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mikeinri

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Squankum said:
I even converted the ATF pans on that persons' vehicles to having drain plugs, which I put Fumotos into, so I can do an easy "Drain 4 quarts, add 4 quarts" ATF change once in a while between official pan-off filter changes.
Click to expand...

Did that vehicle come with a ****** drain plug and fill tube?

I have a Ford Explorer, no drain plug. Also no dipstick or fill funnel. You need to raise the entire vehicle to access the fill port to check and add ATF fluid...

Worst. Design. Ever.

Mike
 
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ChefRex

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Joined
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Location
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mikeinri said:
Did that vehicle come with a ****** drain plug and fill tube?

I have a Ford Explorer, no drain plug. Also no dipstick or fill funnel. You need to raise the entire vehicle to access the fill port to check and add ATF fluid...

Worst. Design. Ever.

Mike
Click to expand...
mikeinri said:
Did that vehicle come with a ****** drain plug and fill tube?

I have a Ford Explorer, no drain plug. Also no dipstick or fill funnel. You need to raise the entire vehicle to access the fill port to check and add ATF fluid...

Worst. Design. Ever.

Mike
Click to expand...
Same with my Colorado but I did get a free fluid change as GM f'ed up, no problem since.
New commute means I need to make sure to get out for a proper drive then and again.
 
S

Squankum

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Southeast
mikeinri said:
Did that vehicle come with a ****** drain plug and fill tube?
Click to expand...

Luckily, the vehicles I'm dealing with on this matter are basically dinosaurs. A first-gen Durango with a slightly modernized old-timey Torqueflite (46RE). Found a new $34ish Dorman? Chinese pan that came with a drain hole/plug already in it, and bought a Fumoto to fit those threads.

For the Econoline, the transmission it has was common with U-Haul vans? Crown Vic police cruisers? And there was a Ford severe duty pan that was the same but with a drain hole. So I got one of those on ebay, brand new, and a Fumoto.

In addition to the occasional fluid change between the usual full filter/fluid changes, I also like having some kind of drain because it's just more civilized! This whole "leave two bolts in and tilt it and let it spill over the edge" stuff ***** when you're a DIY on-your-back guy.

Also, my extra fluid changes may seem silly, like me in general, but I must boast that this Durango transmission made it to 430ish thousand miles before its first rebuild. (OK, probably the highway miles and the lady driver!)
 
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Squankum

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m6z said:
Malco TNP2S Heavy Duty Trim Nail Punch
Click to expand...

I had no idea such punches existed! Pretty neat. I think I can live without... for now...

I was surprised at how much info I wasn't finding on YouTube.


This is a good demonstration but I can barely follow all of the construction worker lingo anymore. Maybe he's in Canada.

 
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mikeinri

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Messages
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Squankum said:
Luckily, the vehicles I'm dealing with on this matter are basically dinosaurs. A first-gen Durango with a slightly modernized old-timey Torqueflite (46RE). Found a new $34ish Dorman? Chinese pan that came with a drain hole/plug already in it, and bought a Fumoto to fit those threads.

For the Econoline, the transmission it has was common with U-Haul vans? Crown Vic police cruisers? And there was a Ford severe duty pan that was the same but with a drain hole. So I got one of those on ebay, brand new, and a Fumoto.

In addition to the occasional fluid change between the usual full filter/fluid changes, I also like having some kind of drain because it's just more civilized! This whole "leave two bolts in and tilt it and let it spill over the edge" stuff ***** when you're a DIY on-your-back guy.

Also, my extra fluid changes may seem silly, like me in general, but I must boast that this Durango transmission made it to 430ish thousand miles before its first rebuild. (OK, probably the highway miles and the lady driver!)
Click to expand...

Dinosaurs???

My Explorer is a 2005 (replaced a 2004, LOL)...

And my RV is a 1993 (Econoline-based).

The 93 has a fill tube and dipstick (very much buried behind the air cleaner). The 05 has neither.

I've never been impressed with the lack of ****** drain plugs on any vehicle. The only explanation I can wrap my head around is maybe people were pulling the wrong plug when doing engine oil changes?

