Hi all,

May I ask if anyone can advse on a problem with my attempting to change the oil in my 'manual' gearbox (petrol model) early 2004.

The Haynes Manual states that there is no 'drain' plug, but as I do not have a syphon (or want to pull out a driveshaft!)a friend claimed that there is actually a plug a few inches below the filler hole which allows most of the old oil to drain out (and he's a professional mechanic!). Trouble is that I tried to unscrew this and it started, but then just spun without unscrewing further.

I cannot manage to screw it back in either - and having driven the car to test it, there is no leakage either!!!.

Does anyone know please if this is NOT a drain hole, and if so, what the heck is it there for??

Al info would be very welcome as I now am in some concern as to whether I will suddenly find that the oil is lost whilst driving - with dire consequences!

Many thanks in advance,

Richard

Some fords don't have drain plugs assuming youres has and its just turning then ide have to pass ide assume the threads are knackered it may or may not leak usually it needs to get up to temp to get thin enough to leak are you sure it is a drain plug?

No Arthur,

Not sure at all - hence my question to the Forum! I certainly did not use much 'force' to start unscrewing it, so really surprised if threads are damaged, but what can the darn thing be? I have driven for maybe 6 miles since without any oil showing, but will be watching it like a hawk, as you can imagine!

The 'plug' isn't actually 'loose' to touch - more a firm turning, but however much I now use a spanner on it it will neither do up, nor undo!.

Richard

the ib5 gearbox doesnt have a drain plug, the plug you have removed is the selector shaft interlock mechanism, basicaly its a plug with a ball and spring attatched. if it cant be pinched up (25nm), it will leak at some point.

Ouch!!!. Have to say a big 'Thank You' for the reply - - even if it's not good news! I will have to try again to see if I can catch a 'thread' so as to tighten it up again. Certainly didn't seem to want to do so yesterday, so back to the grindstone,

Richard

Yeah I was sure the early ib5 didn't have a drain plug the driveshaft usually needs removed to drain most of the oil or use a suction device in the fill hole if you cant tighten it up then you'll need to seal it by cleaning the area up and using some metal weld putty on it

Yes, I fear that metal putty will have to be the way to go. No leaks yet - another 30 miles this afternoon - but I can't rely on it lasting like this for ever, so - - back to rectifying errors!

I am just wondering now if even the very limited undoing of the bolt might lead to some sort changes within the box that's yet to show itself?

I changed the clutch reservoir a few months back as the gears were getting notchy when changing, and that cleared that up, but now (as in last week) after gwetting in to traffic after two long runs on the motorway at a steady 70 some 'notchiness' (balking) is coming back (which isn't improved by any extra pumping of the clutch pedal), so that also could be yet another problem in the making!!.

That's why I thought I would change the gearbox oil to see if there had been any frothing or leakage which might be causing it.

Isn't motoring fun!,

Cheers, Richard