Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
(OP)
My intention is to drill and tap a drain plug into a Ford 4R75E torque converter. Until just recently, they were drilled from the factory but they have since stopped. I intend to drill it in the same relative position of the OE converter through the very convenient bellhousing hole, which they have not as yet eliminated. The plugs were installed in the outer circumference of the converter housing, not at the forward edge as were many others.
My question is this: How much effect on balance would this have? We're talking an approximately 1/8-inch hole and a corresponding plug. I tend to think the effect would be negligible... but you tell me.
Anecdotally, I have done this before on three GM transmissions with no apparent balance issues, but those plugs were installed on the mounting face of the converter (towards the engine) and not on the outer circumference. If that matters.
My question is this: How much effect on balance would this have? We're talking an approximately 1/8-inch hole and a corresponding plug. I tend to think the effect would be negligible... but you tell me.
Anecdotally, I have done this before on three GM transmissions with no apparent balance issues, but those plugs were installed on the mounting face of the converter (towards the engine) and not on the outer circumference. If that matters.
Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive





RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
Nothing ventured, etc. I have >200,000 miles on the Dodge/Cummins trans with no problems, but I sure would have liked the ability to drain the TC on occasion.
Rod
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
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Putting two opposed plugs, as Rod said, is probably the best solution as my rough estimate puts you in the "general" balancing category, Grade 6.3.
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
As I said, I've done this three previous times with no ill effects. The balance issue is what got me wondering.
Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
Otherwise, you are removing approximately a cylinder of material with a known? density.
In either case the amount of weight to compensate is pretty easy to figure.
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
If I did I would do two holes, for balance AND for a breather for quick drain.
Regards
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RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
Franz
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RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
"...one former technician..." Yeah, I can see the 'former' part, but I'm a bit skeptical about the 'technician' part.
Rod
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
Did you give him time to collect his tools?
B.E.
RE: Drilling Torque Converter for Drain Plug
I don't think there will be a huge balance problem, if you use an internal hex plug, since material is being removed and the plug is partially adding that back you should be okay. If there is a problem accurately position another plug 180 degrees from that one.