Need M5OD Help
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Lakeland
Need M5OD Help
So I discovered the hard way that my transmission had very little fluid in it. I added the fluid and all seems to be OK for the most part. I've heard that an "upgrade" for the transmission it to replace the rubber plugs on the top with metal ones but I can't get anyone to tell me what and how. It seems to be something of an illusive rumor of a repair once done by some guy, somewhere.
Anyone have any advice on fixing the problem or do I just need to go to Ford and buy new rubber plugs? I know the leak is there. After refilling my transmission tonight, I drove it for awhile and then rechecked and you could see the fluid running out from the plug area.
Thanks
Anyone have any advice on fixing the problem or do I just need to go to Ford and buy new rubber plugs? I know the leak is there. After refilling my transmission tonight, I drove it for awhile and then rechecked and you could see the fluid running out from the plug area.
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: town of less than 200 ppl
Almost every rebuild kit available (worth buying) for this transmission includes metal plugs. I also read somewhere that freeze plugs of the same diameter can be used. (I'm too lazy and tired right now to look up the link, sorry). Hope ya can find something. Also, the plugs can be replaced without removing the transmission, you will have to remove the shifter boot, and pull the carpet back, IIRC. Otherwise you can drop the transmission and freshen it up a little, along with a clutch, throwout bearing, etc.. You can also get the rubber ones from ford, just dope them up with some high-temp silicone or whatever you prefer to seal them up, and push them back in. Best of luck to ya friend!
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Senior User
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From: Lakeland
I ended up adding 4 qts(some came out the fill hole) to the 3.8qt capacity transmission so I was really low..... It runs well and shifts OK , but I notice that when going from 1-2 and 3-4 I can feel a bit of roughness in it. Almost like the sync gears may be going bad. Shifting from 3-4 and 4-5 are smooth and fluid. I do notice different whines from each individual gear. Maybe it's due to having the transmission cover off right now while I watch the fluid move past the rubber plugs. I was told that perhaps the shifting problem is due to worn forks. Any other items I should look at when I take the top off? I'm trying to find the proper gaskets and such so I can have it all together and not have to order anything special before I reassemble the shifter and cover.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Rochester
Your local ford dealer can get those 3 little metal plugs. They are just freeze plugs. I recently did this on my truck. Really easy. Pull the shift boot take the floor panel out and pull the top of the tranny off. Leave it on neutral before u take it out. Pull the rubber plugs out put the new ones in put silicone on and around new metal plugs and tap them in easy. Let dry should be fine. For when u have the top off check the shift forks make sure the ears aren't worn. They should be like 1/4-3/8 inch thick towards the bottom where they contac the gears. I had mine wear out completely where it would not enguage first or second just went out all of the sudden. Went to for and the fork was like $102 easy to change but little parts flew and couldn't find them. Ended up going to junk yard pulling a top plate off another m5od and was like brand new or $20! If your forks are worn I'd check a junkyard before u spend the money like I did!
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Lakeland
Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. What kind of gasket or seal is there under the top plate? Is it just RTV'd or is there a actual gasket under there? Just need to know so I can get all the pieces together before I tear it apart.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: town of less than 200 ppl
Until you get it pulled apart to fix it try letting the clutch out real easy when you shift the gears. Seems to help a little. Could also try to slip it just a tad bit and see if it helps. Seems to be helping me with mine a little. I too will soon be working on mine, but until I can get the time, money, and the old man to let me use his shop again, I am just babying it like this. Hope you have good luck with it! Please let me know how it turns out, pictures would be great!
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 407
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From: Rochester
Theres a rubber gasket in the top cover. I didn't use any sealer or anything. I think I have read that it is not needed somewhere. I haven't had any leaks of any sort since I re-installed it. I can send you a picture of a new shift fork if you get yours apart and aren't sure how wore they are. Best of luck on getting it fixed!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: town of less than 200 ppl
Theres a rubber gasket in the top cover. I didn't use any sealer or anything. I think I have read that it is not needed somewhere. I haven't had any leaks of any sort since I re-installed it. I can send you a picture of a new shift fork if you get yours apart and aren't sure how wore they are. Best of luck on getting it fixed!
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 407
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From: Rochester
Heres a pic of the 1st/2nd gear fork.
Top one is the new one bottom is worn out one. If you need a 1st/2nd that one in the pic is brand new. I got it and ended up not using it because when I tool the fork off the top plate a little pin fell out and couldn't find it. So I went to the junk yard and got a whole new plate. From ford they are $100 each. I'd sell you that one for pretty cheap.
Top one is the new one bottom is worn out one. If you need a 1st/2nd that one in the pic is brand new. I got it and ended up not using it because when I tool the fork off the top plate a little pin fell out and couldn't find it. So I went to the junk yard and got a whole new plate. From ford they are $100 each. I'd sell you that one for pretty cheap.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8,674
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From: town of less than 200 ppl
Thank you very much for the pictures, helps put it into perspective a little bit! I won't know for sure if mine are shot for a while. I have to talk my dad into pulling the 1955 oldsmobile out of the shop before I can work on my truck. Winter just got started so I am sure he doesn't want me moving all the vehicles around again, and then having it snow on the project. I will definately keep it in mind when I can get around to working on my junk again!
