Trans Pan with a plug?
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 681
Likes: 2
From: Newton (Wichita Area) Kansas
Re: Trans Pan with a plug? (MCPOWHITE96)
I talked to a very reputable transmission shop last winter about installing a drain plug in the transmission oilpan in my old pickup truck. They told me the aftermarket drain plug kits always leak and they would not warranty them. It's really kind of ridiculous that manufacturers just don't use an external filter and a pan with a drain plug. They could use an engine oil filter for crying out loud. Tradition is a hard thing to break I guess.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 16,950
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Virginia Kittah, Kittah, Kittah...
Re: Trans Pan with a plug? (MCPOWHITE96)
I've only found one pan (can't remember the brand B&M I think) but it was a DEEP pan, so it wouldn't be a good idea to use on the Vette...
I installed one of those aftermarket drain plugs and it doesn't leak... But you do have to be careful when where you mount it... I chose the wrong area and the pan wouldn't quite bolt up afterward... I ended up "banging out" the pan a little bit to get it to bolt up... A drain is nice to have, especially when you want to change the filter, and I usually drain the trans pan at the same time I change the oil to replace at least some of the fluid (4qt) if I remember correctly, to keep the trans fluid fresh...
I installed one of those aftermarket drain plugs and it doesn't leak... But you do have to be careful when where you mount it... I chose the wrong area and the pan wouldn't quite bolt up afterward... I ended up "banging out" the pan a little bit to get it to bolt up... A drain is nice to have, especially when you want to change the filter, and I usually drain the trans pan at the same time I change the oil to replace at least some of the fluid (4qt) if I remember correctly, to keep the trans fluid fresh...
Drifting
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 0
Re: Trans Pan with a plug? (MCPOWHITE96)
I use a vacuum pump and a side arm flask to remove the trans oil. I connect a 1/4 in. polypropolyne tubing to the flask, stuff the tube down the trans dip stick, pull a vacuum on the flask, and suck out, all but maybe two cups of fluid. I also use this setup to suck the oil out of my boat engine as there is no drain plug on the pan. There is no way I would drop the trans pan full of oil and have it all over me and the garage floor.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 0
From: Bowie MD
Re: Trans Pan with a plug? (Carroll B)
I think I like the vacuum tube method better now that you mention it.
My trans had some SERIOUSLY burnt fluid and I want to get it ALL out but that will take several fluid changes from what I know/have been told.
Would rather not break the gasket just to change a few quarts of fluid.
Thanks all.
My trans had some SERIOUSLY burnt fluid and I want to get it ALL out but that will take several fluid changes from what I know/have been told.
Would rather not break the gasket just to change a few quarts of fluid.
Thanks all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Re: Trans Pan with a plug? (Carroll B)
I use a vacuum pump and a side arm flask to remove the trans oil. I connect a 1/4 in. polypropolyne tubing to the flask, stuff the tube down the trans dip stick, pull a vacuum on the flask, and suck out, all but maybe two cups of fluid.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 8,512
Likes: 3
From: Memphis, Tn
Re: Trans Pan with a plug? (MCPOWHITE96)
You can make your own cheap. You'll need a castlated nut and a drain plug with gasket. Remove your pan, drill a hole where you want the drain, tack weld (or JB weld) the nut upside down (so the fluid can drain between the "legs"), install the drain plug. Make sure when you buy the nut and plug that they have the same threads. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,807
Likes: 0
From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Trans Pan with a plug? (jmr302)
I talked to a very reputable transmission shop last winter about installing a drain plug in the transmission oilpan in my old pickup truck. They told me the aftermarket drain plug kits always leak and they would not warranty them. It's really kind of ridiculous that manufacturers just don't use an external filter and a pan with a drain plug. They could use an engine oil filter for crying out loud. Tradition is a hard thing to break I guess.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2
From: St. Paul MN
Re: Trans Pan with a plug? (Road Fever)
I took this a step further and would recommend this to all. I put in a B&M drain plug kit in my stock pan. Then I bought an Autometer trans temp guage. The guage comes with a sensor that fits right into the threads on the drain plug kit. Run the wire up through the tunnel into the console areea and mount the guage. It works very slick. And it doubles as a drain for changing the fluid. Sorry I don't have any pictures just yet, will work on that.
