Leaking Fill Plug

[harriw]

Hey folks,

I topped off tranny fluid last weekend after replacing the shift rail plugs, and now it looks like I have a slow drip from the tranny fill plug (the mazda m50d in a '94). Is there supposed to be a plastic gasket/washer on the plug, or is it supposed to be just metal on metal (like mine currently is)?

How about the drain plug? I'm planning to drain and re-fill the whole thing next month, and am wondering about the drain plug too.

Thanks!

-Bill

 

[sfwjesse]

I just pulled the tranny from my 93 4.0, so I pulled these drain/fill plugs. Mine had washers, but they were metal. I assume they are a softer metal so they deform a little bit.

 

[Langdog]

Mine has a thin steel washer, but no plastic or rubber o-rings to speak of.

 

[racsan]

just a soft metal washer on mine. bottom plug has a magnet.

 

[AllanD]

the sealing ring that is supposed to be on there is aluminum

AD

 

[harriw]

Thanks guys - I'll see if I can find a new washer when I change the fluid in a week or two. Anyone happen to know if the local auto stores carry them or if it's a dealer only item?

Thanks!

-Bill

 

[rboyer]

Common logic tells me that a copper crush washer would also serve the same purpose. I have never had to buy one at an auto parts store but i've seen banjo bolts that were that big before so I don't think it would be hard to find one locally.

 

[AllanD]

they have selections of nylon washers that would also work
at any "Real" auto parts (NAPA, Not Advanced or AZ)

AD

 

[harriw]

Hey guys,

The nylon washers I'm finding locally are mostly intended for oil fill plugs, and look too small (haven't actually walked in with plug in hand yet - anyone happen to know the size and thread pitch for the M50D-R1 fill plug?).

What's the general opinion on wrapping some teflon tape around the plug threads? Too much risk of pieces breaking loose, or no? I've heard it both recommended, and condemned - just wondering what you guys think.

Thanks!

-Bill

 

[cocoasranger]

The plug seals on the ring, not the threads. Teflon tape is designed for tapered plumbing threads which get tighter the farther they are screwed in. The trans plug has straight threads and the seat on the plug head seals against the seat around the hole in the trans.

 

[racsan]

teflon tape will do nothing (but prevent corrosion between the steel plug and alloy case) as the plug isnt taperd. i do put anti-seize on mine just for good measure.