1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

SA tranny fill question

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Old Oct 23, 2021 | 08:16 PM
  #1  
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SA tranny fill question

So my 79 tranny bolt ain’t budging. 5/8 socket fits tight but starting to round off, so just for the heck of it poured tranny fluid into shifter hole. To my surprise it seemed to be filling the trans itself. I know FB trannys wont fill this way.
Question is, did it fill the sump? 3 quarts went somewhere.. not on ground.
Anyone know if SA tranny can be filled through shifter hole?
BTW, this is a new to me tranny.. bought it used so it was drained when I bought it.
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Old Oct 23, 2021 | 10:44 PM
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Break out the metric wrenches and get the service manual.
see my signature for the link
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Old Oct 23, 2021 | 11:07 PM
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Torch it (propane or MAP). Wait 1/2 hour and use the correct metric wrench. It'll come right out. Steel plugs in aluminum casings always seize like this.

Last edited by Maxwedge; Oct 24, 2021 at 12:25 AM.
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Old Oct 24, 2021 | 12:18 AM
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Spray wd40 and come back tomm it’ll loosen up if not torch
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Old Oct 24, 2021 | 06:08 AM
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I used to fill my SA's transmission this way all the time.
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Old Oct 24, 2021 | 06:39 AM
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Originally Posted by peejay
I used to fill my SA's transmission this way all the time.
By using the shifter hole? I think I’m good.. I did notice a puddle of fluid under the trans when I fired up car.. thinking that’s cause I put 3 quarts in instead of 2.5.
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Old Oct 25, 2021 | 05:55 AM
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You do want to make sure the trans is not overfilled. I would definitely heat the arear around the fill plug with a map gas torch for a minute and then attempt to remove it. If the car is in the air and level, the trans oil will drain out of the fill plug until the level is perfect. Overfilling can result in a blown front and rear seal on the transmission.
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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 06:50 AM
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Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
You do want to make sure the trans is not overfilled. I would definitely heat the arear around the fill plug with a map gas torch for a minute and then attempt to remove it. If the car is in the air and level, the trans oil will drain out of the fill plug until the level is perfect. Overfilling can result in a blown front and rear seal on the transmission.
Good point, it did leak a bit when I fired the engine up.
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