EROD

If the intent of a DIY transmission fluid change is to avoid the MB tax at the dealer and save a few bucks (well, besides the few motorheads here who really find joy in spending hours under a car getting hot vehicle fluids dripped on them), does anyone else find issue with a $40 filler adapter that's not much more than a tube with a threaded end? Anyone think this can be substituted with a 12mm x 1.5 threaded fitting like the one in the picture? Coupled with a small piece of threaded tubing connected to the other end, a homemade adapter can probably be assembled for under $8 from a local nut & bolt hardware store. Or am I missing some unseen function/feature of the Assenmacher tool that couldn't be replicated by a threaded fitting? Seeing how a transmission service is every 40K, I doubt I'd get much more than a couple of uses for it over the time I intend to keep the car so durability is not a considerable issue here. If a $8 fitting can do the same job as a $40 special tool......Thoughts?

P.S. Please, no flaming. Not a cheapskate by any means but I just think I'd find better use for those extra $32, say..... a few cases of beer? LOL

Merc63

I have a hand pump that goes to a hose, on the end I have a barb end that I crimped to the hose and it threads into the tranny pan. Works perfect and cost $1.5

Hardware or auto store should have them.

Merc63

EROD

Even simpler and cheaper!! Now that's what I'm talking about! Thanks!

Critter

Merc63, I appreciate the idea for putting oil into the trans on a 63 but I think the MB procedure uses a plug that has overflow capabilities when the proper level is reached and the temp is 80C I think, With your method are you just replacing the amount of oil which you have drained. Meaning you measure say 5 quarts removed, new filter, gasket and then pump 5 quarts back in, maybe 5 1/2 quarts then remove your plug setup using the 1/2 quart as spillage while replacing the plug on the pan. Please correct any errors. Thanks in Advance.

EROD

I don't think the type of adapter used to put the fluid in matters as long as the proper re-fill procedures are used, i.e pump a little excess fluid in, warm it up to the spec temp, and remove the adapter to let the excess flow out before replacing the actual fill plug.

FYI...I also found a much cheaper substitute to the Assenmacher tool. Mityvac makes the MVA588 for around $10 and it goes nicely with the Mityvac fluid dispensers or it can easily be attached to just a regular cheap fluid pump.

jvanbrecht

I have the Mityvac dispenser/adapter. Works very well, and if you clean the dispenser/vacuum pump properly, you can use it for other things as well.

Merc63

The procedure is to fill with 7L. Idle till pan is the specified temp, run it through gears.

Open plug and if nothing comes out pump more in till it spills out and stops. Or if it spills out after warming, let it come out till it grasps for air and plug it off.

Merc63

That straw in the pan maintains the properly level of warm fluid. It doesn't matter how you fill it really.

Critter

Merc63, so to clarify there is a tube already in the pan or you must thread something into the pan to give you the required level,
Had many pans off but always there was a dip stick to tell you the level.
Looking at the new speedriven deep sump pan and have same inquiry with their pan.

Merc63

In the stock pan there is a plastic straw that clips into the drain hole and goes vertical to set the level.

When you drain it you stick a screw driver in the drain and knock the straw loose.

Critter

Thank You Merc63, it makes sense now. I suppose this straw piece is available from MB and when changing the fluid the old one would be disposed of and the new one installed.
This new speedriven pan should come with the extended straw or some tube built into the pan and it looks like it has both a drain and fill location, any thoughts on this?