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  #21  
Old 05-05-2013, 06:49 PM
chad1966 chad1966 is offline
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I am lucky enough that my dad has been rebuilding Transmissions for 40+ years and owns his own Transmission shop. So I only have to pay for parts. I did find out that volvo parts are either
A.a SOB to find
B.priced at stupid high prices
C.most likely hard to find at even stupider higher prices. (Yes I said stupider)
I am only into the whole trans and O/D rebuild $300. That includes a dumb $130 bearing in the O/D that I probably didn't need but I bought out of self insurance that the trans wont go out for a long time!!!!

The shifter mods are totally free since I had everything laying around. I will be using a different shift knob. I think I will be putting the O/D switch down near the E-brake handle since I have 2 open spots and down there.
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  #22  
Old 05-05-2013, 07:33 PM
chad1966 chad1966 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
BTW Did you think about having the original `5` built into your dash? (next to the rear demist switch maybe if there`s room still.
What is a demist switch?
What is an original 5?
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  #23  
Old 07-31-2014, 09:39 PM
ngoma ngoma is offline
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Demist switch is also called rear window defroster? "Original 5" I think means the green "5" that lights up in the instrument panel when OD is energized.
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  #24  
Old 05-07-2020, 09:50 PM
RedArrow RedArrow is offline
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Default 13-20

Here we go again,
with the same fluid-question `popping up` ...

more than 7 years later,

and the same m46 still running okay and very reliable.

Today I lifted the car up to check the undercarriage and inspected wirings of the m46, also to attempt opening the tranny drain plug and fill plug (Murphy never sleeps so I did that in the exact opposite order )
Despite some nightmare-ish stuck drainplug stories, in my case loosening both of them went really well... though I used a gas torch and a hammer to help break up the very tight, corroded connection (not because of an existing rounded plug issue but to prevent any bigger issues).


The tranny fluid that leaked out looked really dark.

I checked the original greenbook manual and I got surprised by what I read: for the m46 it suggests the 600-1000km ATF replacement (after first miles when car is `new`) then none(!), except topping up fluid If missing (This seems weird BTW--how often do You change your m46 fluid? In miles, or in years, share with me whatever you do with your m46)

Also, is it true that the required amount for the m46 is 2.3-2.4 Quarts (2.4x947ml)? What exact brand and what exact F type atf to use?

I found this, part of a full rebuild instruction sheet for the m46, written by IPD Volvo specialists:
``The M40 takes .8 qts of 30 wt, the M41 uses 1.7 qts of 30 wt, the M45 uses .8 qts of Type F automatic trans fluid, the M46 uses 2.4 qts of Type F and the M47 uses 1.6 quarts of Type F.``

The d24t m46 manual suggests that the correct level is right at the lower lip of the filler plug so I guess, if the correct fluid level is the filler plug itself then we can not overfill the m46 tranny even if we wanted to (car obviously should be level for this service).
Is it suggested to slightly overfill it though, as you might do the engine oil by adding 1/4 quart extra for a worn out and/or cold-climate diesel brick? I welcome your experience and happy to hear your own m46 story and m46 atf habits.

I haven`t changed the fluid in any of our m46 Volvos (never had a single issue with any of our m45 or m46 trannies, for tens of years, ever)...

so can someone verify a few m46 details please? Thanks.

Also, IPD suggests that in case of a worn (or misbehaving) manual brick tranny we could/should use 10 W 30 synthetic motor oil (Castrol etc). Anyone tried that?
I have no issues but sometimes the motor oil is much easier to find on the shelves than finding an F type ATF. Especially at /\utozone (plus there`s the covid factor, reduced staff, lines, no customer service etc).

IPD says:

``M46 & M47 Transmission Oil
Created on 2011-07-29 by IPD Staff
From the factory, automatic transmission fluid is the specified fluid for both the M46 and M47 transmissions found in the 200/700/900 models. Over the years as synchronizer rings wear and tolerances increase, we have found that changing the transmission fluid to synthetic 10W30 motor oil makes a noticeable increase in smoothness and gear engagement. We have even noticed ‘weak’ overdrive engagement has become firmer with the new fluid. Using your clutch when shifting into overdrive can also help to reduce wear on the overdrive.``


Diesel brickers, could you let me know your best advice about the most proper fluid for my m46 transmission diesel car?

