[trader61]

On my 65 GTO hardtop with the 4 speed, there is a bolt about midway up the tranny on the driver side just above where the starter is. It looks like it's about 1 1/2" long with a 9/16 head. It's screwed-in about halfway with nearly 3/4" of thread sticking out with the head. It looks as if there should be purpose but nothing is attached to it. If anybody can explain, I'd sure feel more comfortable knowing something isn't installed incorrectly.

Thanks!

[johnta1]

Have a picture of it?

Sounds like the fill hole for the tranny?
Bolt used instead of screw in plug?

[John V.]

On the Muncie, the fill hole is on the passenger side of the main case.

On the driver side, mainly you have the side cover, I can't picture where a stray bolt could be halfway up on the left side of the main case.

Is it possible you have a Dearborn top loader 4 spd?

If so, it isn't original. PMD did offer the 3 spd Dearborn top loader as the HD option at mid year in '65. But never offered the 4 spd version.

I'm not familiar with the top loader to know if there could be any bolt like you describe on the left side of the main case.

If it is a Muncie, I am stumped.

What is the p/n on the main case, look for it at the top of the main case on the right (passenger) side, expect 3851325 for an original '64 or '65 Muncie main case?

Found this pic of a Dearborn 4 spd, looks like it has a bolt sticking out from the side, I have no idea what it's for.

[aceaceca]

On Fords toploaders I believe it is a stay bolt that holds the round rod shift rail shaft.

[trader61]

I messed up and went by memory. The bolt is actually on the side of the motor above the starter, not behind it on the tranny. I can't get back there to take a picture but suspect I'll be able to do so soon enough. I started the car today for break in and it appears my starter has issues. It works fine when the engine is cold but won't turn it over fast enough to start it when the motor is hot. I had this happen years ago and it was a weak starter so I suspect it's a similar issue. Prior to refreshing the engine, this wasn't an issue as my compression was real low. I guess with the proper compression, weak links become obvious. I'll post a picture once I pull the starter.

[johnta1]

Probably drain hole that has a bolt instead of plug also.

They're usually a fine thread 1/4" (?) plug.
Usually one on other side of block also, but in a different position.

[johnta1]

Drain plug:

[DMRGTO]

1/4" PIPE thread! Not bolt thread.

[Zimtok]

Could it be the starter brace/bracket bolt?



.

[bill ryder]

"Starter brkt. brace bolt" is the rear motor mount bolt. "Bill"!

[JAKE 64]

Originally Posted by trader61

I messed up and went by memory. The bolt is actually on the side of the motor above the starter, not behind it on the tranny. I can't get back there to take a picture but suspect I'll be able to do so soon enough. I'll post a picture once I pull the starter.

For 1964

If we are talking engine and not tranny, I believe the plug you are looking for is in the photos below. This brass plug replaced the petcock (similar to radiator) drain. This plug has haunted me for 20 + years. It may be a brass/paint retention issue, but all of the unmolested engines I have observed over the years has indicated no blue engine paint on this plug. I started out years ago leaving this plug unpainted, but have wavered over the years and I'm now painting the plugs engine blue. I guess my hangup is not understanding the function, if it has any, in the plant's engine assembly/test process.