Cracked manual transmission?

Only use 6 point metric sockets, otherwise this will happen.

 

Those are just veins, near the nuts. Pretty normal. you should be ok.

 

I am sure you know, but just in case, replace the plug.

 

The surface cracks are from the casting process. When the molten aluminum hits the cooler surface of the mold, it flashs to a solid quickly, leaving these small surface cracks behind. Nothing to worry about, all for looks. Nothing structural, if it was, it would be leaking.

And I second everyone's 6 point socket usage! And maybe just a touch of heat to expand the aluminum around the bolt.

 

yes, just got back from the dealer and ordered a new plug for when I get my extractor sockets in the mail.

 

Duct tape should fix it ..just don't go past 100mile an hour

 

I'm sure they're all pressure tested for leaks before they leave the factory.

 

Yep, i start worrying when you hear loud screaming noises when going through the gears. I was at a traffic light making a turn when a 3rd gen manual tacoma coming from the opposite direction passed in front of me. Something was very wrong with that truck with the noise it made while shifting through the gears.

 

Yea I’ve had no issues, nothing grinding or leaking. I’d assume if it was really cracked it would leak and if you didn’t know you’d run out of gear oil and definitely know something is wrong.

 

Those are spider cracks from the sand casting process. They should be external to the cast itself (sand side). If you ever worry about an aluminum casting, file a bit away and see if the crack extends below. If it does, you’ll need a weld repair. Cylinder head/ block machine shops are the best at this repair (experience). This is very common, as is flashing…