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Hey guys, what are people using (if anything) on the drain and fill plug threads after performing a fluid swap? 89' ZF6. Funny thing, the GM service manuals say the ZF Manual Transmissions don't need a fluid swap. Who knows maybe they are a pipe thread?
Answered my own question, they are a pipe thread. Pipe threads by design aren't meant to be re-used. The new plugs are about .010" larger in diameter which is why they feel tight after a few turns. They'll create new threads so I guess I'll install the new plugs
Answered my own question, they are a pipe thread. Pipe threads by design aren't meant to be re-used. The new plugs are about .020 larger in diameter which is why they feel tight after a few turns. They'll create new threads so I guess I'll install the new plugs
Doing a fluid swap on mine, just ordered 2 new plugs myself.
I used this 17mm socket, it fit great plus next day delivery (I know some hate using amazon). I have plenty of large sockets but I chose this one for it's design and actual size, I felt it would give be a better fit and less slip.
I squirted some PB blaster on both plugs and waited about an hour. I had to apply a little force to break them free but it went well. I used the socket above and a long breaker bar, did basically zero damage to the hex, totally planned on re-using them until I relaized they are a pipe thread.
The Drain/Fill plugs are sold through VW but I believe they are the correct German replacement. You can see below they are identical to the plug from my 89'
Also no need to really crank these babies in, I think the torque is low, like 26lb/ft???
I used this 17mm socket, it fit great plus next day delivery (I know some hate using amazon). I have plenty of large sockets but I chose this one for it's design and actual size, I felt it would give be a better fit and less slip.
I squirted some PB blaster on both plugs and waited about an hour. I had to apply a little force to break them free but it went well. I used the socket above and a long breaker bar, did basically zero damage to the hex, totally planned on re-using them until I relaized they are a pipe thread.
The Drain/Fill plugs are sold through VW but I believe they are the correct German replacement. You can see below they are identical to the plug from my 89'
Also no need to really crank these babies in, I think the torque is low, like 26lb/ft???
IThats an OE part number so they should be legit. I bought mine off FCP Euro, they said it was OE made in Germany so im happy. Glad you added the plug torque and Amazon link too good sir.
Your Local VW dealership has them and they are not expensive. Use the correct 17mm Socket. Make sure You can get the side plug out before draining the Oil.
I wouldn't reuse a plug if the Hex was damaged. Might cause problems the next time somebody wanted to do a flush. In my situation the new plugs were. 01/.02 larger than the old so that means I will create a better sealing thread because of the thread distortion created by NPT's. Which then means I don't need to over tighten at all. Reusing my same plug would of possibly required over tightening so I just avoided that variable all together. But yes you're not exactly wrong in that statement... but there's no harm at all in spending $20 for 2 new plugs that will ensure a better seal with less torque and absolutely no requirement to use a sealant.
I've always re-used the plugs on mine, applied a thin coat of anti-seize to the threads before installing, and tightened them just snug enough to be sure they won't back out on their own. Never had a problem with leakage or with removing them the next time.
Definitely agree with the advice to remove the fill plug before removing the drain plug. Galvanic corrosion can make these plugs a bitch to remove the first time if they've been undisturbed for decades.
ZF drain plug
