Torque converter drain on 4r70w in a 2002 4.6 rwd

[0xowner]

I noticed a have a drain hole cover on the torque converter ... From reading, i am under the impression that the real drain plug on this transmission was up to the 2001 models.

I never turned a motor by hand and did I not want to crawl under, out and turn, repeatedly to check.

Does anyone know that if there's a rubber cover then it implies it has the drain plug? Or if the 02 should not have the rubber cover at all if no plug is present? Which may imply I have a replacement trans?

Thanks !

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

pull the drain cover and confirm which way the engine is supposed to turn and use a rachet on the bolt. or bump the starter via the solenoid to get the drain bolt to line up with the "inspection hole"

 

[0xowner]

I was hoping to see if anyone can say if I should have the plug or not. There is a rubber cover, but I've read that 2002's do not have the drain plug.... I guess then why is there the rubber cover? Did just the torque convertor get updated yet the transmission body not?

I have read that it should turn clockwise while standing in front of engine looking at it.

Also, the rubber cover was missing when I bought it. I have picked one up at the junk yard. Not knowing how long this is been missing and exposing the inside of housing to potential debris and dust, does anyone have a recommendation for what I should inspect or clean just in case some dust that may have gotten up in the housing?

 

[stamp11127]

As long as the seals aren't leaking you can install the cover and forget it. Really no need to clean it unless you were in a mud bog.

 

[0xowner]

well, I pushed this maintenance back as the fluid looks decent enough for now. I will concentrate my time on other areas and possibly get back to this within a few thousand miles.