59 Vetteman
Moderator
Member # 7
posted December 01, 2002 01:11 PM
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When I go to change the transmission fluid in my vehicle for the first time I take an awl and CAREFULLY punch a hole in the bottom of the pan and let the fluid drain out, hot. Then I remove the pan and if the hole I punched is correct I drill it out and install a drain plug from Auto Zone, about 8 bucks. Then I change the filter and reinstall. Now the next time I change fluid and trans, no problem.
What if I punch the hole in the wrong place? No problem, I can braze it shut or use my wire feed welder. I have never punched in the wrong place yet as I look for the lowest flat spot. When I do use the awl, I barely go through the metal. When the hole starts to appear and fluid draining, I ream it slightly and use a large dishpan for a container, go have a coffee and when I go back out, the work starts. Incidentally, I don't trust the washers on the add-on drain plugs, so I weld the nut in from the inside of the pan, and use the gasket and nut on the outside. This will make sense if you have an aftermarket drain plug to look at.
I also recommend that you go to Lowe's, Home Depot ect. and buy a package of latex gloves. Cost is apprx. $10 for 25-50 pair, depending which store. Painters wear these and are found in the Chemical section of the store. Also useful for changing oil, filling a diesel vehicle with fuel ect.
Moderator
Member # 7
posted December 01, 2002 01:11 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I go to change the transmission fluid in my vehicle for the first time I take an awl and CAREFULLY punch a hole in the bottom of the pan and let the fluid drain out, hot. Then I remove the pan and if the hole I punched is correct I drill it out and install a drain plug from Auto Zone, about 8 bucks. Then I change the filter and reinstall. Now the next time I change fluid and trans, no problem.
What if I punch the hole in the wrong place? No problem, I can braze it shut or use my wire feed welder. I have never punched in the wrong place yet as I look for the lowest flat spot. When I do use the awl, I barely go through the metal. When the hole starts to appear and fluid draining, I ream it slightly and use a large dishpan for a container, go have a coffee and when I go back out, the work starts. Incidentally, I don't trust the washers on the add-on drain plugs, so I weld the nut in from the inside of the pan, and use the gasket and nut on the outside. This will make sense if you have an aftermarket drain plug to look at.
I also recommend that you go to Lowe's, Home Depot ect. and buy a package of latex gloves. Cost is apprx. $10 for 25-50 pair, depending which store. Painters wear these and are found in the Chemical section of the store. Also useful for changing oil, filling a diesel vehicle with fuel ect.
