The drain plug you install on trans pans that dont

[TechnoLoGs]

How do you install the drain plug on the transmission pans that don't have one, and what are they called?

I think it makes sense to drop the pan, change the filter, (maybe start the engine a little bit to get all old fluid out of the TC?) and then put whatever that thing is called on the pan, with the fresh fluid and filter. Though I believe the transmission fluid has been changed out already, pretty thoroughly. Just not the filter.

How do you install that device, and what is it called? And has anyone else here done so?

 

[RF Overlord]

It's called a drain plug kit. No, seriously.

And you install it by drilling a hole in the pan.

I've done a half-dozen of them.

 

[BobsArmory]

I bought a couple of those drain kits from NAPA, they were just a couple bucks. Like RF said just drill a hole in the pan and install. Just make sure you remove all the rough edges from the hole you drilled before you install the kit to prevent leakage.

 

[Donald]

Using a MityVac through the dipstick tube might even be easier. And easy to tell how much was extracted.

 

[Falken]

They are a great idea.

If I had a pan, I'd gather all my supplies including a new filter and a new gasket (or RTV silicone if that is what the car used).

Don't forget to clean the trans magnet and put it back in the pan where you pulled it off (should have a square or circular depression where the magnet rested).

Pick a nice spot where to install it where drainage would be best. For example, at the back of the pan if you always jack up the front of the car.

My Fit has a great drain plug from the factory, and no filter changeable in the pan. It is an in-line filter under the battery only to catch bits from a massive failure.

The Fit is so easy to service for all the fluids I'm amazed.

 

[jfking106]

Dorman sells replacement transmission pans with the plug already installed for many GM vehicles.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Originally Posted By: jfking106
Dorman sells replacement transmission pans with the plug already installed for many GM vehicles.


Sweetness! Like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Chevy-700R4-4L60E-..._sim_sbs_auto_6

I believe I have a 4L60E trans. 93 4.3 Auto

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Using a MityVac through the dipstick tube might even be easier. And easy to tell how much was extracted.


Just did this last week. Super easy to do and a great way to see how much was extracted.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: RamFan
Originally Posted By: Donald
Using a MityVac through the dipstick tube might even be easier. And easy to tell how much was extracted.


Just did this last week. Super easy to do and a great way to see how much was extracted.


The Miti-Vac works like a charm!

 

[HerrStig]

A punch???

 

[Stelth]

Some years ago, I decided to install a drain plug kit on an Olds Cutlass. Pulled the pan off, drilled a hole, put the kit in. Nothing to it, right? Except that I hadn't checked for clearance inside the pan, and the collar that holds the plug now hit the valve body, with the result that I couldn't put the pan back on. To say I felt a little silly would be an understatement. I was able to remove the plug kit and solder a piece of sheet metal over the hole. I then drilled a hole in a better spot, and all was well.

My point is, don't be a dumb, uh, person like I was, and check for clearance before you drill!

 

[Darren270]

Quote:
My point is, don't be a dumb, uh, person like I was, and check for clearance before you drill!


As the saying goes..."Measure twice. Cut once."

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

Originally Posted By: TechnoLoGs
Originally Posted By: jfking106
Dorman sells replacement transmission pans with the plug already installed for many GM vehicles.


Sweetness! Like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Chevy-700R4-4L60E-..._sim_sbs_auto_6

I believe I have a 4L60E trans. 93 4.3 Auto


That would be a great option if it's affordable. Just verify whether there were deep and shallow pan options on your trans, and which one you have. The Rockauto website can be good for that sort of information.

 

[artificialist]

You take your pan off, and bring it to a welder. Pay the welder to weld on a "bung." Put the drain bolt in that bung, and you have a transmission that can be drained by removing the bolt.

Some companies make special transmission pans that are redesigned for better cooling, extra capacity, and happen to have a drain plug. Mag Hytec is the first company that comes to my mind.

 

[Warstud]

Originally Posted By: RamFan
Originally Posted By: Donald
Using a MityVac through the dipstick tube might even be easier. And easy to tell how much was extracted.


Just did this last week. Super easy to do and a great way to see how much was extracted.


I've done that with my MityVac but it wasn't easy. So I hooked the vacuum cleaner with crevice tool up to it to speed up the process.

 

[bdcardinal]

Ford sells one for a 4R70W if your parts person knows how to look it up right.

 

[paulo57509]

Just an observation that I've had with these kits.

Some kits use a pipe plug and others use a straight threaded plug (not a pipe plug).

I prefer to use a kit that has a non-pipe threaded plug (I think Dorman iuses this type of plug) with a sealing washer. I feel it's easier to use a sealing washer than trying to use Teflon tape (I'm all thumbs) and then having to jam the pipe threaded plug into the hole with a lot of torque.

 

[zzyzzx]

For as often as I want to drain a transmission, I can siphon it out of the dipstick.