Hey guys. Gonna do a drain and fill on my ATF and was curious as to what size washer I need as a replacement. I also would like to know if there are any tips to how tight to make the drain plug when I put it back on. I would be doing it by hand and not with a troque wrench.

Thanks!

 

I've done a drain and fill about 6-7 times and never replaced the crush washer. I don't use a torque wrench either. Just tighten it by hand until it feels right. I know it's the lazy mans way, but haven't had any issues yet. One tip... if you jack up the front of the car, you can get more atf fluid to drain out.

 

most cases you can get away with using the old washer and not torquing it. But every now and then you get something who tighten too hard or have a really deformed washer and it will cause a leak. Pretty rare but it does happen.

I would not worry too much about the gasket. If you can pick one up at the dealership if not, dont really stress about it.

I've done 2 drains and fills on my personal car and about 8 other on other car non-g35 and no leaks.

 

Thanks for all the help so far guys.

Another question. I am at about 65,000 miles. I got the car with about 27,000 so I assume nothing has ever been done with the ATF. I just bought 12 quarts of Nissan Matic-S on eBay for $88. I'd prefer to just do a few drain and fills myself over a short period rather than pay for a flush but do you guys think I'm just better off paying for a flush since the ATF hasn't probably been touched in its life?

 

These are the washers you need:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-10-Ni...r#ht_626wt_905

The proper torque is 25 ftlbs. I recommend always replacing this washer as the potential damage that can be caused by reusing is not worth it (pan damage from over tightening, or fluid leakage and having to drain the fluid again to fix the leak). It only takes half a quart of fluid loss to be out of the safe operating range. Do it once, do it right.

 

I do not believe a flush is needed. I have 150k on my 05 and have only done drain and fills. I did a drain and fill today and have very little wear metals on the plug and the fluid was a nice clear red. BTW, I use Castrol Import Multi Vehicle trans fluid with no problems.

 

Thanks for the input. How often do you think I should these initial drain and fills? I'm assuming a shorter interval than normal for this first batch since the ATF has never been changed before. I'll have enough for 2-3 drain and fills.

 

I would do it with the next 3 oil changes, then every 3 after that (if you go 5k every oil change like I do).

 

OK another question guys. The longer I let the ATF drain will more come out? I've seen people saying they were getting anywhere from 3 to 6 quarts out and that the longer you let it drain the better. Obviously in a very short period of time that is a ridiculously obvious statement. I mean letting it drain for an hour vs over night!

Thanks!

 

I usually get between 3.5-4 quarts by draining just from the drain plug. I believe the people getting 6 quarts are draining from the trans cooler and the drain plug. Follow Bythabay's link for a video on how to drain from the trans cooler.

 

Thanks for the link! I bought a package. Are these the same washers used for the oil changes as well?

 

yes, these are the same ones as for the engine oil drain plugs - same torque spec too.