Is all ATF +4 synthetic?

[add|ct]

Originally Posted by theholycow

There is an inexpensive electric pump that can do that job. However, is it possible to install a drain plug?

Also, I don't know if it's appropriate to exercise my level of paranoia and superstition.

I don't know about superstitions, but paranoia is right up my ally.

No, but seriously, I do believe a drain plug install is possible, though I'd like to do some research.

I'll update on when I do the swap and sub-sequent services w/ results.

[Jay2TheRescue]

If you go to a performance shop I'm pretty sure you can get a transmission oil pan with a drain plug in it, but I don't imagine it would be cheap.

[101mpg]

You can totally use the electric pump to siphon out through the dipstick. This will not replace the filter, etc. When I was typing my reply you were posting your full fluid method. That WILL work as indicated. Do the procedure posted on allpar - follow to the letter and it will work, changing the filter at the same time. Odds are your tranny issues will go away when you do this.

[theholycow]

I was thinking that a drain plug can be installed by drilling a regular pan and either tapping it or welding/epoxying a nut on the other side.

[add|ct]

Originally Posted by theholycow

I was thinking that a drain plug can be installed by drilling a regular pan and either tapping it or welding/epoxying a nut on the other side.

I've seen kits for that, I believe. That'd be worth it to just drain fluid from the pan at any said interval.

[theholycow]

Even if you don't intend to drain-fill regularly, a drain bolt beats taking an ATF shower by dropping the pan. Whoever thought it was a good idea to not provide a drain bolt on automatics should be drug out into the street and shot.

[Jay2TheRescue]

By making regular maintenance either difficult (no drain plug) or expensive (Dealer or other service shop) they expect you to either pay to have it serviced, or just drive it into the ground and buy a new one.

[bowtieguy]

Originally Posted by add|ct

By the way, should I worry about applying any RTV sealant or any type of liquid sealant when re-installing the pan w/ new gasket?

JUST a little(a few dabs) to hold it on the pan(unless you have a hard plastic one). it burns me to see someone skip a gasket and apply only sealant. takes a lot of scraping when a gasket makes a better seal and is less time consuming!

[Jay2TheRescue]

I actually don't use RTV anymore... I just put a thin film of wheel bearing grease to stick the gasket down. Changing the gasket is a breeze, it just peels off, wipe off the old grease with a paper towel, and you're ready to go.

[add|ct]

Sweet. I'm going to get the Wix kit from O'Reilly now and hopefully they don't mind me not buying the Fel-Pro since it only had to come from their warehouse. =P

Thanks again guys. Will update when I do this project on the results, process. I'm going to be following the steps listed above from the other site.