Because my m46 atf fluid level seems lower than the suggested amount, i want to get this done tomorrow and test the car right after for increased smoothness (sometimes, very rarely though, I feel the shifter not liking the 1st gear at redlights and going into reverse isnt 100percent smooth either, sometimes audible)

I appreciate good ideas, thanks for reading this long m46 thing.

OMG one more question,
According to the manual and a previous comment too, there is a `filter` or `screen` that must be flushed/cleaned/declogged. The overdrive unit must be holding some fluid too, I am sure it should be drained too by removing this cover.
Where is a filter located? I saw a nice easy-access, flat cover right under the overdrive unit, held by 6 bolts. I assume that is the filter /screen that is serving the unit.
Is there another filter anywhere in this m46 unit?

also, can I get away reusing the overdrive bottom gasket, do you think is it doable that way? Is that gasket still available somewhere? (update: yes, found it)

Hoping to get this done early morning tomorrow, possibly get the Mobile1 TD synthetic engine oil in, too. I know this car really appreciates that.
THANKS FOR THE M46 ADVICE!

Last edited by RedArrow; 05-07-2020 at 10:24 PM.
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  #25  
Old 05-08-2020, 09:37 AM
ngoma ngoma is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
According to the manual and a previous comment too, there is a `filter` or `screen` that must be flushed/cleaned/declogged. The overdrive unit must be holding some fluid too, I am sure it should be drained too by removing this cover.
Where is a filter located? I saw a nice easy-access, flat cover right under the overdrive unit, held by 6 bolts. I assume that is the filter /screen that is serving the unit.
Is there another filter anywhere in this m46 unit?
Yes, a cup-shaped coarse wiremesh filter under the largest round screwcap cover visible when you remove the OD rectangular finned oil pan and the main filter.

I've never seen either of these filters dirty or clogged. They are too open to trap much, unless there was catastrophic damage that caused larger chunks to break off and circulate. Usually the magnetic drain bolt is covered in fine metal paste.


Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
also, can I get away reusing the overdrive bottom gasket, do you think is it doable that way? Is that gasket still available somewhere? (update: yes, found it)
The OD oil pan gasket is usually in good shape, but YMMV, and remember your Murphy's Law. Get a spare, and you won't need it.
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  #26  
Old 05-08-2020, 06:29 PM
RedArrow RedArrow is offline
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Default Overdrive type 5th gear manual transmission m46 fluid change. Needs ATF `F` type

Ngoma, thank you for your response, though unfortunately I only saw your message after I finished this project.

I probably need to go back in there and do it again because up until I started the fluid change I thought there was only one filter
and didn`t really look around for another one.
This is proof that I never changed fluid in an m46.

Could you explain where exactly a 2nd filter is? (I can see a scratch mark on the largest round thing that I did not do) I am guessing you access that filter under there.
Update: I found info online, yes there is a damn 2nd filter in there.
Brickers, read info here (if it is not OK to link in another volvo website on this forum then OP please delete this part as you wish):
https://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo...rs_prices.html
Here`s another link directly to the filter (to see how it looks):
https://classic-volvo.com/140-142-14...-type-j-p.html

In my case, that 2nd filter ALSO might be clogged or at least covered with some fine metal paste.
In this m46 today the larger square/rectangular screen/strainer on the bottom of the overdrive pan was buried in very fine metal paste, grey in color. Not just a little bit, it was truly covered. Also the magnetic drainplug was pretty much covered in fine paste.
Using half a bottle of brake cleaner, gently but directly, worked very well on the strainer, and it got pretty clean. No big chunks of metal, no larger visible dirt particles found, luckily. The bottom of the `pan` (the inside of the overdrive cover) was fully coated too with the same grey metal `cream` also the large bottom magnet too, and the inside of the `tube` that leads into the wire cage screen.

It all cleaned up really nicely and there was no damage, also, you are right Ngoma, the cover gasket was in good enough shape to be safely reused and there are no leaks anywhere whatsoever.
I rechecked it twice after testdrives.
The drain and filler plugs both have now a new copper washer on them and tightened using common sense (i didnt have the greenbook with me this time).
Maybe when I flush this new fluid out again in a few miles down the road, maybe 50 or so.
Then, I will make sure to take out and clean the 2nd filter that I missed today.

The old fluid that came out looked really dark but not murky,milky not full of metal parts; but oh boy it stank! Imagine a rotting marsh area in record Summer heat OR this: by true memories of his safari expeditions, my helper bricker-buddy said, `disgusting elephant poop, full of rotting grass` .
AT THAT POINT HIS SOCIAL DISTANCING SKILL IMPROVED BY 100%, TO 12FT.

