Q5/94: OEM External Transmission Filter Replacement?

[PachoC]

How often do you need to replace the OEM external transmission filter? Is there a way of knowing whether it is clogged or not? I understand the filter has a by-pass valve in case it gets clogged. Is this true? Besides "no filtration" what are the possible effects/consequences of driving the car with a clogged filter (provided the internal filter has been replaced on a regular basis and the fluid kept clean)? Any effects on internal operating pressure or temperature? Would this affect the shifting? Can this filter by substitued by an aftermarket? NOTE: I see three lines going to the filter; two meet at a common fitting.

[maxnix]

If it's clogged it's too late. Every 80K to 100K seems about right.

The two lines out go to the twin heat exchangers on either side of the radiator.

Good time to do an auxiliary ATF cooler.
Modified by maxnix at 9:01 AM 7/15/2007

[Skibane]

Every 8-K to 100K seems about right.

Yep, somewhere between 8K and 100K should be just about right!

[qship96]

as you noted,the external filter has a bypass mode if clogged,allowing fine debris to circulate thru transmission and,like sandpaper,abrade the transmission internals accerelerating wear and shortening transmission life-just like the early g50 that came w/o this filter from the factory! The internal "screen" is hardly a fine debris trapping filter-more of a "trap" to hold larger chunks of debris from a failed transmission from circulating and causing more parts damage during the rebuild process--- if the screen is ever clogged enuogh to warrent replacment,the transmission already is toast!

[PachoC]

Tks for your responses. I guess there's no way of telling whether the filter is clogged or not. Correct?