TH400 Pan Recommendation?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 520
Likes: 5
From: Front Range
TH400 Pan Recommendation?
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
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
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
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.
No more leaks anywhere.
Last edited by JimT; Feb 26, 2009 at 07:01 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, Ohio
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.
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.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 517
Likes: 7
From: Peoria IL
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.
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.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 517
Likes: 7
From: Peoria IL
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.
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.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 520
Likes: 5
From: Front Range
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
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
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
Likes: 731
From: Youngstown Ohio
