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C4 pan with drain plug

ammowaster

Newbie
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
27
Howdy guys. Picked up a 77 and am starting to go through it and make the giant list of things needed.

Starting with the standard fluid exchanges and a drain plug on the tranny would be super helpful when I am doing my flushes. Don't care if it adds a extra quart or two as long as reliability isn't affected. Don't mind buying a nice one if I have to but if there is a solid affordable one that's great too. Any of you guys using any of them?
 
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thegreatjustino

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Red Head Grease Monkey
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Jan 23, 2002
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15,624
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Stockton, CA
No such thing. When you change the fluid in a C4, you're supposed to change the filter as well which requires the removal of the pan. No need for a drain plug if you're going to be removing the pan anyway.
 
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ammowaster

Newbie
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
27
No such thing. When you change the fluid in a C4, you're supposed to change the filter as well which requires the removal of the pan. No need for a drain plug if you're going to be removing the pan anyway.

What do you mean no such thing? Aftermarket pans with drain plugs have been around forever. A drain plug makes pulling the pan much easier and less messy.
Here is one example
https://www.cjponyparts.com/performance-automatic-transmission-pan-aluminum-pan-fill-c4/p/ATP2/?gclid=CjwKCAiA9K3gBRA4EiwACEhFe14_eW-893zrBEL6Th78VvQgXELY7V2Y14VE3Ob4ebzoma8lgyZX8BoCpWEQAvD_BwE
 

toddz69

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Nov 28, 2001
Messages
10,080
No such thing. When you change the fluid in a C4, you're supposed to change the filter as well which requires the removal of the pan. No need for a drain plug if you're going to be removing the pan anyway.

A drain plug sure is handy and a lot less messy though.

Todd Z.
 
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ammowaster

Newbie
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
27
Side note
Do these have a drain on the torque converter? supposedly you get another 2-3 quarts that way.

A drain plug sure is handy and a lot less messy though.

Todd Z.

Yup and I am thinking that if I change the filter and then add a drain plug I could do 3-4 fluid changes quickly without any trouble. Not quite as good as a legitimate flush but better than the little bit you get just doing the filter.
 
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ammowaster

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Nov 16, 2018
Messages
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Viperwolf1

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Aug 23, 2007
Messages
24,316
Side note
Do these have a drain on the torque converter? supposedly you get another 2-3 quarts that way.



Yup and I am thinking that if I change the filter and then add a drain plug I could do 3-4 fluid changes quickly without any trouble. Not quite as good as a legitimate flush but better than the little bit you get just doing the filter.

There is a converter drain plug. It's in the bolt circle, either just next to a stud or half way between the 2 studs. Depends on type of converter.

Drain the pan and converter and you'll get rid of about 80% (8 of 10 qts) of the oil.
 
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ammowaster

Newbie
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
27
There is a converter drain plug. It's in the bolt circle, either just next to a stud or half way between the 2 studs. Depends on type of converter.

Drain the pan and converter and you'll get rid of about 80% (8 of 10 qts) of the oil.

Thanks man I've never done that before. What does it take to rotate the torque converter? Do you have to turn the engine over or can you move just it.
 

bronkenn

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Bronco Guy
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Apr 27, 2017
Messages
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Loc.
Southeast Ohio
The torque converter is bolted to the flexplate. You can turn the flexplate until the drain plug is on the bottom. I have a tool that is made for rotating the flexplate but have used a large screwdriver to turn the flexplate by engaging the teeth and work it into position.
 

pennyduke

Sr. Member
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Jul 18, 2010
Messages
377
Loc.
Stafford
I always heard that you should not start a engine with a dry torque converter. YOU MAY WAT TO RESEARCH IT FIRST.
 

rydog1130

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Jun 19, 2014
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4,020
i have the B&M deep pan, it's super nice and one of the nice upgrades for your C4
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
47,346
I'm a fan of big pans and drain plugs.
One thing to watch out for though, is a deep-pan dipstick tube WITH headers.
I've seen more than one combo that gave people fits when trying to snake the dipstick up around over and through the header tubes.

Paul
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
34,834
I always heard that you should not start a engine with a dry torque converter. YOU MAY WAT TO RESEARCH IT FIRST.

That is a new torque convertor that really is dry. There will still be oil left inside the convertor even if you drain it. As with most every automotive fluid, draining it doesn't get it all out. There is always a lot more left behind then you thought.
 
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ammowaster

Newbie
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
27
I'm a fan of big pans and drain plugs.
One thing to watch out for though, is a deep-pan dipstick tube WITH headers.
I've seen more than one combo that gave people fits when trying to snake the dipstick up around over and through the header tubes.

Paul

I hadn't thought of that but it makes perfect sense when there is only so much room on these things. I think I am going to pick up the one linked on the first page and give it a try when I do my fluid change. Wish I could find one locally or closer as the shipping is like $17 but oh well.
 

Rustytruck

Bronco Guru
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
10,875
When you unscrew the dipstick tube from the pan the fluid in the pan comes out. Putting in a drain plug is a cure for a problem that isn't there.
 
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