Removing a Stripped Trans. Drain Plug
 

I'm not a mechanic, Just a wannabee who learns a thing or two when I'm stuck (here on this forum).

The drain plug I believe has a 5mm allen plug on it. Anyways, mine was stripped by the P.O. It was not me I promise. ;) Actually it really was stripped by someone who had the car before me.

Anyways, in the case of it being stripped out, what's the best way to get that thing out of there without the option of the allen wrench?

One option would be to forget about the plug. Plenty of transmission pans don't even have plugs. While the plug makes draining the transmission a little easier, it's certainly not essential. And you have to remove the pan anyway to get to the filter.

Can you get vice grips around the head of the plug?

Sixto
87 300D

May be possible, I'm pretty bad with a vise grips. I've never had much luck with them. Not sure why but 90% of the time I just smooth out what little I can usually grip with a Vise Grips. Although it has worked for me before.

One thing I've heard, not sure if it's true or crap, but I've read that trans filters last much longer than most people use them for before they're resistant or even close to being plugged.

So I figured every maybe 30k I'd change the fluid and every other fluid change I'll change the filter.

Another option would be to use a hammer and chisel to carefully tap around the outside of the plug. The chisel will bite into the edge and the blows from the hammer will rotate and loosen the plug. Tap a little, move to a new spot, tap some more until the plug begins to turn. You can do that with the pan attached to the transmission or remove the pan and clamp it to your workbench. It might be a little easier to work there.

If you weld you can tack a nut to the plug.

Oh how many times I wish I had a welder!

This is non MB related but what is a good basic purpose welder for a guy whose not trying to be a pro? Just a handy tool to have in the garage?

try this. . .

on my 107 the banjo bold that connects the transmission dipstick to the transmission pan is at the lowest point of the transmission assembly, you can drain the fluid out of this spot (19mm bolt) and refill through the dipstick. .

Vice grips
 

Yep first I'd try vice grips. If that doesn't work the chisel approach will.
I've used it countless times. There is a technique to it but you'll get it
quickly. I agree, now that I have a TIG I'd just tack a nut on there, 5 seconds and it would be off:D. But most folks don't have that option.

The chisel method is a good idea, as well as the vice grips, I've used both before to get them out.

His car has the 6-bolt pan 722.3 transmission. I think your SLC has the 4 bolt 722.1 (right?) trans where that banjo bolt you mention is actually the drain plug as well.

drop the pan if you cant get it out. Its wise to replace the trans pan gasket anyway

You could try a large sized easy-out, which fits into the allen recess.

or take it off and bring it to someone else- a machine shop or decent mechanic.

a hobart handler 140 is a nice US made unit.

or the 125- but watchout for the fluxcore- only unit. unless you want that. I like gas.

the licolns at home cheapo are imported.

millers are also nice, but generally more $$.

pawnshops are excellent places to pickup a welder cheeep. or Craigslist.

I accidentally stripped the plug on our project car's trans by turning it in the wrong direction, so I grabbed its lip with vice grips SUPER tight and turned it, worked well and came right off. I then got our spare from the parts inventory and put it on. :D (and have since ordered and inventoried another spare :D ;) ) Its nice having hundreds of extra parts available right at home. :D :D

If its really stripped ( and i mean bad where theres no going back) I suggest you take it to a welding shop and have them weld a bead on the inside of the plug, when it cools it will shrink the diameter of the plug and you will beable to easily remove it its an old trick i learned from my last job.