Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Changing fluid on 6 speed

[TXCTD]

I aint the sharpest tool in the shed, but I can't seem to find the drain plug on my NV5600. I found the fill plug, but no drain plug. Or do I have to pump it out with a tube and hand pump? Also what size allen wrench is needed for the fill plug?

 

[Riflesmith]

You need to remove the bottom PTO cover bolt to drain the lube. I suggest removing the driver's side PTO cover and mucking out the bottom of the case with a lint free cloth. There is a magnetic strip that will have break-in iron on it that you can clean as well. Since the PTO cover bolts penetrate the case, be sure to put sealant on the bolt threads when installing the cover. The fill plug is a 17mm allen.

 

[TomGolden]

You're certainly smarter than the folks who designed the transmission ... with NO drain plug...



You just remove the bottom most bolt that holds the PTO cover on and let the fluid drain out that way



And while you're at it, get a set of FastCoolers and put on



Tom

 

[pskaar]

Originally posted by aburbach

I aint the sharpest tool in the shed, but I can't seem to find the drain plug on my NV5600. I found the fill plug, but no drain plug. Or do I have to pump it out with a tube and hand pump? Also what size allen wrench is needed for the fill plug?

Any one on the site now patient enough to reply to my dull inexperienced self please do. For starters I am a new member and have a '01, six-speed, only mods yet are a k&n and a removed muffler. This is my first cummins(have always had fords) and am quite pleased with the sport model i have now except for the mileage when pulling. 11 at the best with a 2 horse gooseneck trailer, could a fuel filter be the problem?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

IF ya don't already have a 17 mm allen wrench, Kragen has the type that fits a 3/8 drive ratchet - sells for around $4 as I recall...

 

[Briman]

It's unfortunate that Dana has not figured out how to let the dif drain by the bottom bolt hole as well. If I ever pull mine out, I will have the passage milled. My wife's Volvo drains this way.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Once you have the backing plate off, it's easy enough to drill and tap it for a drainplug - I did it on both my '91 and the new '02...

 

[TXCTD]

Thanks for the responses guys. I got the fluid changed out and found very little metal on the magnetic strip after 53,000 miles.



As far as the rear axle goes, I would love a drainplug but am just glad to have a threaded fill plug instead of the stupid rubber plug my jeep used to have in the rear.

 

[wyosteve]

Pskaar, my thoughts on your mileage question. Without knowing for sure what truck you have, i. e. 6 spd. , auto, 2wd or 4 wd, 3. 55 or 4. 10, this is just a general statement. If the truck is still new with few miles (under 10 or 15k) the engine is still not broken in. Also, this is winter where I'm at so we are stuck with a less powerful and efficient diesel fuel, i. e. lower mileage. Also, the specifics of your truck will influence the mileage. You don't really sound that far off of normal. I will average 11 to 14 towing 10k plus, depending on speed, wind, hills etc. Hope this helps a little.

 

[KWIKKURT]

Tomgolden's suggestion of the FastCoolers is a great one. They add 50% more fluid capacity and also more cooling due to their design. They also have a drain plug and a plug hole for a temperature gauge built right in. And if you get the optional lexan/Stainless covers all you have to do is look under the truck to check fluid level. Not to mention how cool it is to look inside your transmission as the massive gears in the 6sp.



The way the FastCoolers Covers are made you could also just install them and get the benefit of easy trans oil level check but not the easier drain or cooling.



I have read in posts that the best fix we have found for the stiff shifting of the 6sp is to change the oil every 20-25,000 miles or so. This does get a little expensive but the added long life and less breakdowns is well worth it.



Pskaar,

As for MPG improvement I have found that adding a PE EZ helps quite a bit not to mention it's a pleasure to drive. For even better mileage install the RV275 injectors.



FYI: the K&N filter. They do not fit the stock airbox well and can leak dirt between them and the top cover. I added a small 1/8" weather strip the bottom half of the airbox this raises the filter tighter to the top half of the box helping the seal keep out dirt. You also could change to a AFE filter as they are thicker and fit better. Hope some of this helps you enjoy your CTD more... Kurt Yardley