How do I empty my torque converter?

[97Expyguy]

I'm trying to do a complete ATF change on my Expy with the E4OD tranny. I've heard that the torque converter has a drain plug on it, but, how do I find it? I see there is a little plug covering a 1/2 dollar sized hole, but what do I have to do, just keep turning it over till I find it? Thanks Tom

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[TexfordD]

your correct, have some one hand turn the engine and youll see it come around,then just undo the plug and let her drain. now its gonna take a while for all of it to come out so take your time. when you go to refill your trannie fill it to just above the full mark on the stick and start the engine for just a couple of seconds to pump the oil into the convertor and shut off and repeat until the level on the stick wont go up anymore then start the engine and leave it running shifting into foward and reverse and then check level,bringing it slowly up to the marks on the stick. take it around the block and then top it off.overfill it? take one of the lines off the cooling radiator and let it run down into a pan until you feel it shows the correct level. good luck

[97Expyguy]

[quote]Originally posted by TexfordD
[b]your correct, have some one hand turn the engine

OK, uhhh, how do you hand turn the engine?


Everything else seems easy enough.

Maybe I'll just have my wife bump the starter a few times?...
Thanks...

[Mark Kovalsky]

You can have your wife bump the starter, but that's usually the first step towards divorce court!

A socket on the bolt in the crank pully will do it, too. I think it is 23 or 24 mm.

Here is another way to change all the fluid:
http://www.ford-diesel.com/faq/1999f...ance-AutoT.htm

Mark

[p_ferlow]

http://members.shaw.ca/pferlow/transmission_oil.htm

[DanB 360]

when you put your ratchet on the nut to turn the engine, make sure you have a 1/2" drive. You need a lot of torque to turn it. I tried it with a 3/8s and it wouldn't budge at all. If you have the Off Road package it's easier if you remove the skid plate to get to the nut.