Converter draining
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I did it so it can be done, however let some of the experts tell us where to drill the hole because the location I chose did not allow the plug to seat very deep. In other words I chose my location poorly and now I can't remember where I put it. I do remember choosing the lowest spot to aid in getting the most fluid out. I also ground the taper off the tap after getting the threads started so I could run the big part of the tap into the threads. BTW I have heard that you can do a transfusion if you disconnect the hoses.
my ford expedition has a plug from the factory
my ford expedition has a plug from the factory
Last edited by kevinator80; Jan 24, 2006 at 03:41 PM. Reason: point of info
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
ok i could see buying one with a drain plug in it....but the idea of drilling a hole in a sealed unit thats full of fluid that recirculates in my trans scares the hellout of me....seems like you could not control where the material that was drilled or tapped went. i wouldn't do it on mine
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
Bob- was thinking of a very small hole ...not like a oil pan drain plug, and using a small brass plug to seal it. Getting ready to put a Transgo kit in and they want all the fluid drained. I'm not about to pull the tranny (right now) to get the stuff out of the torque converter, so I thought about the small drain hole might be the answer. I don't have any of the elaborate flusing equipment so that's not an option.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i looked at the TH350 rebuild book and it says to drill a hole under where the attaching bolts are and use a special rivet to seal it up....
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An allen is a good idea with some loctite.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
I was thinking the same thing - calling a local transmission shop to get the answer to that question. Must be a thick spot on the converter someplace
If I can't do that, I'll have to flush it my disconnecting the return line and pumping the fluid into a bucket.
If I can't do that, I'll have to flush it my disconnecting the return line and pumping the fluid into a bucket.
Last edited by Hvymtlc5; Jan 26, 2006 at 11:18 AM. Reason: add
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i guess if you are set on doing this you could always go with what the book says and drill the hole by the mounting tabs using the 1/8" drill bit for the special rivet and assess the thickness of the metal at that spot....and then you have two options.....with this special rivet the longer stud/shaft portion of the rivet has a sealed end on it somehow so it won't leak
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by kevinator80
As I said earlier, I did this to my converter. The only problem was I drilled in the middle portion as opposed to the proper area towards the mounting bolts. The metal is plenty thick.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
Ok for the record..drilled a 5/16 hole in the torque converter under the mounting plates..metal was only about 5/32 thick. Put an allen set screw in at first with sealer and didn't like the way it was going to (or not going to seal). Took the MIG welder and covered it and ground it down..feel better with that.
For those draining their fluid in the future, the torque converter still easily held 5 quarts of dirty fluid inside.
TRANSGO shift kit going in in the morning.
For those draining their fluid in the future, the torque converter still easily held 5 quarts of dirty fluid inside.
TRANSGO shift kit going in in the morning.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by Hvymtlc5
Getting ready to put a Transgo kit in and they want all the fluid drained.
why drain it? you just have to remove the pan and valve body to install a transgo kit. our shop uses the flush equipment to get all the fluid including the fluid in the lines and radiator. most peolpe dont think about the extra fluid in the lines and radiator
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
Drianed it cause I didn't know if the fluid had ever been changed or not (5 quarts is a lot of old crap to leave in there) and didn't want to worry about it. Don't have any fancy flush stuff here and didn't want to pump fluid in a bucket..so this was a very easy solution.