This isn't right

[KINNEY201]

I bought a used 97 Ford Explorer XLT V8 5.0 and am now finding several strange things.

I was under the truck looking for something else and found this open?

It's between the oil pan and transmission pan. What is this pan called?

I'm sure it's not suppose to be open like this where you can see the gears inside. Can I just buy a replacement plug/cap at the parts store? Is there suppose to be fluid in here?

Excuse my ignorance, I only know the basic stuff.

(I know the picture is close up, but I couldn't get any further back, plus the forum only allows 800x600 pics)

Thanks.

 

[techieman33]

It looks like it could be the plug that allows you to drain the torque converter and you will probably have to go to a junkyard to get one. I'm not sure if you've lost any fluid or not, hopefully someone with more knowledge than I will come along and let you know.

 

[fixxxer]

That is your flywheel I believe. There may have been a rubber plug acting as a dust shield there that over the years, may have been just left off during some kind of service or might have had the rubber deteriorate and fall out. I do not think there was ever any fluid on there. If you see fluid dripping out, you could have a blown seal causing transmission fluid to collect in there. That would then be a real bad sign.

 

[KINNEY201]

So.......it's either the torque converter or flywheel case? How do I know for sure?

I just want to know what part I'm looking for.

Also, I see no fluid. I even stuck my finger inside. Nothing.

 

[corkey]

it is just a drain hole,, no biggie,,

 

[KINNEY201]

it is just a drain hole,, no biggie,,

Drain hole for what?

Then shouldn't there be something in it?

 

[corkey]

there is a cavity up there that has the torque converter in it, it is the link from the flywheel to the transmission, it is all sealed with rubber seals , like the rear main seal, and the front trans seal, if you look , that is also open where the starter also engages that gear you can see, so with there being a small space by the starter ,if water gets in there it has to drain,, out through the hole you see at the lowest point of the bellhousing,,

 

[KINNEY201]

there is a cavity up there that has the torque converter in it, it is the link from the flywheel to the transmission, it is all sealed with rubber seals , like the rear main seal, and the front trans seal, if you look , that is also open where the starter also engages that gear you can see, so with there being a small space by the starter ,if water gets in there it has to drain,, out through the hole you see at the lowest point of the bellhousing,,

I got it. Thanks for explaining.

So if I were to go to the salvage yard and ask for a replacement, what exactly would I ask for? Flywheel plug/cover???

I understand it's no biggie, but my wife wants it back.

Thanks.

 

[corkey]

i think they might not have one exactly in stock, but still have them,, it is just a rubber push in plug that goes in the hole,,
i kind of doubt unless they let you go out in the yard yourself they would spend the time to get one,, is there a pick and pull yard near you ?

that may be the best way to get one, aside from ordering it from the local dealership,i guess you would call it the flywheel cover plug , or bellhousing drain plug,,

 

[KINNEY201]

i think they might not have one exactly in stock, but still have them,, it is just a rubber push in plug that goes in the hole,,
i kind of doubt unless they let you go out in the yard yourself they would spend the time to get one,, is there a pick and pull yard near you ?

that may be the best way to get one, aside from ordering it from the local dealership,i guess you would call it the flywheel cover plug , or bellhousing drain plug,,

Thanks very much for your help. This answered my question. I Googled "bellhousing drain plug" and it's exactly what i need. I do have a pull it yourself salvage yard nearby and will go there to get one.

Can you possibly answer my post on my vacuum hose issue?

 

[corkey]

i am sorry, i looked but cannot help much, i do not have a 5.0 l to look at, i just have a 4.0,, it is way different,,

 

[KINNEY201]

i am sorry, i looked but cannot help much, i do not have a 5.0 l to look at, i just have a 4.0,, it is way different,,

No problem! Thanks anyway, you solved my other issue!

 

[IAmTodd]

Here's the little bugger. Just a dust cover for the bell housing.

 

[KINNEY201]

That's it exactly! Thanks for the pic!

 

[Turdle]

I think it is called " inspection hole cover"

 

[SoNic67]

That's the hole that allows access to the toque converter drain plug. That plug is rotating with the converter so it might not be visible until you turn by hand the engine.
And yes, the rubber plug is needed, otherwise the road crud can get on that starter ring-gear.

A similar setup, but with the bell housing removed:

 

[koda2000]

zombie post from 2009

 

[Turdle]

zombie post from 2009

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