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MG TD TF 1500 - Tranny filler cap problems

What is the trick for putting the TD tranny filler cap/washer back into the tranny after topping it off without dropping it into infinity? Human fingers won't do that trick, at least not mine. And the washer drops into oblivion as well. And that area is totally invisible so one must do it by feel? Was there a special tool of some sort back in the day? Perhaps a magnet on a stick, but it looked like pot metal to me, non-magnetic?

Obviously my cap is wedged between the tranny and floorboards never to be seen again and my car is dead in the water.
Ed
efh Haskell

A dab of RTV on the washer before putting it on the cap. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Many a time I have used a dab of wheel bearing grease to fix washers and nuts and bolts in sockets etc. Works well and after the threads engage and the bolt run in, everything pulls off.

CR Tyrell

Try retrieving it from under the car. Or loosen the screws holding the tranny tunnel down and lift it up a bit, it will likely fall out. Use Dave's idea to stick the cap and washer onto a socket, then screw it on and pull the socket off. George
George Butz

Thanks gents, it took me all afternoon on my back but I got the sucker out! Sort of like defusing a bomb with your eyes closed.

I would like to permanently affix an extension of some sort to the cap so it can EASILY be inserted and removed with no danger of dropping it again! Problem is there are 2 vent holes in the cap that must be left open. Are these really important?

Has anybody done something like this? Pictures maybe? How about a permanent flexible hose from the tranny through the firewall like normal cars?
Ed
efh Haskell

And one last question. The Moss catalog shows one(1) presumably copper washer used with the gearbox filler cap. However my cap, when removed, had 2 washers, one copper and one steel colored of some sort from PO. How many washers should be used here?
Thanks,
Ed
efh Haskell

How about fitting a cheap socket over it, then cut/grind the socket shorter, so it was just flush with the metal tunnel cover. Then JB weld it to the cap. You would have to notch it so the vent holes were open. I think they vent the tranny, if blocked, pressure would build up when it warmed up and would force the lube out.
George
George Butz

Good idea George. I believe I read a 5/16(?) sae would fit in a pinch but it's really a 1/2"W, which I one only one of. Wonder if JB sticks to alumunium or whatever that thing is made of? It is not magnetic, hence my concern.
Also, do you happen to know about the washers(see above). Also, does the copper washer have a "top" and "bottom" or can it go either way? The 2 sides do not look identical?
Ed
efh Haskell

Ed , I know that JB weld sticks to aluminium or potmetal. Providing the surfaces are CLEAN and oil free.

My Tranny filler cap has no copper washer but a fiber washer only, and it suit my needs for the last 4 years.

Cheers,

Gerard
Gerard Hengeveld

Final method:
Cut a piece of Styrofoam slightly bigger than a 1/2W socket and stuff it inside tightly so it won't fall out. Foam s/b about 1/4" thinner than top of tranny cap. Apply a piece of double sided carpet tape to tranny cap. I used tape rather than grease so no danger of the 2 vent holes in cap getting clogged. Now stuff the cap inside the socket. Insert socket extension into other end of socket. Hold washer on with anything sticky (grease, etc.)
Screw it in! Done!

DUH, eh? (Well, I'm impressed anyway!)
Ed
efh Haskell

This thread was discussed between 10/05/2014 and 12/05/2014

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