PITA tranny pan drain

853 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by chizzle1, Dec 12, 2005

chizzle1

Discussion Starter · Dec 9, 2005

This is so typical of what happens to me when trying to do a simple upgrade:

I purchased a SunPro temp gage for use in the tranny. Gage comes with 1/2" NPT fitting and about a 2" sensor on the end. It is the mechanical type, no wires, just hardline to the sensor (seem to be more accurate than the 1 wire setup).
Well, I ordered a B&M drainplug kit ($9), and it arrived the next day. I don't know what kind of fluid that thing is supposed to drain, but the opening is the size of a #2 pencil. So needless to say, that wasn't going to work for mounting the temp sensor. I took it back. :wall:

I went to the hardware store and fabbed up a tapered threaded fitting, complete with star collars and rubber seal for about $4.
The fitting I used required a 7/8" hole...aparrently this is condiered 'large' due to the fact that no one around here carries a drill bit that size (home depot, sears, ace hardware). :cuss:
So I will end up taking the truck down to the shop and use a press to machine the opening into the pan.
I am hoping it will fit in the mill in such a way to secure it because I am machining the hole in the side of the pan (to prevent the sensor from interfering with the tranny).
I am hoping I can get this done, I am about ready to take a plasma cutter & torch to it.

If I get this done I am not messing with anything else until it warms up. It's -7 right now. I am hoping to God that they have the heaters on at the shop or the tools are going to be freezing.

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steved

· #2 · Dec 9, 2005

You aren't using plastic fittings are you...ATF affects some plastics in a bad way...

All of the electric sending units use a 1/8" NPT thread...the B&M plug trick works for those...

steved

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dodgethis12

· #3 · Dec 9, 2005

Use a 7/8" hole saw....you can get one of those easily. It will last long enough to drill the sheetmetal pan....most of them are rated for thin metal anyways.

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chizzle1

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 9, 2005

no it's a brass fitting that came with the temp gage. I am using metal box collars on each side to brace it, and a rubber washer on the outside of the pan.

I didn't think about a hole saw, thought they were only for wood. I'll see if I can pick one up on the way to the shop.
thanks for the idea.
:bigthumb:

edit: If I am going on the side, which side has the most clearance (inside the pan). The sensor will intrude about 2-3 inches.

thanks.

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JustRamIt

· #5 · Dec 9, 2005

tractor supply (TSC) has them all the way up to 1 inch :bigthumb:

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chizzle1

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 9, 2005

thanks, If there was one around here I would have check there.

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chizzle1

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 9, 2005

ok, found a hole saw set for a 3/8 inch drill that i can rent for $5.
will take the DeWalt cordless and get it drilled.

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motobum

· #8 · Dec 9, 2005

I'd use a step drill bit. A lot cleaner hole than a hole saw and is made for thinner metal drilling.

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BR

· #9 · Dec 10, 2005

:withstupid: buy a step bit, or unibit. they are awesome, do a much cleaner hole, will take a lot less time, and will do it over and over again. they are very hard, don't drop it. they are pricey though. but they are worth it.

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chizzle1

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 12, 2005

thanks for the pointers....didn't end up using the hole saw. Took it to the shop and used some clamps and a drill press in the machine shop. A friend did it for free.
Used 2 o rings, 2 washers, and the fitting. No leaks, looks decent, and it's up out of the way.
On the front driver's side corner of the tranny pan. Directly opposite the dipstick.

Not too much material on the magnet considering I have done massive amounts of towing, including a 3500 lbs trailer from Fort Hood to Fort Riley.

So far my tranny has stayed between 120 to 140 (city).
Sound normal?

will post pics the next time i get underneath it.

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