In most cases it's 4mm hex for the torque converter and pan drain plugs, 8mm socket or wrench for cover panels.

Ramps will do fine.

Paint a line on the crank pulley visible from above when the torque converter plug is at its lowest. Next time you change fluid, you can turn the engine from above to locate the drain plug.

How about Mobil 1 ATF instead of additives?

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0

I've always been cautioned about synthetics in older cars because of seal issues. How do you think Mobile 1 would benefit me and the issues my Benz is having?

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1993 300D 2.5 Turbo Diesel - 201k miles

Mobil 1 is fine, I've changed cars over when new, when 245,000miles, and anywhere in between and I've never (sound of knocking on wood) had an ATF leak.

It's an old rumor, had to do with the chemistry of synthetics in the '70s, long since changed. The official word from M-B back when I was getting the magazine was use synthetics, if it leaked already it might leak more with a fluid that doesn't get thick when cold, so switch it back if you don't like the leak.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

I haven't had leak problems switching 3 high miles 722 transmissions to Mobil 1. YMMV. Shifts feel a little smoother and definitely more consistent throughout the fluid temperature span. Smoothness could just be new fluid but I didn't notice the consistency improvement when changing non-syhtetic ATF with non-synthetic ATF.

My basic point though is what is your confidence that Lubegard will not do more harm than good.

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0

I guess I can't know either way until I try.

Do you know of issues it has a history of causing?

I do know that Lubegard Red is spoken highly of and its my understanding many car makers endorse its use.

I did see that Wal-Mart had Mobil 1 ATF for a little under $6 a qt, that's much cheaper then I thought it might be. I'm still open to using it if I truly understand it's benefits over the Pennzoil High Mileage ATF. I'm looking to have something help my tired old seals and I'm told the thicker High Mileage stuff will help.

Again I have no personal experience in this all.

Paul

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1993 300D 2.5 Turbo Diesel - 201k miles

Do you guys torque the drain plugs for the pan and the torque converter?

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1993 300D 2.5 Turbo Diesel - 201k miles

Might be a green question but are the hex that are needed male or female?

Paul

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1993 300D 2.5 Turbo Diesel - 201k miles

Male (aka Allen wrench.) The plug is female.

Good! Then I'm geared up and ready to go on the ATF change later this week.

Paul

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1993 300D 2.5 Turbo Diesel - 201k miles