Tips to put back the top motor pump plug?

[jynkka]

Hi, I had problems with my top and checked the fluid level in the reservoir of the top motor. I added more ATF, did the bleeding and all to flush any air remaining in the cylinders. But now comes the time to put the rubber plug back in place and I have an awful hard time shoving it back in the hole where it belongs.

Does anyone have suggestions about the best way to do this without destroying the plug? If you do, that'd be great. Thanks!

 

[wmburns]

I have never done it myself. The service manual says to fill to the bottom of the fill hole while the cylinder is OFF of the car.

Is it possible the system is over filled and there is no expansion room to re-install the plug?

Perhaps loosening one of the other fittings to allow some fluid to leak out while the plug is being inserted.

Some pictures may also help.

 

[jynkka]

I think there is a small misunderstanding. The issue is not at the cylinder but at the top motor. I attached a closeup picture of the motor reservoir and you can see that the rubber plug is not fully plugged into the reservoir. The diameter of the plug seems insanely large relative to the size of the hole in the reservoir it's supposed to fit in.

 

[wmburns]

Again, it is a closed system. If the plug is inserted, there has to be some displacement of air/fluid.

Also, the plug may have soaked up oil and expanded thus making insertion more difficult. Perhaps freezing the plug my help.

Or put some petroleum jelly on it for lubrication. Or freeze it and lub it.

Or a new plug from Ford.

 

[nyuk98gt]

jynkka,

As Mr. Burns said, try some ATF on the outside of the plug. If you insert a blunt stick into the plug (there appears to be a hole in the back of the rubber plug) and stretch the plug (back) carefully as you push it into the hole. I say carefully because the blunt stick could puncture the closed end of the plug if you push too hard.

That's all I can think of to get that plug in.

HTH,

Chris