Dear ekphrasis,

May this find you well. Glad your tranny flush went well. Reminder: if you want to take free the ATF line at the radiator, be sure to hold absolutely still, the wrench on the radiator's hex fitting.

The Aisin-Warner (AW) transmissions are very durable, so long as the fluid is replaced periodically. I use Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF.

Most AW trannies outlast the cars, in which they serve.

The only sure tranny killer is failure of the in-radiator ATF cooler (or, in cold climates, heater). Water in the coolant dissolves the glue, that adheres the clutch pack facings.

The dissolved clutch material clogs the fluidways, some of which are very narrow. The transmission soon ceases to work.

Thus, if you see a pinkish film atop the coolant in the overflow tank, order a replacement radiator and enough ATF to do two flushes.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook