Zirconocene

Hi there all-

I hope this isn't too dumb a question but before I move forward I want to make sure that I don't screw things up.

I was about to start rotating the crank to line up the torque converter drain for a transmission fluid flush. The car is up on a 4 post lift with the wheels chocked.

My question is, do I need to put the transmission in neutral before I start moving the crank? Automatic transmissions are a bit of magic to me and I can't visualize what will happen in the drive train if I start moving things manually while the transmission is in PARK. Do I need to raise the rear wheels to let them spin while I rotate the crank?

Insight and guidance is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Billu

I don’t understand how the car can both be up on a 4 post lift and the wheels be chocked?
But...
Think about it....
Can the engine turn while the car is in park?
If it couldn’t, you couldn’t start the can unless in neutral.
Once you find the drain, make an extra mark on the harmonic balancer for future reference.

Mrmerlin

On the 928 the crank is connected directly to the torque converter
So turning the crank will also result in turning the TC
Note when the cars were made the WSM had a note that the drain plug was oriented to be visible in the grate opening with the crank at TDC
so that’s the first place to put the crank
otherwise if working alone put a small piece of bent cardboard in the grate and turn the crank when the cardboard falls out the drain plug is near
Note turn the crank CW while looking at. From the front

Zirconocene

Billu: "Can the engine turn while the car is in park?" Nothing ever disappears on the internet, so this will be a great reminder for me to think things through more. Thanks, you're perfectly right about how to think about this. <Headslap gif goes here>

MrMerlin: Good tips, thank you. I plan on co-opting my oldest to stand underneath the TC and let me know when things are lined up.

No more excuses, back to getting filthy!

NoVector

Since it sounds like this is your first time, you might find these two sites helpful. The first is Dr. Bob's write-up and the second is Tony's (it has a few pictures):

http://www.nichols.nu/tip275.htm

https://members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/transmis.htm

Zirconocene

NoVector: Thanks, it is the first time on this car. I'll study those links carefully as I plan to clean, replace the gasket, put in a new filter, etc.

Cheers!

Wisconsin Joe

Sometimes stuff that's 'stupidly obvious' eludes us until someone points it out.

Asking on here will get answers.
Sometimes the answer makes the OP wonder 'why did I ask THAT?!?!?'

It will usually also get a good suggestion on 'best practices' from Mr Merlin. And those are usually worth the shame.

How old is the 'oldest'? Small hands are very useful if (when) you do the door handle.

Zirconocene

The oldest is 11 and somewhat motivated but the youngest is where I'll have the most payoff for help, as he's much more naturally inclined toward building and tinkering. He's really on the cusp of becoming a very useful help in the wrenching.

And that's a great tip about the door handle, thanks!