best way to change transmission oil?

[MeloYelo]

I'm curious how others go about checking/changing their tranny oil ('73 911) when the car must be kept on a level surface, yet the plugs are underneath the car...usually any work I do underneath is done with the help of a jack or a pair of ramps being that the car is so close to the ground- both of which elevate the car up left/right/front/back...any suggestions for a quick drain and refill of the transmission oil w/o the use of a lift?

Thanks,
MY

[dentist90]

I jacked mine up on the tranny plug side, took the rear wheel off, unscrewed the fill and drain plugs (in that order) and let the old fluid start to come out. I then lowered the car back to level with the floor jack (no jackstands used) so all the old oil could flow out. Inspect the plug if it's magnetic for metal filings. Expect some, but if the drain plug has a big hairy 'fro you may want to check into it further. I put the drain plug back in and began to refill (about 3L ), still level. When it's full, jack it up some more again, put the fill plug back in, wheel back on and you're done.
Of course make sure you take the car for a 10min drive before you drain to get the tranny fluid warmed up. Flows out faster.

[Kraftwerk]

I would make that a 20 min drive at least, using all gears including reverse.
It also helps to heat up the new oil by placing the container in a kettle of hot water so it flows faster or placing it in the hot sun for a few hours.
Do a search there is a lot of information on this.
As for elevating the car and keeping it level you will need four jack stands...

[HarryD]

This is how I did it:

http://members.rennlist.com/harryd/Trannyoil-Change.htm

[snbush67]

Harry thats cool, I speant an hour with a hand pump. I could have used your technique and saved a bunch of time. I guess that college funnel came in handy.

[gpm0414]

I just did a gear box oil change this past weekend. What worked for me was to get the garage ready with drain pan, tools, oil and pump; and then take the car for a 20 mile drive with numerous gear changes. When I got back I jacked up the car and put it on four stands to get it level. I first removed the filler plug and then then the drain. Be careful the oil will be hot and flow quickly when the plug is removed. Clean the drain plug(s) and refill with Swepco 201. An easy project that you can check off your list and your transmission will thank you.

[livi]

Not to be the DevilŽs attorney but, yes its real easy in theory - can be a bloody nuisance in practice.

Not uncommon for the PO to have muscled in the plugs, that further more could be a bit rounded out - tool slipping. Filler plug located in a cramped area. A buggery job to refill that thick, oily liquid that seems to adhere to everything. Although it has a very nice color (Swepco 201).

And all that when you have to resort to lying on a cold cement floor with just enough room to crawl under.

Well, that was my experience at least. But, the more trouble you have to overcome - the more satisfaction you feel when done ! And I am sure not every lube change has to be funky as mine was.

[jevvy]

probably the biggest tip is to remove the fill plug before the drain plug so you dont get stranded, this was already mentione d by "gpm0414"

[Kroggers]

Hay Markus, can you PM me the link to where you got the Swepco from in Sweden please??

[red83911]

I made use of some heavy wooden pallets at work, drove the car on with short ramp. This gave enough room to get at fill & drain plugs. Used a 500ml syringe which worked well even at 4'c.

[livi]

I will try and find it for you, Pål.

[Kroggers]

Thank you my friend...

[livi]

You have a PM, Pål. (I hope)

[greglepore]

Get a funnel from walmart w/ a handle-you can hang this from the side of a stepladder or similar, and hoseclamp the 5/8's hose to it-may need a short piece of 3/4 or something to adapt. I'd wire the tranny end in place. Its slow, but it works. I tried the "10 psi of air" in the Swepco jug method without sucess, but others here have used it.

[HarryD]

Originally posted by greglepore
Get a funnel from walmart w/ a handle-you can hang this from the side of a stepladder or similar, and hoseclamp the 5/8's hose to it-may need a short piece of 3/4 or something to adapt. I'd wire the tranny end in place. Its slow, but it works. I tried the "10 psi of air" in the Swepco jug method without sucess, but others here have used it.

jadams1 did this:



Looks like a great way to me.

[Kroggers]

Probably a dumb question, but I will do this job either this weekend or next. Is there a copper gasket on the fill and drain plugs like on the engine oil plugs?

[Sunroof]

Save the mess.......here's what you do.

Any Jiffy Lube, Quaker State, Valvoline Oil Change, etc, place in anywhere USA will change your tranny fluid, providing you bring them a transfer pump (cheap at Pep-Boys and it screws right on the Swepco container), a 17 mm allen wrench for the plugs and the Swepco.

It has never failed that I could drive my 73.5T over to one of these places, pay the $10-$15 in labor and even get into the well with the guys who love nothing more then to take on a Porsche. Lets you check the bottom of the car too.

The best thing to do is to drive over on a sunday morning or late in the day and inquire about changing the fluid with the assurance you will provide the stuff to do it. Explain its two simple drain and fill plugs and I guarantee that they will set you up, maybe recommending very early in the morning or when the place is not too busy and you'll pay a cheap labor charge.

Go for it.......

Bob

[Kroggers]

I like the mess - give me more Owner to bellowed 911 bonding time
Anyway, here in Sweden most large petrol stations have DIY service facilities (for a very good price). You just drive in and onto a spare ramp. Lift up the car, and they have all the oil drain stuff available there.
I should get my delivery of 201 end of this week, and then me and my SC will drive up to my local DIY service-station for some mess
But do I need to get gaskets for the drain plug or not???

[Sunroof]

Forgot you were in Sweden....That changes things does'nt it as far as Jiffy Lube goes?

I believe their are washers on those plugs, but if you cannot find any just flip them over and they will do fine.

A good idea is to double flush if you can. Drain til the last drop. Replace the drain plug (tighten by hand), add a cup or two of tranny fluid and drain again. That gets the residual stuff on the bottom out.

The bottom plug should be magnetic and a q-tip is a good way to clean any metal shavings off. If you have a ton of metal clinging you may have some issues!!!!

Be safe!!!!!!!!!!

Bob

[Kroggers]

Thank you Bob. Do you know what size the washers are on the plugs, and are they copper - can I use the same ones as on the engine oil drain plug?
I am getting 1 gallon of 201, how much does the tranny take? If it is less, then I will try the flush suggestion with some spare 201 as well