how do i turn the crankshaft
 

Okay, i'm a novice at this mechanic thing. I'm trying to change my transmission fluid, and the instructions tell me to turn the crankshaft in order to release a drain plug. pardon my ignorance, but how do i do this?

most folks
 

use a big socket on the crank bolt. at the front of the motor. i think it is 27 mm. usually.

tom w

turn crank
 

As t wagalmuth knows but just forgot to tell you, only turn the crank in the direction of rotation (clock-wise).

tranny fluid and filter change complete! Thanks, guys.

Sebren
 

How tough a job was that fluid change...I am thinking about climbing under mine...but I am getting chicken-itis....I have heard its a messy job...

Its a finger messy job assuming you have a good pan and the proper tools.

Nothing more.

Now when you do it out in the rain, the car isn't high enough, and you can't get under the tranny without getting your hair in floor sweep from the recent engine swap...thats another story ;)

the job really wasn't that bad. the hardest part was disconnecting/reconnecting the filler pipe, and I'm not sure that was even necessary since only a few drops of fluid trickled out of it. I did get pretty messy, but this was mostly because i was laying on gravel and dirt and the catch basin i was using is kinda small. i recommend one of those big wide ones.

You don't need to do the filler pipe, just the pan+filter and torque converter are plenty. I did mine about 2.5 weeks ago and went to Mobil 1 Synthetic, coupled with fixing my leaky vacuum system is has made it drive like a whole new car, shifts ever so perfectly, at 231k!! I have positive views that this tranny will make it to 300k and beyond based on how well it works. The dealer redid the seals on it (ALL of them) 1.5 years ago, and said it was in great shape inside with very little wear. :D

Turning engine
 

I'm putting a rebuilt auto transmission in my 80 300TD, and having good results turning the engine with a socket wrench on the power steering pulley. It's easy to reach and works fine.

Some people will debate doing it with the power steering pump, something about overtightning the nut I believe. I myself did it this way when I did my valves a couple of weeks ago and it works great, as long as your belt is tight to spec. I suppose you could also "bump" the starter.

I hadn't thought of that detail (overtightening nut on power steering pulley). I didn't notice it getting tighter, and I felt I had better control than using the starter.

27mm deep socket + ratchet (or breaker bar) is the only way to fly :)

I have the 27 mm deep socket from pulling my injectors and a variety of 1/2 extensions down to about two inches. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get the socket on the crank w/o removing the fan shroud and/or radiator. I'd prefer to do it this way if someone would tell me how to do it.

Now this is the problem I had some time ago. Looking forward to an explanation.

wierd...i thought the nut was fairly easy to access from underneath. it may be helpful to first put the socket on the nut and then attach the rachet.