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Old Jul 20, 2016 | 05:45 PM
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Leak'n ZF6

Before I pull the side plug to allow, if any, more fluid then what needs to be there, Is there any reason why I can't use gadket maker for the aluminum plate thats fixed to the granny where the shifter bolts to? From the last 4 times I removed the shifter, there was no gasket there.
. Can't see how I overfilled it since I left the side plug out while filing her from shifter location... Also noticed when taking the shifter out, that the inside black boot was wet, but never, the fluid, made it to the concrete.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2016 | 08:02 PM
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Some folks overfill it on purpose thinking it helps with the gear rollover noise. The only problem in using the permatex on the top plate is it being hard to get off next time around.

But if it's not leaking enough to ever drip on the concrete, I'd ignore it if it were me.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2016 | 08:49 PM
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Overfilling by a quart or two can be helpful on some transmissions; namely those that rely on "splash" lubrication. For example, overfilling, by 1 quart, the M5ROD used in older Rangers and Explorers, is known to improve shifting and durability.
However, I doubt it would matter in the ZF6, since it has a pressurized/pump type lube system. As long as there is adequate fluid levels to feed the pump, I don't think excess will change anything.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2016 | 11:15 PM
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Didn't give the thought of... Next time removing the plate, would be a bit#@.... That would've been an adventure, considering I forgot to remove the shifter when trying to divorce the trans from the motor this past weekend, lol. Being that i had access to a lift, I got ahead of myself, haha...yup, guys gave me crap for that one..lol but, this is the only time changing fluid, that it has shown up on the floor....
 
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Old Jul 21, 2016 | 06:51 AM
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The transmission on my truck has no gasket or sealant around the plate where the shifter mounts to the top of the transmission either. Whoever the original owner was either did not ever remove the drain plug or when they put it back the first time they over tightened it.

The drain plug will not come out, despite my best efforts. After trying just about every trick in the book (except welding a socket to the plug) I laid on the floor looking up at my now empty transmission. I decided to look to my good friend Google for advice and as always he rewarded me with instructions on how to fill the transmission from the top side.

It was very clear to me that this was the method the previous owner had been using because I could see faint marks on the plate and the lack of a gasket. I have not put another gasket or sealant on and it has not been a problem at all. There is zero fluid leaking out and frankly I would not want to accidentally drop anything into the transmission when removing the plate the next service.

I would leave it alone if I were you and just make sure the 6 or so bolts are snugged against the plate.
 
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Old Jul 21, 2016 | 07:48 AM
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^^^...OH YA, been there before! No matter what I did, that plug WAS NOT coming loose. Think my insides fell a few inches in the process. Against better judgement, I put a cheater bar into my breaker bar and that bigger finally broke free.
Think, with what you guys are offering up, will be to leave the fluid at bay and how for the best.
. Btw, there is no breather tube correct? 4x worth this thing removed and I don't recall seeing a spigot for one
 
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Old Jul 21, 2016 | 09:16 AM
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Clean around the plug with a wire brush, which helps remove any external corrosion/ road crud connecting the plug and trans. Then, spray soak it with Kroil for several days before trying to remove it.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 09:21 PM
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UPDATE..

With getn back from a see vacay, and she still drip'n, decided today to remove shifter boot to have a lol. To my not surprised eyes, I think I found where she is leaking. The black accordian boot atop the aluminum cap, has a hole. Gotta be from removal of granny when shifter was still in place, haha..hopefully silicone works for now...
Anyone know where to acquire one, besides the dealer? Rockauto a nogo
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 09:47 PM
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There's a breather hole on the boot make sure to not block that hole.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2016 | 09:50 PM
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^^^ thanks! But, this definitely is a rip.
 
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