[Z06] Draining / Pumping Z06 Transmission
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 6
From: NS
Draining / Pumping Z06 Transmission
Has anyone ever drained / pumped the fluid from their transmission? What did you use to get the job done?
I'm going to replace my fluid so I'm looking for tips to make the job easier.
I'm going to replace my fluid so I'm looking for tips to make the job easier.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: CT
will drain just like any other tranny/rear of yesteryear. 3/8" ratchet w/ a short extension to pull drain plug. fill is the temp sensor and iirc it was 21mm or 22mm
i bought a cheap [$7] quart hand pump for filling. it really made the addition of the fluid a 1, 2, 3 mess free process.
the torque spec for both the drain and fill plug is 20lb/ft. i thought it was a bit ambitious of a spec and only went to 15lb/ft myself. i coated the rear most threads of the plugs with rtv to ensure a leak free seal.
i bought a cheap [$7] quart hand pump for filling. it really made the addition of the fluid a 1, 2, 3 mess free process.
the torque spec for both the drain and fill plug is 20lb/ft. i thought it was a bit ambitious of a spec and only went to 15lb/ft myself. i coated the rear most threads of the plugs with rtv to ensure a leak free seal.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 22,753
Likes: 943
will drain just like any other tranny/rear of yesteryear. 3/8" ratchet w/ a short extension to pull drain plug. fill is the temp sensor and iirc it was 21mm or 22mm
i bought a cheap [$7] quart hand pump for filling. it really made the addition of the fluid a 1, 2, 3 mess free process.
the torque spec for both the drain and fill plug is 20lb/ft. i thought it was a bit ambitious of a spec and only went to 15lb/ft myself. i coated the rear most threads of the plugs with rtv to ensure a leak free seal.
i bought a cheap [$7] quart hand pump for filling. it really made the addition of the fluid a 1, 2, 3 mess free process.
the torque spec for both the drain and fill plug is 20lb/ft. i thought it was a bit ambitious of a spec and only went to 15lb/ft myself. i coated the rear most threads of the plugs with rtv to ensure a leak free seal.
Thats a good idea with the hose clamps, the tube keeps popping of the pump.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 16
From: Anchorage Alaska
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
It's on the passenger side, way at the rear of the transmission. The bolt is on the side, not the bottom; and faces to the passenger side as well. So, when you remove the plug, all the fluid shoots out sideways instead of draining straight down. Be sure to position your catch pan accordingly!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I used a 6 inch extension on my ratchet to break the drain plug loose. Then I backed the drain plug out just far enough that I could hold a funnel under the drain plug. I then tilted the drain plug at an angle and let the fluid out slowly avoiding the mess of missing the pan altogether. Go easy and you can do it without making a big mess. 
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,030
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From: Maryland
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 13
From: Anywhere where Cones need hit
Cruise-In 9-10 Veteran
CI-X Auto-X Champ (race tires)
St. Jude Donor '07-'09
I was just looking into this since this weekend that was the only thing I didn't get to do since I couldn't find a way ( that we had there ) to get the oil back in.
For those looking for the drain and fill spots, another way to tell them apart is one says "drain" next to it, and the other "fill".
A bunch of local guys also are using some kit that is basically an aquarium pump and has a flow meter as well, selling for about $35 or so.
The hand pump would work just well too.
For those looking for the drain and fill spots, another way to tell them apart is one says "drain" next to it, and the other "fill".
A bunch of local guys also are using some kit that is basically an aquarium pump and has a flow meter as well, selling for about $35 or so.
The hand pump would work just well too.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 4
From: Wichita KS
Instead of a pump, what I do is use a piece of clear tubing attached to a funnel. After draining the tranny, snake the hose down through the wheel well into the fill hole. It's quick, easy, and not messy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 13
From: Anywhere where Cones need hit
Cruise-In 9-10 Veteran
CI-X Auto-X Champ (race tires)
St. Jude Donor '07-'09
Not efficient, but it worked.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 120
From: Bennett CO
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'10
What are ya'll putting back in for tranny fluid?
My tranny has a sticker on saying only to use Dexron III but they don't seem to make it anymore, parts department told me Dexron VI, haven't seen any!
EBZ0602
My tranny has a sticker on saying only to use Dexron III but they don't seem to make it anymore, parts department told me Dexron VI, haven't seen any!
EBZ0602
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: CT
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 743
Likes: 30
From: Farmington Hills Michigan
If you put the new container of oil in the microwave for a little bit, it will heat up the oil and make it a lot easier to pump. However,
1) Don't put it in for too long or you will melt the plastic container
2) Some containers, like Redline, have a foil seal on the top of the jug. Make sure you remove this before microwaving!
It really isn't that hard but your hand can get a bit tired and it can be awkward with a hand pump.
Also, you might want to open the fill plug before opening the drain plug. It would be shame to drain all the fluid only to find out the fill plug is stuck.
1) Don't put it in for too long or you will melt the plastic container
2) Some containers, like Redline, have a foil seal on the top of the jug. Make sure you remove this before microwaving!
It really isn't that hard but your hand can get a bit tired and it can be awkward with a hand pump.
Also, you might want to open the fill plug before opening the drain plug. It would be shame to drain all the fluid only to find out the fill plug is stuck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 7
From: Sandy Ego Ca.
If you put the new container of oil in the microwave for a little bit, it will heat up the oil and make it a lot easier to pump. However,
1) Don't put it in for too long or you will melt the plastic container
2) Some containers, like Redline, have a foil seal on the top of the jug. Make sure you remove this before microwaving!
It really isn't that hard but your hand can get a bit tired and it can be awkward with a hand pump.
Also, you might want to open the fill plug before opening the drain plug. It would be shame to drain all the fluid only to find out the fill plug is stuck.
1) Don't put it in for too long or you will melt the plastic container
2) Some containers, like Redline, have a foil seal on the top of the jug. Make sure you remove this before microwaving!
It really isn't that hard but your hand can get a bit tired and it can be awkward with a hand pump.
Also, you might want to open the fill plug before opening the drain plug. It would be shame to drain all the fluid only to find out the fill plug is stuck.
Question....what about mixing fluid types synthetic and dyno..or is teh OEM fluid compatable with all
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 571
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee Wi
I run AMSOIL ATF in mine. AMSOIL Severe gear in the diff and AMSOIL in the engine. Will be switching to AMSOIL antifreeze when I install new heads and cam.