| RC98 |
DIY question:
How in the world did you guys reach the ATF fill plug? Even with a socket extention, did you not run into all of the obstructions? How long is the extension that you used? |
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| TheWorm |
| I don't think any of us are using the fill plug. Get a funnel and fill through the dipstick tube :) |
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| Robyjo |
Actually, when I first set out to DIM, Ardvarkus hooked me up with the right tools--one of which is the extension for the atf fill plug. I don't recall the exact length, but it essentially pops out to a few inches above the engine bay. Go down to sears which has the craftsman extension you're looking for. If yours is like mine (and I bet it is), the plug is pain+1/2 to loosen--I bought an extended bar at sears as well for leverage to loosen the plug. With these tools, it's actually pretty easy to loosen/tighten.
Alternatively, you could go the dipstick method--but that's somehow demasculinizing IMO. ;) |
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| JTM |
quote:
Originally posted by RC98
DIY question:
How in the world did you guys reach the ATF fill plug? Even with a socket extention, did you not run into all of the obstructions? How long is the extension that you used?
I used 20" socket extention that I got from Sears for $13.99. For me, it is easier. :) |
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| RonH |
| Haven't changed the X yet, but in the Ody I used a seriously long extention and and a long reach funnel. |
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| fineg |
Same here!
I used the extra long extention and a tranny funnel with a piece of clear tubing attached to the end.
The fill plug washer is 25mm if you can find it. :29: |
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| TheWorm |
| Wow - I stand corrected. I should've known there'd be peeps looking for any reason to buy more tools! :D |
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| RonH |
quote:
Originally posted by deltajetfixer
Hondas and Acuras are notorious for having all their bolts and nuts "enthusiastically" tightened at the factory. Visions of several Japanese (or Canadians in Japanese garb) bracing themselves with tools while screaming "BONZAI!!!" on a single fastener have come to mind on several occasions...
:19:
Never had that vision myself, but I'll probably see it every time now. |
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| Robyjo |
quote:
Originally posted by deltajetfixer
I use a 1/2" drive ratchet and extension with a six point socket. You're going to need it to break the bolt loose for the first time if you want to avoid skinned knuckles.
Hondas and Acuras are notorious for having all their bolts and nuts "enthusiastically" tightened at the factory. Visions of several Japanese (or Canadians in Japanese garb) bracing themselves with tools while screaming "BONZAI!!!" on a single fastener have come to mind on several occasions...
:19:
The first time I was trying to break the bolt loose I had a similar vision--but then I had a vision of taking my extension and beating those engineers over their heads! :25:
Rob:31: |
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| BlueStreak |
quote:
Originally posted by deltajetfixer
I use a 1/2" drive ratchet and extension with a six point socket. You're going to need it to break the bolt loose for the first time if you want to avoid skinned knuckles.
Hondas and Acuras are notorious for having all their bolts and nuts "enthusiastically" tightened at the factory. Visions of several Japanese (or Canadians in Japanese garb) bracing themselves with tools while screaming "BONZAI!!!" on a single fastener have come to mind on several occasions...
Well worderd, although I think "enthusiastically" may be an understatement. They porobably are saying "have fun getting this bolt out, you techies" as they torque another 15 ft lbs. |
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| frostyra |
quote:
Originally posted by Robyjo
The first time I was trying to break the bolt loose I had a similar vision--but then I had a vision of taking my extension and beating those engineers over their heads! :25:
Rob:31:
Why blame the engineers? They're so far down the totem pole that most of them (us) have VERY little input. The accountants, on the other hand... |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
I don't think any of us are using the fill plug. Get a funnel and fill through the dipstick tube :)
Q: What kind of funnel do you use and where can you get one? The dipstick tube does not appear to be in easy reach.:confused: |
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| JimH |
Any basic long funnel will work. I got a Flotool Super Funnel
(#10708) which is 18 inches in length with a 1/2 inch opening at the bottom. It works perfect. |
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| m2pc |
Is the fill plug located near the firewall on the drivers side of the car kinda underneath the brake fluid reservoir? 6 point 17mm nut looks kinda off white (is it plastic?)
Got everything I need except the long funnel also, I know its recommended to replace the washer, but is it absolutely necessary? |
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| TheyCallMeBruce |
quote:
Originally posted by m2pc
Is the fill plug located near the firewall on the drivers side of the car kinda underneath the brake fluid reservoir? 6 point 17mm nut looks kinda off white (is it plastic?)
Got everything I need except the long funnel also, I know its recommended to replace the washer, but is it absolutely necessary?
If the 6point, 17mm BOLT (not nut) has a super-wide flange on it, with a dash of white paint on its edge, and there are raised letters on it, seen with a flashlight, which reads "ATF," then you have found the fill plug. The first time you remove this bolt, you will realize that it is definitely not plastic, as it will take about 80-100 ft/lbs of torque to remove it. I'm not kidding, the whole car may shudder when you break free, just like on the VTM fill and drain plugs. Good thing is that, with an 1/2" diameter, 18" long extension, you are free to use a super long breaker bar, and I suggest a 20-25" to reduce frustration. It only needs to be tightened enough to prevent fluid leaks (and its on top so there is no fluid pressure), so with subsequent efforts you will get by with 3/8" tools and light hand pressure. The 24 mm crush washer doesn't really need to be replaced, as its not really doing much, just keeping dust out and any sloshing fluid from leaking. There is no pressure and no critical function. Flip it over and use it again if you don't want to replace it. The drain plug uses an 18mm crush washer and this one is a little more critical. Still, people have used it several times over without a problem, making sure to torque it properly for proper seating. After 2 or 3 times, chances increase that a very slow leak might develop. The book says to throw it out, dealer mechanics would always replace with new because they can't keep track of how many times it has been reseated. Are you trying to save a dollar and a half? I can tell you that you will save plenty by servicing the ATF yourself, to the point that you might actually be able to afford a whole brand new 24 and 18mm crush washer. I think it may be the cheapest part available on the entire MDX. The local Acura parts seller may not know the correct size (their techs keep a handful of different sizes and they just use whatever fits, my dealer parts people got it wrong all 4 times so far, so I tell them what I need instead) so be sure to specifically ask for 18 and 24, don't say ATF washers or they'll confuse themself with the computer diagram which codes the parts in a non-intuitive way. If the Acura guys don't have them in stock, you can go to Honda as well. Don't tell them what its for, just keep to 18 and 24mm crush washers. |
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| m2pc |
| Thanks, found the raised letters! Actually, I was asking about the washers just in case I was going the do the fluids last minute and not have the washers on hand. I have to go back and find all the washer sizes, ATF, VTM and Transfer case washer sizes. |
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| m2pc |
Thanks JimH
even has a pointer for the hand pump for the VTM :D |
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