About the fluid amount.

I captured it all but lost some at the lowering of that overdrive cover.
I then contained it all in a 1-liter Seltzer bottle that didn`t even get nearly full!

2.4 quarts is the fluid capacity of the m46 unit.

The required 2.4 QT equals with 2.27 liters (=more than 2 full bottles of that same Seltzer bottle, 2.27 bottles to be exact).
I only captured about 850milliliters at the maximum, which is about 0.85liter. Definitely not 2.27liters (2.4 quarts). The 0.85liter equals about 0.9 quarts. ONLY*

That is not even close to 2.4 quarts! I did not lose too much fluid on the ground but some of the old fluid may have remained `trapped` inside the m46.
Still... i didnt like the facts.

Then, 2 quarts made it in, not a drop more.
Yes, the car war warmed up, not just the engine, I drove the car 10miles on local roads so the tranny fluid was warmed up to be drained properly. Yes, the car was completely level and I did check it twice. I even took a 6t jack to slightly lift the left side about 1cm higher than the right.

I didn`t want to end up adding less fluid than what it could take, also if it wasnt parked on a totally flat surface it would take less (if a car/road tilted to the left)

So, 0.9 qt came out, 2qts went in.
This is with the overdrive cover also removed and all old ATF drained.
I`m a little confused about this because I don`t see leaks anywhere and luckily the area And the bottom of my car is very dry.

If someone told me that this was the very original m46 fluid from the factory and never been opened since 35years ago, I would certainly believe him.
(Except that I expected old fluid to be much thicker and totally `worn` but surprisingly it was still pretty much `liquid` ).

The tranny now shifts much better although I did not have any shifting issues earlier. Never abused the car and it never gave bad sounds, was not throwing itself out of gears etc.
But, now, it feels so much more right!!
I got back the original Volvo feel from when I drove these cars in the 90`s. The result is most noticable in reverse, first and second gears; but the overall feel improved a Lot, as well. And in and out of 5th is more responsive and smoother. As I said, it just feels so much more right.
What a great day, the tranny feels so much happier. And my mistake will result in a tranny flush for her.

I will go back in 50miles and use new ATF again, one more time, and get that 2nd filter cleaned. Any experience with the o-ring that is in there? Does it ususally look bad? Reusable? Maybe I should have it but these days ordering something is pain. It takes weeks to get parts. Plus hey it cant be 50bucks, damn?!

I`ll add pictures for those who did what i did: never change(d) fluid in the manual tranny for so long.
For me, it was worth changing it (great results).
BTW The cost was 2x5.99=$11.98 +a bottle of brake cleaner spray ($2.50) + (5.99 for a spare 3rd bottle of ATF)

The leftover bottle of ATF was used for topping up the power steering reservoir and tomorrow I can fill the rest into a new fuel filter. If I still have some left of the 3bottles after all of that, I`ll add it to the main fuel tank (diesel car*). Not bad!
Attached Images
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Last edited by RedArrow; 05-08-2020 at 10:42 PM. Reason: grammar, added pictures as well
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  #27  
Old 05-08-2020, 09:27 PM
ngoma ngoma is offline
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You sure did a good job cleaning that all up. It may have been underfilled for quite a while.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
The leftover bottle of ATF was used for topping up the power steering reservoir and tomorrow I can fill the rest into a new fuel filter.
Wrong ATF for the PS. The PS system wants common Dexron, not Type F, not Power Steering Fluid, etc.

Why not use the extra Type F to overfill the trans. like you were starting to do? Jack up the left side, fill until it comes out of the fill hole. They work better overfilled that way.

Be interesting to see what settles out of your old captured fluid.
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  #28  
Old 05-08-2020, 09:56 PM
RedArrow RedArrow is offline
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Default Overfilling of the m46 by how much???

Quote:
Originally Posted by ngoma View Post
You sure did a good job cleaning that all up. It may have been underfilled for quite a while.


Wrong ATF for the PS. The PS system wants common Dexron, not Type F, not Power Steering Fluid, etc.

Why not use the extra Type F to overfill the trans. like you were starting to do? Jack up the left side, fill until it comes out of the fill hole. They work better overfilled that way.

Be interesting to see what settles out of your old captured fluid.

