Why in God's name did they make that thing a tiny little 5mm allen screw?! Anyway, I'm going to try the hammer and chisel method next, but wanted to ask a question first. I PM'd someone about this who thought the plug thread might be a reverse thread. Can anyone verify whether or not the thread is reversed? I was trying to get it off counter-clockwise as though it was a normal thread.

Another question: If I decide to blow off the TC draining, is it okay if I mix standard Dex/Merc V fluid with a synthetic fluid like Mobil 1. I think the fluid I have in there now is Valvoline Max Life, which is compatible with Dex/Merc V. And the fluid I bought to refill with is Mobil 1 synthetic.

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1987 Mercedes 300D ~200K (Greasecar & Biodiesel)
1993 Ford F-250 7.3 IDI diesel 165K (Biodiesel)
1996 Thomas/International Bus with DT466 engine

The fluids are compatible.

The plug is a normal right-hand thread.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

CAVEAT - I've done this successfully on GM, Mopar and Toyota transmissions. I don't know if it works on MB transmissions.

If you can't get the TC plug out or if there is a risk of not being able to get it back in place, flush the fluid with the engine idling. Disconnect the transmission cooler return line at the radiator, start the engine, pour fresh fluid through the dipstick tube as dirty fluid is purged from the cooler line. Keep going until clean fluid comes through. Do this after replacing the filter.

Sixto
87 300D

Thanks for the ideas. I just installed the new filter and put the pan back on. I'm going to take a break from this for a while and mull it over. My filter was crusted with crap, the pan had sludge and lots of particles, the fluid was dark and murky. Not good. I'd really like to get that nasty fluid out of the torque converter. I may go so far as to drill out the screw and replace it with one that has a hex head instead of that ridiculous 5mm allen head.

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1987 Mercedes 300D ~200K (Greasecar & Biodiesel)
1993 Ford F-250 7.3 IDI diesel 165K (Biodiesel)
1996 Thomas/International Bus with DT466 engine

I've had great luck using left hand drill bits. The damaged item using comes out before I get a hole big enough to insert an extractor.

A RH bit may just make it tighter or drop it on the other side.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html

Is there room to try one of those external type Ez-outs? I believe at leat 2 Members have said the used them on Allen Head bolts.
I bought a set but have not had a chance to try them on anything yet.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I stripped a drain plug on the transmission pan of our project SD, so I grabbed the edges with vice grips and turned, broke it loose easily. Not sure if that tool would fit into the space by the torque converter....

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

You can try a Torx bit on the drain plug. Get a set so you can try different sizes. Get a new drain plug first and then have a go at it.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.