iNdigo

Can someone recommend an oil pan for the TH400 that will actually work with the Corvette shift cable bracket?

I originally had a simple stamped steel pan that worked great, until I decided to install a drain plug, which I effed up. Don't ask.

So I ordered what I thought was an improved part, with extra oil capacity, finned aluminum casting, drain plug, the works. But the shifter cable bracket wouldn't fit it.

I'm running a replacement stamped steel unit that works okay, but it leaks like a sieve.

I've been through the gamut of fixes to correct the leaking gasket -- repairing two stripped threads with helicoils, new set of ARP pan bolts, proper torquing order and fastener torque values, and it still leaks like a sieve.

Please, someone help me end my TH400 fluid leak woes!

Is there a cast aluminum pan that will work? I really feel that a cast pan would maintain the best gasket seal, as it won't flex like a stamped steel pan will. And it has to have a drain plug. That's the whole reason I got into this mess in the first place : )

cheers,

the blonde weasel

JimT

I finally solved my leaking TH400 tranny pan. I purchased a chrome pan from Summit, with a drain plug. I threw the bolts away and installed studs (also from Summit) and the standard gasket. No more bolts to work loose, etc. I also replaced the bolts with studs in the oil pan and used the blue Felcro gasket.
No more leaks anywhere.

1Fordman

Derale deep pan with the cooling tubes in the bottom, works fine with the shifter cable bracket. This is on a 68.

2armor

I installed the thick a** aluminum summit pan and had the same issue. Maybe that is what you have it too(?). The cable bracket will work with a little grinder/file work to flatten the side next to the pan.

Of course the pan leaked until i glued the gasket on both sides with
3M adhesive. Nice to have the drain plug and I installed a remote filter as well.

Good luck with whichever route you go.

dstaley

I bought a nickel plated GM TH400 pan- equipped with a drain plug- for less than $30 on eBay new-in-the-box.

I'd imagine that it won't leak, but it's still on my parts shelf so far. It's for my Camaro, which is in paint jail.

smon

Same problem here with my stock pan, can't stop the leak. I was just about to start a thread about the best replacement pan and what gasket to use.



Sean

dstaley

GM knew what they were doing by using steel pans. While they were likely less expensive than aluminum cast pans, they also dent rather than break when struck by foreign objects in the road. I'd much rather have a dent in my pan than a broken pan- which I've seen countless times on hotrods, both on oil pans and on transmission pans.

Rear end covers are about the only bottom cover that I'd rather have a casting than a steel pan of some sort just because I've seen so many broken ones cripple a car instantly on a speed bump or similar road hazard.

682XLR8

When I had a Turbo 400 in my 68, I used a factory deep pan from a truck. It fit fine, didn't leak & held an extra two quarts if I remember right

The Money Pit

Rossler Transmissions used this deep steel truck pan when he built my th400. Has the drain plug, and so far (two years) no leaks.

C3 Stroker

I also have the deeper truck pan (from Rossler's)....no leaks so far, going on 3rd year. This is a factory pan as stated above and the extended pickup is available for it.

iNdigo

Thanks for the excellent responses. I may just try ordering a new gasket and going through once more and meticulously sealing the pan up. I had considered using 3m weatherstrip adhesive as well, as I've used it with much success on many other problem areas for seals and gaskets -- e.g. lifter valley front and rear decks where they mate to the intake manifold, and on float bowl gaskets on my motorcycyles.

The hard-core GM trueists will say a tranny pan should never need gasket sealant... I figure, I've replaced the gasket 3 times already, what's the harm in giving it one more go. if the 3M adhesive does the trick, I'll be sure to come share my results.

the blonde weasel

willem wallace

Would anyone have the correct part number for this pan? If not, how about the tranny shop location, so I could inquire.

C3 Stroker

Give Carl Rossler a call....phone is listed on his website:
http://www.rosslertrans.com/