Oh shoot, true. The PS does not use the F type. Right!!
IDK what hit me when I topped it up using the F type (though it was only 1/2 inch lower than the `HOT FULL` mark so I didnt add much but still (it was warm, after the test drive) but I don`t understand myself, I even have the proper MercIII bottle right there in front of the battery tray, UGH.
I`ll just empty that ``PS`` reservoir and use the other atf in it.
At least the steering gets a flush too (plus it will have the right fluid).
THX for the note.

About the tranny.

I did not know that it does do good for the m46 to be overfilled.
I thought of it and I did make sure the left side was a little higher but by not much. I was hoping the m46 would take 2.5-2.6 qts instead of the greenbook 2.4... but it still only took 2quarts.

If I decide to overfill it purposely the next time,
What do you think is the suggested amount of overfill as expressed by quarts? Entire m46 takes 2.4 they say but it only took 2quarts.
Would you fill it using 2.5 or 2.75 or 3 full quarts? 3 qts would be a 25% overfill approximately. compared to the factory 2.4 suggestion (of which it only took 2. So if 3 used, there would be a full extra qt in it above the 2 that normally filled the tranny with car being level.

Many owners actually do that? Is it necessary? In this m46 everything has worked fine so far so I maybe simply lucked out that I had no issues with level being that low (good that this car has no abuse except some occasional Italian tune-up; with hot engine).

I don`t think this tranny fluid had been changed since at least ten years ago. Probably much more!
Okay I`ll flush out this atf from the tranny in 50miles and report back about what came out.
By then I should also be able to find that inner o-ring next to the secondary fine filter.

Is it a good idea to remove and clean another part while `inside` the m46?
I guess when something works fine we could leave it alone... but there may be another part to look after too.

Last edited by RedArrow; 05-08-2020 at 10:03 PM.
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  #29  
Old 05-09-2020, 09:09 PM
ngoma ngoma is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
I did not know that it does do good for the m46 to be overfilled.
Learned from the longtime Volvo heads over at turbobricks.com who have run the m46 a lot more years than we have.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
If I decide to overfill it purposely the next time,
What do you think is the suggested amount of overfill as expressed by quarts? Entire m46 takes 2.4 they say but it only took 2quarts.
Would you fill it using 2.5 or 2.75 or 3 full quarts? 3 qts would be a 25% overfill approximately. compared to the factory 2.4 suggestion (of which it only took 2. So if 3 used, there would be a full extra qt in it above the 2 that normally filled the tranny with car being level.
Your computations are confusing me. The idea is to jack up the side of the car and fill the trans.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
Okay I`ll flush out this atf from the tranny in 50miles and report back about what came out.
I meant the old oil you collected in the bottle.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
By then I should also be able to find that inner o-ring next to the secondary fine filter.
It's not a FINE filter, it's a COARSE open weave filter. Doubt you'll find much of anything in that filter.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
Is it a good idea to remove and clean another part while `inside` the m46?
Can't think of anything.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
I guess when something works fine we could leave it alone...
Yep. Best wisdom I've heard all day.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedArrow View Post
but there may be another part to look after too.
Don't make problems for yourself.
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  #30  
Old 05-11-2020, 02:42 PM
RedArrow RedArrow is offline
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Default ATF mismatch

Thanks for your reply.
Yesterday I drove the car to Autozone and bought 3bottles of the F type ATF again, for the next tranny fluid job where I`ll try to slightly overfill the m46 as you suggested, maybe by 0.5qt max (100-500miles from now). No leaks noticed anywhere on the tranny yet, so that`s good news. Shifting feels so right, loving it!

I also bought another bottle of the Merc3-5/Dexron type ATF. Yesterday I also sucked out the F type ATF that I wrongly used earlier as `power steering fluid`... and finally the steering reservoir was filled up with the correct version of ATF fluid.
Thanks again for the note.

Does anyone happen to have an m46 laying around? Would be nice to know the measurements of the two holes under the round inside filter of the overdrive unit. I`d make the tool in advance to make the fluid swap as quick as possible. Not much torque on that barrel shape thing, according to the m46 greenbook manual that I have. So I might be okay with just any diy random tool or even with some beefy circlip pliers. I thought of making this tool to access the filter... I`d be using cut-out socket so that`s why the measurements of the holes would be great, center to center and the hole diamater. In this case my own socket would let me apply the proper factory torque value by using the socket-tool (after flushing the filter). Thanks!
I have a vw timing tool that actually looks like it could be the right fit but my tranny is filled now and I dont feel like doing the job just to measure things. If anyone has a dry m46 around, that`d be great. It is a J type btw.

Last edited by RedArrow; 05-11-2020 at 03:00 PM.
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