1994 C280 - Torque Converter Drain Plug

[Arv]

Hello,

Are there any tricks to align Torque Converter Drain Plug with the Drain Window
of auto transmission easily?

Thank you,
Arv.

 

[LostKiwi]

Socket on the front of the crank bolt.

 

[Arv]

Socket on the front of the crank bolt.

Didn't understand? Do you mean try to turn engine manually (till the drain plug is aligned with drain window)
like they used to do in old times using a socket on the crank bolt from the front of the engine? Do I even
have access space to do this?

 

[LostKiwi]

Didn't understand? Do you mean try to turn engine manually (till the drain plug is aligned with drain window)
like they used to do in old times using a socket on the crank bolt from the front of the engine? Do I even
have access space to do this?

Yes.

 

[Arv]

Ok, thanks a lot. Appreciate it. Let me try it.

 

[LostKiwi]

Easiest if spark plugs are removed first.

 

[Arv]

Socket on the front of the crank bolt.

Well, that didn't quite work because of lack of space with inline 6 engine, the fan is in the way
and also pulley mounted on the crank bolt. Couldn't access it. Will have to figure out something
else.

Will let you know. Thank you,
Arv.

 

[Jim2]

Well, that didn't quite work because of lack of space with inline 6 engine, the fan is in the way
and also pulley mounted on the crank bolt. Couldn't access it. Will have to figure out something
else.

Will let you know. Thank you,
Arv.

If you are doing a full flush, and after draining the trans sump, replacing the filter etc, why not finish the process by draining both the TC and oil cooler? Remove the banjo bolt on one of the two oil cooler pipes ( one on the Drivers side is my choice ) attach a piece of flexible plastic piping to the pipe via the banjo bolt, and place the other end into a plastic ( or other ) container, minimum capacity 3 ltrs. Put selector in "P", and start engine,watch the fluid being pumped out into the container, until it reaches the 2 ltr mark. Stop engine and replace the old pumped out fluid with new fluid.....repeat until all the old coloured fluid has been replaced by new fresh fluid.. when this happens,,, remove plastic piping etc. and replace coolant pipe, check levels etc. Job done.

 

[Arv]

If you are doing a full flush, and after draining the trans sump, replacing the filter etc, why not finish the process by draining both the TC and oil cooler? Remove the banjo bolt on one of the two oil cooler pipes ( one on the Drivers side is my choice ) attach a piece of flexible plastic piping to the pipe via the banjo bolt, and place the other end into a plastic ( or other ) container, minimum capacity 3 ltrs. Put selector in "P", and start engine,watch the fluid being pumped out into the container, until it reaches the 2 ltr mark. Stop engine and replace the old pumped out fluid with new fluid.....repeat until all the old coloured fluid has been replaced by new fresh fluid.. when this happens,,, remove plastic piping etc. and replace coolant pipe, check levels etc. Job done.

Hi Jim,

Sorry for late reply but I already changed the oil from TC and the pan.
I had no idea you could change oil in the oil cooler too, Too late now to do it.
Thank you for informing about it though. Will have to remember it for next
time around. I got out 6 liters out from TC and the pan.

Thank you, appreciate it,
Arv.

 

[Arv]

Easiest if spark plugs are removed first.

Hi LostKiwi,

I changed oil from TC and pan and filter too.

This is how I aligned the drain plug with the drain window
I kept cranking the engine, as soon as the starter will kick
in I will release the key so the engine doesn't start. Kept
doing it till I saw the drain plug in the drain window. Takes
a little time but that's what I did. I also removed the crankshaft
flywheel window cover and pushed the flywheel with a screwdriver
so the drain plug aligns with window since it had gone a little
past the window. I made markings with permanent maker on
the flywheel and TC for next time to find it easily.

It's easier with 2 people, one can stay under the car and one can crank on/off.

Thanks for your help, appreciated.
Arv.