Tranny 17mm bolts stripped. Now what?

[farleyd]

In an attempt to verify the tranny oil level, the big 17mm upper bolt just stripped on me. Question:

1) Is there any other way i can verify the tranny oil level?

2) What about the stripped bolt. Any solution? What material is that bolt? Can something, like a new allen male piece can be welded to the old one and try again?

Any solutions welcome.

www.farleydw.com/914.html

[D-one]

The 17mm plugs are deep mabye you need to get a small screw driver and clean out some gunk and try again.

[Rouser]

Are you sitting down? Answers you are not going to like:[list=1][*]Unless you can get Superman to do a quick fly-by and X-Ray your tranny, there's no way to tell the level externally; it's not like you can tap on it and tell (humm ...).
Normally, you pop the upper drain plug (which is now stripped) and stick your tongue in there to taste gear lube. Oh come on, it's not like you haven't wanted to.[*]To remove, have a 17mm nut (or bolt, or a piece of metal) spot-welded to the drain plug and wrench the sucker off. If enough material sticks out, you might be able to grab some edge with a pair of vice grips. I would pre-heat the area with a butane torch, taking care not to "ignite" some other problem.[/list=a]
Don't forget to buy some replacement drain plugs and tool.



------------------
Rouser!

[This message has been edited by Rouser (edited 09-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Rouser (edited 09-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Rouser (edited 09-24-2001).]

[farleyd]

Problem solved. A little heat -more than propane - got the two plugs out. While on it, i asked the mecanic to weld an Allen 17mm male connector on each plug. Making it easier to remove alter using a normal 17mm sockett. Worth the 20$ it costed me.

Finally there was enough tranny oil, but i wanted to be sure. I am now with fresh hypoid. Just tried it today, works smooth and fine. Thanks to all.