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Dip stick plug - why Ford?

Mosey

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I have met my match with the stupid dip stick plug on my 10r80 transmission. I noticed I have a pan gasket leak/seepage and therefore I want to check the fluid level. Unfortunately I cannot get the freaking plug off. Why Ford, why would you screw in an aluminum plug so ungodly tight. I can’t get that thing to budge. I am using a 19 mm crows foot but I am starting to round the corner of one flat so I gave up. Due to the heat shield I cannot get full engagement on the plug.

Is there some magically trick to get the thing off? Is it reverse threaded? One thing I do notice is that this “19” mm plug seems more like an 18 given the amount of slope my wrench has on it.

All suggestions on how to break the plug loose are appreciated. Thanks.
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fecalflinger

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Are you trying with the trans at operating temp or cold? Try it both ways. maybe the heat or cold will help out some.
 

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I have met my match with the stupid dip stick plug on my 10r80 transmission. I noticed I have a pan gasket leak/seepage and therefore I want to check the fluid level. Unfortunately I cannot get the freaking plug off. Why Ford, why would you screw in an aluminum plug so ungodly tight. I can’t get that thing to budge. I am using a 19 mm crows foot but I am starting to round the corner of one flat so I gave up. Due to the heat shield I cannot get full engagement on the plug.

Is there some magically trick to get the thing off? Is it reverse threaded? One thing I do notice is that this “19” mm plug seems more like an 18 given the amount of slope my wrench has on it.

All suggestions on how to break the plug loose are appreciated. Thanks.
It is not reverse thread.

Use caution, it is hollow inside and will not withstand large amounts of torque being applied to it without deforming it.

It *should* come out easier at operating temp.
 
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Mosey

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Are you trying with the trans at operating temp or cold? Try it both ways. maybe the heat or cold will help out some.
Tried hot and cold. No go.
 

fecalflinger

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I would say use a torch to heat it up some more but I don't know that you can get to it to do that safely. You could try spraying it with PB Blaster or some sort of penetrating oil and let soak for bit to see if that helps lubricate it some.

Other than that I would take it to dealership and let them strip it trying to get it out. I'd tell them that you have tried without any luck and want to see if a technician can break it lose for you. If they strip it trying to take it out I would think they would have to fix it on their dime.
 

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I had a hell of a time getting mine of too. I was able to get a 19mm open ended wrench in there and i tapped it with a deadblow to knock it loose. Its VERY tight, and if its been running for more than 5 minutes, youre gonna burn the shit outta yourself on the cats. It's not reverse threaded, FWIW.
 
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Mosey

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As a follow-up, the service tech found the transmission had a bad gasket AND pan. I was not told why the pan was being replaced. Of course the parts were not in stock so my truck is on vacation for a few more days. I am having the filter replaced just because the pan will be off.
 

FirstFord

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As a follow-up, the service tech found the transmission had a bad gasket AND pan. I was not told why the pan was being replaced. Of course the parts were not in stock so my truck is on vacation for a few more days. I am having the filter replaced just because the pan will be off.
I don't have first-hand knowledge/experience of this yet, but it will be coming soon. I have been trying to educate myself in preparation. It is my understanding that the transmission fluid pan is plastic, and thus, is a throw-away, single-use item. So, if your pan gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced, then obviously they have to pull the pan to do that - and by default, the pan is discarded and replaced.
 
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Mosey

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I don't have first-hand knowledge/experience of this yet, but it will be coming soon. I have been trying to educate myself in preparation. It is my understanding that the transmission fluid pan is plastic, and thus, is a throw-away, single-use item. So, if your pan gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced, then obviously they have to pull the pan to do that - and by default, the pan is discarded and replaced.
I did not know the pan was single use. Thanks for explaining that.
 

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Mosey

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Got my truck back. It had a cracked pan. I have no idea how as I have had a Talons Garage skid plate on since I bought the truck with 5800 miles on it. The paperwork also states they put in 12 quarts of ULV which seemed like a lot. Also had the plug replaced and torqued to 35 lbft. There is no way the plug was only torqued to 35 lbft From the factory.
 

hotrodmex

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It is my understanding that the transmission fluid pan is plastic, and thus, is a throw-away, single-use item.
Did you see that in the factory service manual, or are you making an assumption? Plenty of composite pieces on engines that aren't single-use just because they're composite.
 

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I believe Ford currently considers the 10r80 pan, as well as seals and gaskets are reusable if not damaged.

Ford F-150 Dip stick plug - why Ford? Screenshot_20231104_193843_OneDrive
 

oneinch

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The transmission pan is a composite? I wonder if a drain plug can be added?
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