124 transmission fluid change/washers
 

i only change this every few years..can't remember...

i think the pan needs a crush washer..... does the torque converter drain bolt need a crush washer as well?

YES!
 

Both the Tranny pan drain bolt and the Torque Converter drain bolt have "Crush" washers.
FSM claims "One Time Use Only"

A member here says if they're COPPER they can be "Heat Annealed"
(MAP,LNG,Propane,or whatever you use to "Scorch" the Sugar on top of your
Flambe)
AND Re-Used.

I'm so far beyond "Cheap" that I'm in another Galaxy,and I'll "Spring" for a new
set of "Seals" as the FSM calls them.

it's wierd but they have 2 part numbers. they are the same size, so it doesn't matter which number you get, just get 2 of the same. good luck, chuck.

They come with a new filter.

i have had a filter for some time.... i must have misplaced the crush washers....i'll try a hardware store first.... go to the dealer if i have to.....

Whenever I get a transmission service kit it comes with a new filter, new pan gasket, one copper crush washer and one aluminum crush washer.

I assume the pan drain plug gets the copper washer and the torque converter drain plug gets the aluminum one. My reasoning here is the copper washer can withstand being loosened and retightened in case of overfilling, or perhaps it is because the aluminum washer is lighter and is more prudent on a rotating torque converter.

I have always wondered what was going on. I just use the copper one on the pan and the other one on the TC and have never had any problems.

Just buy a trans service kit and you will receive all you need to do the job, sans fluid of course.

Only the copper washers can be annealed with a torch, to expand or decompress the metal so it can be 're-crushed' as it were. They're so cheap I would buy new ones anyway. I only do this when I need a crush washer and cannot find one. I also lap them on a sheet of plate glass and 400 grit to make extra sure. I don't like leaks.

I just changed the transmission fluid on my friend's 98 ML320. I could not remove the pan drain plug. It was frozen solid with rust. I believe the dissimilar metals (copper/steel) exacerbated the situation. This was the first fluid change since the vehicle was new 13 years ago.

Of course it's not because of this.