Drain plug installation?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,526
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From: Round Rock, TX
Drain plug installation?
I'm considering installing a drain plug in my E4OD pan (and others), and was wondering if anybody had tried this or had any thoughts on it. It seems like a no-brainer: drill a hole, install one of those self-tapping drain plugs like you get for stripped oil pans. The only problem that I can think of is clearance--you don't want to install a plug that is so long that it makes contact with anything inside the transmission. It seems like this would make servicing the tranny a lot easier down the road.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 1
From: Great NW
Drain plug installation?
Next time you change the filter in your trans, necessitating the removal of the pan, do it then.
This way, you can eyeball any clearance issues, clean out any metal shavings, and figure out where the best location would be that allows the most fluid to escape (if you just drill a hole in the bottom of the pan and stuff the plug in there, the plug will extend up into the pan far enough that any old fluid below it's opening will not drain out).
This way, you can eyeball any clearance issues, clean out any metal shavings, and figure out where the best location would be that allows the most fluid to escape (if you just drill a hole in the bottom of the pan and stuff the plug in there, the plug will extend up into the pan far enough that any old fluid below it's opening will not drain out).
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
Drain plug installation?
Also keep an eye towards not letting the plug hang down where it can snag on something in the orad or get hit with that unlucky big rock. You don't want to drain your tranny at the wrong time.
Most people prefer to put the plug towards the back side of the pan for the above reasons.
Some of the tranny pans I have seen, have a indented place in the pan for a plug. That is probably the ideal place to put one.
Do this like the guy said, during an atf change, that way you can see what might interfere. On smaller pans there are not a lot of places that won't interfere. On bigger pans, who cares?
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Most people prefer to put the plug towards the back side of the pan for the above reasons.
Some of the tranny pans I have seen, have a indented place in the pan for a plug. That is probably the ideal place to put one.
Do this like the guy said, during an atf change, that way you can see what might interfere. On smaller pans there are not a lot of places that won't interfere. On bigger pans, who cares?
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Drain plug installation?
I put drain plugs on every transmission I've owned. I cant believe they don't come that way from the factory.
You dont want to just drill and tap the pan, though. This will definately strip the threads. I just buy a drain plug kit at summitracing.com for about $7.
No matter how careful I am, it looks like I jumped into a pool of tranny fluid every time I drop a pan without a drain plug.
-J
You dont want to just drill and tap the pan, though. This will definately strip the threads. I just buy a drain plug kit at summitracing.com for about $7.
No matter how careful I am, it looks like I jumped into a pool of tranny fluid every time I drop a pan without a drain plug.
-J
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 796
Likes: 1
Drain plug installation?
have you guys installed a drain plug in a torque converter. My 97f150 has factory installed converter drain plug but from what i understand the 2004 and subsequent ford f150's will come without a converter drain.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 6
From: Cajun Country
Drain plug installation?
Go to any good parts store and ask for a B&M drain plug kit.Under 8.00 and you dont have to wait for it in the mail!
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 796
Likes: 1
Drain plug installation?
Fatf150, have seen drain plug kits for the pan but are you saying kits are also available for the torque converter.
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