Removing a Stripped Trans. Drain Plug - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

777funk · #1 07-17-2008, 04:00 PM

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?

tangofox007 · #2 07-17-2008, 04:40 PM

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.

777funk · #3 07-17-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

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.

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.

Diesel911 · #4 07-19-2008, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 777funk

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.

Yes the trans fluid says very clean I guess it is possible to reuse the filter. I would like to comment that unlike on many old American cars where the automatic transmission filter is only a fine screen the Mercedes filter actually has a filter element in it.

777funk · #5 07-20-2008, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

Yes the trans fluid says very clean I guess it is possible to reuse the filter. I would like to comment that unlike on many old American cars where the automatic transmission filter is only a fine screen the Mercedes filter actually has a filter element in it.

I'd be willing to bet that makes a difference in how often it needs to be changed. I guess MB isn't kidding about the 30k interval of changing the filter. A screen would take longer to plug than a true filter.

Probably part of why our transmissions usually last longer than the American cars. I'd bet the low HP of our diesels helps as well. I've got a 6.2L Diesel Suburban with 260k on the clock and the trans is flawless. Speaking of No Power! Now that's a slow ride! I'd bet it'll beat a 240 in the 1/4 mile but not by a long-shot!

Cervan · #6 07-20-2008, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 777funk

I'd be willing to bet that makes a difference in how often it needs to be changed. I guess MB isn't kidding about the 30k interval of changing the filter. A screen would take longer to plug than a true filter.

Probably part of why our transmissions usually last longer than the American cars. I'd bet the low HP of our diesels helps as well. I've got a 6.2L Diesel Suburban with 260k on the clock and the trans is flawless. Speaking of No Power! Now that's a slow ride! I'd bet it'll beat a 240 in the 1/4 mile but not by a long-shot!

i dont think its the HP i would be worried about, weve got more torque than most v8's.

sixto · #7 07-17-2008, 04:48 PM

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

Sixto
87 300D

777funk · #8 07-17-2008, 05:24 PM

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

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

Sixto
87 300D

Jeremy5848 · #9 07-17-2008, 05:29 PM

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.

TMAllison · #10 07-17-2008, 05:31 PM

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

777funk · #11 07-17-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

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?

Lexxani · #12 07-17-2008, 06:20 PM

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. .

NoSparkNeeded · #13 07-17-2008, 06:33 PM

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

. But most folks don't have that option.

bgkast · #14 07-19-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 777funk

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?

I have a $100 harbor freight special. It's 110V and uses flux core wire. It's not the best welder I have used, but it gets the job done.

Cervan · #15 07-20-2008, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

I have a $100 harbor freight special. It's 110V and uses flux core wire. It's not the best welder I have used, but it gets the job done.

ive used some really nice tig/wirefeed/stick all in one miller machines, but i gota say the smaller little hobart or miller machines are alot of fun to tack and run small beads on sheetmetal and stuff. like if you needed to weld a bolt onto a stripped drain plug, or if you wanted to weld up a block with a hole in it, or fix your broken throttle linkage.