Torque converter drain plug.

Naumann · 06-03-2012, 12:15 AM

[SIIZE="4"][/SIZE] I just joined. I'm in the process of changing the transmission fluid in my '91 Ranger 4.0. I got the pan drained, but now I have to drain the torque converter. I can't find the drain plug on it. I pulled the starter and used a screwdriver to rotate the flywheel, but the plug isn't there. Do any of you know where the plug might be located on this transmission? The manual says there is an access plate on the lower left hand side, but I can't find it.

Thanks in advance.

Naumann

*rhauf* · 06-03-2012, 12:25 AM

you know come to think of it, i don't recall ever seeing a drain plug on a4ld torque converters... looks like you'll just have to turn a blind eye to the fluid trapped in the converter.

*arco777* · 06-03-2012, 02:42 PM

Welcome to the forum!

There may not be a drain plug. I seem to recall talk of Ford "cheaping out" and not adding a drain plug to these TCs.

You could do a complete trans flush, or just change the fluid in the pan a couple times and call it good.

*rhauf* · 06-03-2012, 08:02 PM

or you could do it the really lazy way like i do... remove a trans cooling line (place end in bucket) start engine and let it run until the trans fluid all pumps out (but not any longer!)

works great and you don't have to drop the pan and get an ATF shower.

Naumann · 06-03-2012, 11:50 PM

rhauf:
I agree with you that there may not be a plug in the converter. Your suggestions for putting the hose in a bucket and running the engine sound good. However, my dilemma is knowing which line goes back to the transmission. Is it the top or bottom line? Do you know which line it is? Thanks!
Naumann

*wood1* · 06-04-2012, 01:32 AM

Top line on the transmission is the return, there is no drain plug on the converter.

I changed my fluid by letting it drain into a bucket and filled the pan through the dipstick tube as it pumped out the old fluid. I didn't let it run dry, didn't think that would be a good idea. Let it pump until it runs clean, adjust the level and you are good to go.

*rhauf* · 06-05-2012, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naumann

rhauf:
I agree with you that there may not be a plug in the converter. Your suggestions for putting the hose in a bucket and running the engine sound good. However, my dilemma is knowing which line goes back to the transmission. Is it the top or bottom line? Do you know which line it is? Thanks!
Naumann

yeah as wood said, top line returns to the trans.

so pull off the bottom line, put a short piece of old scrap garden hose over it and put the other end of the garden hose in the bucket. thats the easiest way.

remember almost all radiators pump the fluid from the bottom, to the top.

06-03-2012, 12:15 AM	#1
Naumann Wannabe Elite Explorer Chula Vista,CA. 91 Ranger 4.0 Auto Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 2 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Torque converter drain plug. [SIIZE="4"][/SIZE] I just joined. I'm in the process of changing the transmission fluid in my '91 Ranger 4.0. I got the pan drained, but now I have to drain the torque converter. I can't find the drain plug on it. I pulled the starter and used a screwdriver to rotate the flywheel, but the plug isn't there. Do any of you know where the plug might be located on this transmission? The manual says there is an access plate on the lower left hand side, but I can't find it. Thanks in advance. Naumann

06-03-2012, 12:25 AM	#2
rhauf Elite Explorer Ca '93 and '91 explorer Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,234 Vehicle Specs	you know come to think of it, i don't recall ever seeing a drain plug on a4ld torque converters... looks like you'll just have to turn a blind eye to the fluid trapped in the converter. __________________ Check out my Youtube page, many explorer and 4wheelin' videos http://www.youtube.com/user/rhauf1

06-03-2012, 02:42 PM	#3
arco777 Elite Explorer Anchorage, AK / Little Rock AFB, Arkansas 2x 1994 4x4 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,137 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to the forum! There may not be a drain plug. I seem to recall talk of Ford "cheaping out" and not adding a drain plug to these TCs. You could do a complete trans flush, or just change the fluid in the pan a couple times and call it good. __________________ -1994 Explorer 2DR 4x4 - EE swaybars/shocks, Optima Yellow Top, modified throttle body, exhaust, intake. Paxton supercharger on the workbench... -1994 Explorer 4DR 4x4 - exhaust, brush guard, modified throttle body, intake, 2" lift, 31.5" tires on 16" Sport Trac wheels. -1989 Taurus SHO -2008 Mustang GT Bullitt #5560 - Tuned

06-03-2012, 08:02 PM	#4
rhauf Elite Explorer Ca '93 and '91 explorer Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,234 Vehicle Specs	or you could do it the really lazy way like i do... remove a trans cooling line (place end in bucket) start engine and let it run until the trans fluid all pumps out (but not any longer!) works great and you don't have to drop the pan and get an ATF shower. __________________ Check out my Youtube page, many explorer and 4wheelin' videos http://www.youtube.com/user/rhauf1

06-04-2012, 01:32 AM	#6
wood1 Elite Explorer North of Ottawa '93 XLT, Cayman Green RIP Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 3,042 Vehicle Specs	Top line on the transmission is the return, there is no drain plug on the converter. I changed my fluid by letting it drain into a bucket and filled the pan through the dipstick tube as it pumped out the old fluid. I didn't let it run dry, didn't think that would be a good idea. Let it pump until it runs clean, adjust the level and you are good to go. __________________ Ribs. I had ribs for lunch, that's why I'm doing this. List of useful TTB Threads

06-03-2012, 11:50 PM	#5
Naumann Wannabe Elite Explorer Chula Vista,CA. 91 Ranger 4.0 Auto Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 2 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	rhauf: I agree with you that there may not be a plug in the converter. Your suggestions for putting the hose in a bucket and running the engine sound good. However, my dilemma is knowing which line goes back to the transmission. Is it the top or bottom line? Do you know which line it is? Thanks! Naumann

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