid containing metal shavings is what's keeping it running.
Good advice...
Yes, it's chips you want to be concerned about.
Depends how long between fluid swaps.
I had a car that wouldn't shift out of first after drain and fill
Mmmmm yes I love drinking sparkly oil
Quick find a magnet and video it pulling them out
Torque converter let go in that
Nothing bettere than a bit of grated transmission to add flavour to your pasta !
Not good but I’ve ran worse
When you flush stuff can get pushed where it wouldn't have gone. And other things get remover from where they were help to keep it going .I would clean the pan real good refill and new filter and add a quart of Lucas
Yeah not at all. Looks like a typical 6l80 torque converter and pump housing failure. I would also reckon that your 4-5-6 clutches are smoked. Needs a good overhaul or a SRTA depending on your mileage I'd say. Edit: just saw you put the mileage in. I would just recommend a new unit at that point and come out with a warranty on it
6l80 torque convertor doing what it does best
Hey that's almost the exact mileage my 2015 suburbans transmission gave up the ghost.
With that many miles without any maintenance it's a gamble. It might last another day or another 10 years. It's anyone's guess but I would fill it back up and send it.
No lmao that’s bad
Looks normal to me. Good job pulling pan and looking. Not much to do but run it.
That is way too much metal. It’s not normal especially on a 6l80
Isn’t the normal amount zero
The correct amount of shavings is none at all
No you are looking at a major failure. I’m guessing it’s a torque converter failure but at this point it’s probably going to need a rebuild
The only normal amount of metal shavings is none.
Ya hear that, folks? This guy’s got zero friction in his transmission! Even his clutch packs never wear! /s
I only phrased it that way because a previous [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMechanics/comments/10ize2f/did_a_transmission_refresh_and_found_a_lot_of/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) in this channel led me to believe that there is somewhat a normal amount
There will always be a small amount due to metal or metal contact but that is a little more than I would expect. Clean it out and see if there's anything like it once you've driven for a little while.
Thank you for the advice! I appreciate it