Hey Fellas I have a situation and I need some input. I was changing the fluid in my transfer case. I drained it and went to start refilling by placing a cap from a bottle of diff oil and a short plastic tube on the end of it so I could squirt the fluid in the case. Well, on about the third squeeze of the bottle of ATF the tube shoots of the cap and right in the T case.

question: If I were to disconnect the forward drive shaft and not use 4x4 would it be ok to leave the plastic tube in the case until I can get the case off and open it up, or am I boned?!?

 

I would NOT drive it.
Sorry to be the bearer of this news!
Most everything turns in the TC so, it could get ground up and bind or even plug up the pump filter.

 

Yeah I figured as much. Spoke to a local trans guy and he said that it would more than likely chew up the hose and spit it out to the side and settle down at the bottom, but I'm not so convinced. Looks like a long weekend for me...

Thanks for the input.

 

Before you disassemble I would try to get it out thourgh the drain hole. Might not be able to but would be worth a try.

 

Yeah I tried. Poured ATF through it trying to flush it out, rooted around with a long zip tie trying to knock it to the bottom but no luck. Although, even if it fell to the bottom the pump pick up is in the way and I wouldn't be able to remove it, but at least I would know it was at the bottom.

Man I feel like such and idiot...

 

Don't feel too bad. We have all done stupid things! For those that say they haven't, well their time is coming I'll admit I have done far worse.

 

Yeaah Im just gonna look at it as a way to get to know my truck a lil better

 

Well this is an interesting predicament. R13, kudos for your confession

The tube couldn't have squirted too far in there could it? Maybe have a look at the diagram and see where it likely landed. I'd be sticking coat hangers in there trying to fish it out. I guess this is like the time when a kid sticks a bean up his nose and the Doc uses those real long skinny tweezers to get up in there

Anyway, what's your plan of attack? And on behalf of Rockcrawler, "Where's the video?"

 

Sounds like a major "Oh Crap" moment...LOL

 

Looks like I'll just be pulling the tcase. Although, I am still investigating if it's possible to just split the tcase while its still on the truck. Yeah figured might as well come clean...don't think anyone would have bought the evil garden gnome story

Yeah...there were definitely a few choice words utter aloud for all the neighborhood to hear lol.

 

I would try something like this first.
Luckily my screw ups were NOT caught on video

 

These days, ya never know when you are being filmed with all these camera phones everywhere...

 

Well after rooting around for a bit I managed to get to peice of wandering plastic to the bottom of the case. It's sitting right next to the pickup tube.

 

Excellent. You thinking a clean catch pan and drain to get it out?

And when you put the fluid back in, don't use a tube

 

Well the problem is now the pickup tube. It blocks most of the drain so trying to flush it out won't work. I'm hoping running some fluid will move it closer to the drain but not sure how to get it from there.

Believe me I'm quitting plastic tubes cold turkey.