But, no ****** dipstick or fill tube makes my skin crawl. Again, maybe it was intended to keep some morons from mixing them up with engine oil, but it's awful.

Mike
 
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WWheeler

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Jun 23, 2015
Messages
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Location
Middleofnowhere USA
mikeinri said:
Did that vehicle come with a ****** drain plug and fill tube?

I have a Ford Explorer, no drain plug. Also no dipstick or fill funnel. You need to raise the entire vehicle to access the fill port to check and add ATF fluid...

Worst. Design. Ever.

Mike
Click to expand...

Our Toyotas (4Runners, Tacomas) also have sealed transmissions. Same with the the fill level plug to check BUT must only be checked while the trans fluid temps are in their required range, and need a scan tool with the proper data PID (most don't have it) to be able to monitor trans temps properly. Was a PITA the first time I did a full flush on one but it's no biggie for me now. Sealed trans fluid lasts a LOT longer against oxidation. Toyo's WS fluid is considered 'lifetime' and doesn't even need checking for the first 100K. I'll do a full flush then and just pan drain and fills every 30-40k after till they hit 300K or so before I ever consider getting a new one. Been driving Toyotas for >40 years and never had one leak a drop from a transmission yet.
 
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assassin10000

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Feb 11, 2022
Messages
370
WWheeler said:
Our Toyotas (4Runners, Tacomas) also have sealed transmissions. Same with the the fill level plug to check BUT must only be checked while the trans fluid temps are in their required range, and need a scan tool with the proper data PID (most don't have it) to be able to monitor trans temps properly. Was a PITA the first time I did a full flush on one but it's no biggie for me now. Sealed trans fluid lasts a LOT longer against oxidation. Toyo's WS fluid is considered 'lifetime' and doesn't even need checking for the first 100K. I'll do a full flush then and just pan drain and fills every 30-40k after till they hit 300K or so before I ever consider getting a new one. Been driving Toyotas for >40 years and never had one leak a drop from a transmission yet.
Click to expand...

I think Toyota recently changed what they said about WS fluid intervals. A toyota tech with a tundra says it's now 60k per a tsb for older vehicles.

Before it was lifetime or 100k depending on vehicle. Severe service (90°+ temps or towing) was 60k?
 
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mikeinri

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I've never had a transmission leak from the pan (except immediately after opening it and not properly torquing a bolt). They almost always leak somewhere else: cooling lines (especially rubber ones), seals, etc.

Mkke
 
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Blind1

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assassin10000 said:
I think Toyota recently changed what they said about WS fluid intervals. A toyota tech with a tundra says it's now 60k per a tsb for older vehicles.

Before it was lifetime or 100k depending on vehicle. Severe service (90°+ temps or towing) was 60k?
Click to expand...

Correct as far as Tacomas go, I can’t comment on other vehicles.
 
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Blind1

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Messages
355
WWheeler said:
Our Toyotas (4Runners, Tacomas) also have sealed transmissions. Same with the the fill level plug to check BUT must only be checked while the trans fluid temps are in their required range, and need a scan tool with the proper data PID (most don't have it) to be able to monitor trans temps properly. Was a PITA the first time I did a full flush on one but it's no biggie for me now. Sealed trans fluid lasts a LOT longer against oxidation. Toyo's WS fluid is considered 'lifetime' and doesn't even need checking for the first 100K. I'll do a full flush then and just pan drain and fills every 30-40k after till they hit 300K or so before I ever consider getting a new one. Been driving Toyotas for >40 years and never had one leak a drop from a transmission yet.
Click to expand...
You can just use a wire to jump the obdII for temp check mode.
 
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humpty

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Dec 4, 2008
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Minneapolis, MN
We have 2 T4Rs a 4th and a 5th gen, I drop what's in the pan every 30k, while it isn't a complete change it is getting a fresh influx of new fluid on a regular basis so it never get too dirty. It is pretty clean coming out on that interval. Overkill? Sure, but I have the luxury of being able to afford it and I enjoy the shop time so I don't mind.
 
