PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - What is the best way get to the drain plug of torque convertor?

dmorrison · #2 04-16-2003, 11:47 PM

I know some people and I think the Haynes manual talk about using the screwdriver. I would not do that.
Use a 27m socket on the crank shaft bolt. Turn the engine clockwise as you are facing the engine from the front of the car.
You can fit a socket, ratchet and the correct lenght extension into the crank bolt from below. Just between the fan shroud and the crank shaft bell housing It has to be the right lenght extension to do this. I don't know what lenght extension that is because I cut some 3/8 square steel stock to the size I need.
You can get under the car, once it is jacked up and placed on jack stands. Turn the crank shaft slightly, look at the torque converter. turn it some more and keep checking until it is visible. Am assistant woulld be helpful.
To remove the drain plug it is a 5 mm allen wrench. The same for the transmission drain plug. Caution. Be carefull undoing the drain plug. You can strip the allen section and then it will not come out. Put some torque on it but don't put to much muscle into it. If it does not want to budge here are 2 recommendations.
1. the transmission fluid should be warm. Have you driven the car to warm it up? Fluid will be hot but the drain will come out easier if the assembly is warm.
2. If you want to do it cold apply a torch to the drain plug for a few seconds to warm it up. That will help release the drain plug. Don't ask how I know. New washers on both drains and the correct amount of fluid should have you going.

This is a great site. Thomas has not done a tranny fluid change yet.

Dave