Trans oil change

[wingnut6999]

My 73 sb had been sitting since 85, except for an occasional drive. After several months of tinkering I decided to drive Penny to work. I noticed a bit of a whirring noise that sounds like the transmission. I've decided to drain and change the Trans oil. My question how much should I purchase and anything I need to know.

[gt1953]

Hello
first obtain the proper tool to remove the fill and drain plug.
second remove the fill plug first
third remove the drain plug
drain it.
let it drain for a good 1/2 hr
install drain plug
The quantity needed is about 2.5 quarts. Basically you fill it until it does not take any more. It will drip out. put the fill plag back in.
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[wingnut6999]

Thanks. I have the tool. didnt know how much or how long to let it drain.

[Zundfolge1432]

What is the proper tool? Is it a upper engine bolt right side with two 17mm jammed together(poor boy choice) or 17mm socket with an extension to clear the frame rail?. Or is it a snap on tool which was specifically designed for this purpose? Should he use 80w90 convention oil or perhaps a nice synthetic ? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Randy in Maine]

I use a gizmo sort of like this that I think I bought at NAPA when Nixon was president....I like the 1/2" drive as sometimes you need some grunt to get it open. ALWAYS do the fill plug before you do the drain plug. ALWAYS.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Titan-15617-17-mm-1-2-Drive-Hex-Bit-Socket-New-Free-Shipping-/361215165954

[60ragtop]

[mondshine]

Despite the enema jokes, I do mine like this:

Some neoprene hose and a funnel sure beats those pump bottles.

Draining and filling works better if the oil is a little warm.

[awreed]

Here's what the tool looks like:

I've always used the pumps; very easy and you are able to use the exact amount of gear oil with minimal loss to the ground. Just pump a little slower as you near the end, and as soon as it starts dripping out replace the plug.

[Cusser]

I have the 17mm allen tool that goes on the ratchet wrench, and I also have a 17mm allen wrench, which I use with a 17mm box on it an inch from the drain and fill plug. Loosen/remove the fill plug FIRST.

I also use a little pump that fits on the Valvoline gear oil bottles, and have a little curved copper tube in the end of the plastic hose of that, so I hook that into the fill hole, and then pump away. Like sex, you'll know when you're done !!!.
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[wingnut6999]

Thanks all for the great info. I'll spray both plugs tonite with deep creep (seafoams penetrating oil) and hope to do the oil change tomorrow evening. Then on to the next problem. Hot engine :l

[runamoc]

[Clara]

I like to make sure I have the oil on hand before draining the old oil.
I also like to drain the oil *after* driving the car. Then it's warm, which drains faster and it's stirred up so less stuff is left behind.

Myself, I haven't had a problem undoing the fill plug. YMMV.
You do want to make sure the drain plug is back in before filling the tranny, though, of course.

Gear oil change is part of the 3 year/ 30K miles service. But should I bother at 3 years if I only drove ~3K miles? Used to be gear oil was $12 a gallon. Not saying I want to cheap out on it, but do I want to pour $35 away?
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[Cusser]

[vwracerdave]

On a street car I use Valvoline Durablend 80W-90 semi-synthetic in the Blue bottle.

When you install the plugs factory torque spec is only 14 Ft/Lb. You can put Teflon tape on the plug if you want. The plug with the magnet goes on the bottom.
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[vwracerdave]

[Bruce]

[kamesama980]

Even if you buy the good $10/qt stuff, it's only needed every few YEARS. I roughhouse my bug (autocross and "spirited" street driving, change the fluids yearly, and still put the good stuff in. Not like it takes 3 gallons like a slushbox.


Not pointing at you in particular since I've seen far worse examples but it's crazy how people nickel and dime maintenance and safety while blowing money on stupid stuff.
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"You don't get to blame me for how I fix what you break"
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[Cusser]