Can you drain the torque converter?

[avu3]

on a 2000 Tundra? I'm used to draining the pan and torque converter when I do a trans fluid change. I have and have read the flush procedure, but was still curious. Its not discussed in the manual, but a picture seems to show a bolt in the TC behind the inspection plate.

Thanks,
Scott

[lelandstanford]

I don't recall a drain plug on TC before. Is there an access hole on the bottom of bell housing?

Which vehicle you had experience with TC drainage?

[avu3]

Domestics. An old Volvo. Never touched a Japanese auto before.

Scott

[P07r0457]

proper way to flush the trans is via one of those machines that hooks in-line with the tranny cooler... gets 99% of the fluid.

[mustang67408]

proper way to flush the trans is via one of those machines that hooks in-line with the tranny cooler... gets 99% of the fluid.

This is 100% correct and there is no drain in the torque conveter on a toyota. Hasnt been one since the old A30 3 speed trans (corona mark2).

[Mike Donofrio]

This is 100% correct and there is no drain in the torque conveter on a toyota. Hasnt been one since the old A30 3 speed trans (corona mark2).

I usually take one of the lines off of the tranny cooler (always the wrong one first) start the truck, pump out a few quarts, shut the truck off, add a few qyarts, cycle the gears, pump out a few quarts, shut the truck off, etc until I have drained off about 14-16 quarts. I can tell I am hitting the new fluid when it appears much more cherry red than the icky brown stuff-usallly at about 14 quarts or so.

Does this not drain the torque converter at all? I always though I'd be getting most of it. Now I know the machine is really the best way, but is this considered to be pretty reliable for DIYers?

That brings me to another question. Are the impellers in the torque converter turning when the truck is in neutral--in other words is cycling the gears really necessary? That parts gets kinda messy and makes me glad I only do it about once a year!

[P07r0457]

Does this not drain the torque converter at all? I always though I'd be getting most of it. Now I know the machine is really the best way, but is this considered to be pretty reliable for DIYers?

It does drain the torque converter... Although that's a very messy way to do it -- and you run a few quarts low for a while. I wouldn't be comfortable doing it, but it technically should work. It does drain the torque converter.

That brings me to another question. Are the impellers in the torque converter turning when the truck is in neutral--in other words is cycling the gears really necessary? That parts gets kinda messy and makes me glad I only do it about once a year!

the torque converter is bolted to the flywheel, which spins at the same speed as the engine. Fluid is always flowing through it, when the engine is running -- regardless of what gear the tranny is in.

[mustang67408]

I usually take one of the lines off of the tranny cooler (always the wrong one first) start the truck, pump out a few quarts, shut the truck off, add a few qyarts, cycle the gears, pump out a few quarts, shut the truck off, etc until I have drained off about 14-16 quarts. I can tell I am hitting the new fluid when it appears much more cherry red than the icky brown stuff-usallly at about 14 quarts or so.

Does this not drain the torque converter at all? I always though I'd be getting most of it. Now I know the machine is really the best way, but is this considered to be pretty reliable for DIYers?

That brings me to another question. Are the impellers in the torque converter turning when the truck is in neutral--in other words is cycling the gears really necessary? That parts gets kinda messy and makes me glad I only do it about once a year!

Yes this does drain the torque converter. But there is no physical pug in it to remove and drain it. Thats what I thought avu3 was talking about.
Your way works just like a machine, sounds like a good way to do it, for the DIY'r
Cycling thru the gears will help new fluid get into the clutch packs and flush the old stuff out.

[Mike Donofrio]

Yes this does drain the torque converter. But there is no physical pug in it to remove and drain it. Thats what I thought avu3 was talking about.

I think he was talking about a plug, that would be a great idea. They've already taken the dipstick out and practically welded the unit shut so I think Toyota is heading in a different direction. But the DIYer must always be on the lookout for creative solutions.

Your way works just like a machine, sounds like a good way to do it, for the DIY'r
Cycling thru the gears will help new fluid get into the clutch packs and flush the old stuff out.

Only difference is with my way, you inevitably screw something up and wind up splooging your driveway with used red stuff. My girlfriend hates me for this reason...Alrhough I rather think her driveway now looks like a modern art masterpiece.

[avu3]

Thanks guys, I'm doing the flush method from the KB/Garage. Someone also posted a great thread with additional commentary (but damn if I can find it now).

The sealing washer on the pan drain bolt is amazingly expensive for how little it is. I just paid $3 for something smaller than a dime.

Scott

[THarms]

Thanks guys, I'm doing the flush method from the KB/Garage. Someone also posted a great thread with additional commentary (but damn if I can find it now).

The sealing washer on the pan drain bolt is amazingly expensive for how little it is. I just paid $3 for something smaller than a dime.

Scott

Search under my name (THARMS)... I posted the step-by-step directions awhile back after I had done mine.

[avu3]

That was cake, took me about an hour and a half. Thanks to TS and the authors of the how-to. Trans shifts a lot better on this new fluid, I'll feel better as I tow off next two weekends fully loaded for the races.

Scott