Hi! I was wondering if anyoone out there could help with a part that came out of the transmission of a 1997 Econo Van. This is a part that a guy at my work found in his transmission pan when he went to change his fluid. I don't know much more than that. I am looking for help as a favor. If you need more info let me know and I will ask. I have attached a photo. If you can help it would be wonderful and solve a mystery.

local://upfiles/6991/BA3DF9F7F21D43099E39CAE93964C883.jpg

I recall reading about it. It can be discarded as it's used temporarly when the transmission is assembled. Must be the first oil change for the transmission as it would have been tossed earlier.

I would have to agree with boflaade. I have seen this before. And wonder why ford would leave this in the pan!

From what I understand, the plug was used to keep the oil in place so at no point the parts would be unlubricated. Why just Ford I'll never know.:eek:

Thank you so much!!!!! You guys are the BEST!!!!
Take care, Barb:)

I realize that this is way late but I can difinitivly solve the delema. I work in the transmission plant and can tell you what it is and its use. The item you pictured is a plug used during assembly at the trans plant and it's slang name is called the lollipop. When the transmission is built and filled with oil for shipment to the vehicle assembly plant, this plug is put in the dipstick hole to seal the trans for shipping so that the trans oil won't leak out. The reason that you found it in the pan is because when it is assembled to a engine and then put into the vehicle, the dip stick tube is pushed into the hole on top of the lollipop and the lollipop is shoved harmlessly into the trans pan. The trans is filled with oil above the dipstick tube hole so if the plug was first pulled and then the tube shoved in there would be a large amount ot oil lost between the pulling of the plug and tube insertion. Long story short, it has no function in the trans except in shipping. It is harmless to have it in the pan,and can be thrown out at the first oil change unless you,... like me find it usefull to keep it around in your garage when you need to pull a trans and don't want all the oil on your floor, or you.Hope this helps.

Ace thankyou for the great description. I was looking at photo and thought the same thing b4 I confirmed it reading your post.