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KnurledNut

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Jan 28, 2011
Messages
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n/a
Blind1 said:
You can just use a wire to jump the obdII for temp check mode.
Click to expand...
WWheeler said:
Our Toyotas (4Runners, Tacomas) also have sealed transmissions. Same with the the fill level plug to check BUT must only be checked while the trans fluid temps are in their required range, and need a scan tool with the proper data PID (most don't have it) to be able to monitor trans temps properly. Was a PITA the first time I did a full flush on one but it's no biggie for me now. Sealed trans fluid lasts a LOT longer against oxidation. Toyo's WS fluid is considered 'lifetime' and doesn't even need checking for the first 100K. I'll do a full flush then and just pan drain and fills every 30-40k after till they hit 300K or so before I ever consider getting a new one. Been driving Toyotas for >40 years and never had one leak a drop from a transmission yet.
Click to expand...
I would advise against pulling the drain plug on early 2nd gen Tundras/Sequoias. They are notorious for stripping when removing and now your stuck dealing with a spinning/leaking bolt you cant remove or tighten, not to mention now needing to buy a replacement pan.
Prying the bolt with a thin bar and hammering with an impact will sometimes get the bolt out.
Toyotas factory torque spec on this bolt was too high. Sometimes the bolt threads will take the hit instead of the pan bung, in which case a new bolt will work after chasing the pan.

After locking out the thermostatic valve (if equipped with towing), a paperclip on DLC terminals 4&13, start engine, shift in one second intervals P, R, N, D, N, D, N, D, N, D, N should now display “D” for 2 seconds, shift back to P. Gauge cluster will light up like a flashing x-mas tree and once correct temp is reached, “D” will display. Flashing “D” means over temp and procedure has to be redone after cooling.
Otherwise fill fluid to a slow trickle.
Remove t-valve grenade pin without cooking your arm on the toasty cat conv.

Its not as difficult as it sounds and pretty ingenious of Toyota to design an on-board check procedure.
 
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Blind1

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KnurledNut said:
I would advise against pulling the drain plug on early 2nd gen Tundras/Sequoias. They are notorious for stripping when removing and now your stuck dealing with a spinning/leaking bolt you cant remove or tighten, not to mention now needing to buy a replacement pan.
Prying the bolt with a thin bar and hammering with an impact will sometimes get the bolt out.
Toyotas factory torque spec on this bolt was too high. Sometimes the bolt threads will take the hit instead of the pan bung, in which case a new bolt will work after chasing the pan.

After locking out the thermostatic valve (if equipped with towing), a paperclip on DLC terminals 4&13, start engine, shift in one second intervals P, R, N, D, N, D, N, D, N, D, N should now display “D” for 2 seconds, shift back to P. Gauge cluster will light up like a flashing x-mas tree and once correct temp is reached, “D” will display. Flashing “D” means over temp and procedure has to be redone after cooling.
Otherwise fill fluid to a slow trickle.
Remove t-valve grenade pin without cooking your arm on the toasty cat conv.

It’s not as difficult as it sounds and pretty ingenious of Toyota to design an on-board check procedure.
Click to expand...
Yep that’s the strategy.

Pan bolt should be torqued to 15, not the 30 something they spec.
 
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supratreo

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354
Location
elk grove, CA
mikeinri said:
Did that vehicle come with a ****** drain plug and fill tube?

I have a Ford Explorer, no drain plug. Also no dipstick or fill funnel. You need to raise the entire vehicle to access the fill port to check and add ATF fluid...

Worst. Design. Ever.
Click to expand...

mikeinri said:
Did that vehicle come with a ****** drain plug and fill tube?

I have a Ford Explorer, no drain plug. Also no dipstick or fill funnel. You need to raise the entire vehicle to access the fill port to check and add ATF fluid...

Worst. Design. Ever.

Mike
Click to expand...
Many cars are that way now because they have "lifetime" fluid. then you have my dodge ram where the engineers thought it would be fun to not have a drain plug at all even in 2000. now i'm buying a pan with a plug.
 
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stonesfan68

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Apr 19, 2012
Messages
2,758
Location
Houston, TX
mikeinri said:
Dinosaurs???

My Explorer is a 2005 (replaced a 2004, LOL)...

