virtue4u

I have decided to change the transmission pan gasket and clean the filter. Any tips with respect to the filter? It is a TH350 transmission. Also, do you put a little gasket sealant on the gasket for the transmission pan? If so, what kind of sealant? I assume that if any is used, it must be very little.

1LE

Replace the filter, and you should not need any sealant on the gasket. One tip, do not over tighten the pan bolts, that will cause leaks. Use a big wide pan to catch the tranny fluid, it can get messy under there and plenty of old rags or paper towels.

Stephen Irons

I bdon't know how you plan on getting the car in the air, but if its slightly higher at teyh fron t it helps,as the fluid will only come out of one sidfe of the pan when you release it! I loosened all the bolts but kept the front tighter and let the rear drop a little. Then use that large pan to collect the fluid.

Buy the AC Delco pan set (Mid America) It in ludes a filter, and more importantly, the gasket isn't a cork one, but a tougher material. Ensure that all the mating surfaces are clean and absolutely free of any traces of fluid. Bolt up everything dry.

Have fun!

UKPaul

As Stephen (Hi!) said, get the filter & gasket kit & just change the filter (making sure that you get the filter gasket on correctly). Tighten the pan bolts in steps up to a final torque of 13lb/ft. Be prepared to get messy, even after draining for 3 days & nights my tranny was still dripping fluid when I replaced the pan. It would be an ideal time to fit a drain plug to the pan if you're not in a hurry to get the job finished - you'll be really glad you did it the next time you drain the tranny.
:cheers:

Jerry P

The postings are correct. You definately don't want to use RTV or permatex on the pan. If any of that stuff gets up in the trans you'll be looking at a rebuild in no time at all. One thing you may want to do is really clean off the lip of the pan good before installing the gasket and the bolts. Believe me DO NOT OVERTORQUE THE BOLTS. They will strip out of the aluminum housing quickly. Whatever the book calls for is all I would torque them to. It will seem that it isn't tight enough, but it will be.

Paul L

Flatten the areas of the pan where the bolt holes are located before reinstalling.

SharkAttack

I have used wheel bearing grease (thin coat, use sparingly) in the past with no issues. It's compatible with ATF and holds the gasket in place during installation. Agree heartily with everyone else on the bolts - torque in order and only according to OEM specs.