Draining 4l60e for filter change... no mess

[Jared Jackson]

Has anyone ever used a fluid transfer pump to siphon their transmission pan before dropping it?

I was thinking of going down the dip stick tube.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0181EDCZ6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I just think if I can siphon enough fluid out, then unbolting the pan won't be such a mess on the ground. Thoughts?

 

[df2x4]

I doubt you'll be able to get enough out to make much of a difference as far as the mess, but I've never tried. Personally I'd take that $10 and buy a big drain pan with a spout on one side instead, something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-11838-FloTool-15-Quart-Drain/dp/B000AMGYNA

 

[Oldblue98]

I did some tinkering awhile back on mine and while I had it off I put a pan with a drain plug back on, at the start of the job I have a fluid pump but I did not get enough out to make a difference in the mess. The pump I had was a cheap hand pump from Home Depot.

 

[Wade]

I was able to get it off without getting any on my floor. All I had was a horse feed bin. Maybe 2'by3'.

 

[Jared Jackson]

I did some tinkering awhile back on mine and while I had it off I put a pan with a drain plug back on, at the start of the job I have a fluid pump but I did not get enough out to make a difference in the mess. The pump I had was a cheap hand pump from Home Depot.

yah, I found a 30ish dollar pan on amazon that has a drain plug built in. Looked easier than the "add a plug" kits as far as time goes. I just remember this part being messy with other trucks. Thought I would try to find a way to clean it up a bit.

 

[Jared Jackson]

I doubt you'll be able to get enough out to make much of a difference as far as the mess, but I've never tried. Personally I'd take that $10 and buy a big drain pan with a spout on one side instead, something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-11838-FloTool-15-Quart-Drain/dp/B000AMGYNA

I will try that. I have a large similar square one that has a pour spout and a carry handle (like a big jug) but I try to use it ONLY for coolant.

 

[454cid]

Wouldn't something big like a metal wash tub, or a tote be the easiest? ....of course I've never done this since I have a 4L80E that comes from GM with a drain plug

 

[Supercharged111]

Just drop one end first, that mitigates most of the mess. Keep 2 bolts partially threaded in one end of the pan and let it down initially at an angle.

 

[Jared Jackson]

Just drop one end first, that mitigates most of the mess. Keep 2 bolts partially threaded in one end of the pan and let it down initially at an angle.

yeah... I have done that before. Still doesn't help when you are trying to get the last two bolts out while balancing the pan, lol. I think I may have done this on two trucks and they both have had some spillage. I was just brainstorming for a method that may have minimized the mess.

 

[Jared Jackson]

Wouldn't something big like a metal wash tub, or a tote be the easiest? ....of course I've never done this since I have a 4L80E that comes from GM with a drain plug

I wish! But, ordered the new pan, so I will have one soon!