And my RV is a 1993 (Econoline-based).

The 93 has a fill tube and dipstick (very much buried behind the air cleaner). The 05 has neither.

I've never been impressed with the lack of ****** drain plugs on any vehicle. The only explanation I can wrap my head around is maybe people were pulling the wrong plug when doing engine oil changes?

But, no ****** dipstick or fill tube makes my skin crawl. Again, maybe it was intended to keep some morons from mixing them up with engine oil, but it's awful.

Mike
Click to expand...
I've read that the reason that most transmissions fail is because people overfill them. If there isn't a dipstick, or it is located somewhere that requires the car to be lifted to access it (like my 2006 BMW 530i or 2007 Ford Explorer) then it is a deterrent to most people to mess with the transmission.

The whole concept of "lifetime" fluids is just a crock of ****! All fluids wear out. Is lifetime 100k or 150k or 50k? They'll never tell you.
 
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2Rocky

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Earlier this year I went to an FFA fundraiser and dropped a ticket in the raffle for this baby....

it's a lot more Meter than I really need, but I see them selling for over $600.

Serious question.....Where do i learn how to use all the functions?

1682610582364.png
 
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WWheeler

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Last edited:
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BlakeTheCarGuy

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Oct 10, 2018
Messages
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E0F3B50B-38C1-4067-945D-D34752E6D528.jpegC6A9ED40-66A9-443B-8C5D-9F97A0132AD2.jpeg
I got this set today. For free actually. We have a close family friend who was a diesel mechanic in the 80s and 90s and this was one of his tools. He stopped by my dealership today with his Tacoma and needed some work done. He told the service advisor he wanted me to do the work and then told me personally that he left me a tool in the front seat. He said all his tools just sit now because he can’t get down on the ground anymore or anything like that. A free tool is a free tool lol. Especially when it’s Snap-on. This is the old logo Snap-on on the driver too. My coworkers were jealous as heck. They are like you have been getting a lot of free tools and stuff lately. He told me if he finds anymore stuff he doesn’t need or thinks I’d like to have that he would bring it by.
 
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ChefRex

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BlakeTheCarGuy said:
E0F3B50B-38C1-4067-945D-D34752E6D528.jpegC6A9ED40-66A9-443B-8C5D-9F97A0132AD2.jpeg
I got this set today. For free actually. We have a close family friend who was a diesel mechanic in the 80s and 90s and this was one of his tools. He stopped by my dealership today with his Tacoma and needed some work done. He told the service advisor he wanted me to do the work and then told me personally that he left me a tool in the front seat. He said all his tools just sit now because he can’t get down on the ground anymore or anything like that. A free tool is a free tool lol. Especially when it’s Snap-on. This is the old logo Snap-on on the driver too. My coworkers were jealous as heck. They are like you have been getting a lot of free tools and stuff lately. He told me if he finds anymore stuff he doesn’t need or thinks I’d like to have that he would bring it by.
Click to expand...
Good things come to good people.
 
Z

zmotorsports

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Northern Utah
BlakeTheCarGuy said:
E0F3B50B-38C1-4067-945D-D34752E6D528.jpegC6A9ED40-66A9-443B-8C5D-9F97A0132AD2.jpeg
I got this set today. For free actually. We have a close family friend who was a diesel mechanic in the 80s and 90s and this was one of his tools. He stopped by my dealership today with his Tacoma and needed some work done. He told the service advisor he wanted me to do the work and then told me personally that he left me a tool in the front seat. He said all his tools just sit now because he can’t get down on the ground anymore or anything like that. A free tool is a free tool lol. Especially when it’s Snap-on. This is the old logo Snap-on on the driver too. My coworkers were jealous as heck. They are like you have been getting a lot of free tools and stuff lately. He told me if he finds anymore stuff he doesn’t need or thinks I’d like to have that he would bring it by.
Click to expand...

You will like that bushing driver set. I've had mine for 30 years or so and really like it. I don't use it as much these days as I did when spinning wrenches in an industrial environment but I still use it and it has held up exceptionally. It has pushed a metric ****-ton of bushings and shows little wear.
 
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