While checking ATF level, dropped cork in transmission.. what to do?

2016 V6 Automatic, Off-Road, 4d, short bed

While checking the ATF level, I dropped a small (~.5" long, tapered from ~3/8" to ~1/4") cork (natural, not rubber) into the ATF fill hole.

How did this happen you ask? I was using a pump with a tube attached to it to pump the fluid from the bottle into the transmission. While I was getting set up, I put the cork in the tube to keep it from dripping all over. Got all set up, got it to temp, hopped under truck, removed overflow plug and in my haste I just put the tube in and started pumping until it came out the overflow (it needed ~1/2 quart) . It wasn't until I finished and torqued the plugs that I realized that I had forgotten to take the cork out.

I'm not sure what I should do.

I'm having trouble finding diagrams and/or descriptions of where this cork is going to end up?
Does the fluid just drop down into the pan?
Does it drop into the filter/screen unit?

Would it be safe to just let it bob around in the pan or filter/screen until I replace the fluid (which I planned to do at 30K)? Currently has ~1K on it.

 

Dude that sucks when you try to do a job perfect and you make one of those stupid mistakes . I've done that myself , I'm sure we all have. I think it would be OK if cork stayed as one piece then it could get not get sucked up through the screen. However one concern I have is if the cork starts to disintegrate it could cause a lot of problems because fine particles could make it through the transmission. I'd be less worried if it was a plastic plug . I'm no expert but if it were mine I probably drop the pan right now and pull it out. hope it all works out , but this is one of the reasons I stopped buying used trucks! only new for me . Lol

 

Do not leave it in

 

damn, that sucks big time. I am pretty sure you have to drop the pan and get it out....

Chances are it won't cause an issue, but if it does, you are out a transmission.

 

Manual transmission FTMFW!

 

Not blaming you OP, accidents happen, but seriously, $40k-ish new truck and you're wondering what to do? Suck it up and do the right thing - drop the pan and get it out. BTW, welcome to TW. Now put down the computer and pick up the tools.

 

I would pm'd Gearcruncher & get guidance or call dealer or do something!
were talkin a 5 incher that went in that hole

 

Bet you don't ever do that again.

Corks float maybe you can fish it out.

 

I would get it out of there, weather it's taking it to the dealer or dropping the pan yourself to remove. Even if it never causes an issue, I'm sure it will be in your mind that this foreign partical is floating around in your trans and drive you nuts. Do it for piece of mind.

 

You haven't run it yet have you? Please go get yourself a pan gasket, drain the fluid, drop the pan, and hope that the cork is there. Let us know when you find it. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure a cork clogging up the intake for circulating the fluid would be a bad thing.

EDIT: actually, I believe the fill flug is on the extension housing so I don't think that plug just dropped down to the fluid in the pan. I'd recommend getting an expert's opinion to see where it actually might be. I'm just shooting from the hip, it might be easier to get a small tube with some suction on it to grab the cork. Ugh, but that's getting to sound like a sketchy situation.

 

Natural cork? As in the compacted wood fiber type found on some wine bottles? Those will probably disintegrate with heat and clog up the filter.

 

It doesn't look like that would have just made it to the pan.

 

its a .5 incher... as in a half inch

 

You don't happen to have a little inspection camera?

 

If you have an OR with tow, I would hate for all them pieces to get deposited throughout the system. I would get it out asap or lose your integrity and blame it on the factory....you still have warranty...

 

Yeah.. I suspected as much (consensus would be that I need to get it out ASAP). Unfortunately I can't get to it until Tuesday. Will have to sit till then. Probably nobody's had to drop the pan on a 2016 yet ... but any advice or pointers to similar write-ups appreciated.

KenLyns: Yes natural cork as is in from a cork tree.
arkwally: I do have a tow package. I had the thermostatic valve open while filling it.
renau001: I have run it... was running when I checked/filled it and also took it for a test drive before cleaning up and realizing my f*up. I do not have an inspection camera. I have some small mirrors I will use to see if it is stuck within reaching distance (seemed there was a 'wall' not far behind the fill hole where it could be wedged). Also.. as the diagram you provided shows.... it doesn't look like a straight drop into the pan. If not in the pan.. that is the next question really... with the pan removed am I going to be able to see the path from below up to the filler hole to try to fish it out?

 

If you get the big stuff out, I am sure there is a flush procedure somewhere to clean your system before you refill, you would only be lucky enough to get the cork out in one piece...

 

Man that sucks....if you couldn't tell any work was done, I'd leave it and drive. I doubt it's in the pan anyway, but it may be. If you go into taking everything off, they will be able to tell and if it screws up after that, they will wonder why the pan was dropped and be suspicious.

 

Or not.

Same accident can happen there when refilling. And it will be harder to remove, 'cause there's no pan to drop.

Unless you just let the box grind it up and hope the chunks come out at the next drain.

(PS, yes, I love manuals as well. But like anything else, they do have issues too)

 

Only thing that has me concerned is its natural material that is likely to break down in heat/ATF.

Ford actually leaves small plugs in their transmissions during assembly and they stay in the pan until it gets dropped for its first maintenance - if ever.



Might make you feel a little better...