Automatic transmission filter problem
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Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Cleveland Tennessee
Automatic transmission filter problem
I have a 1985, automatic transmission. Decided to change the fluid and filter. Took pan and filter off threw the old filter away about a week ago. I cannot seem to get the new filter to seat deep enough to allow me to put the pan back on. It sits about 1/4 inch or so too low, will not let me seat the pan flush with the mounting surface. I did check, and there is not an old gasket sitting in the hole anywhere. When i take the orange gasket off the filter, and then put it back in without the gasket , then it seats deep enough and I could put the pan back on. This is the second filter, 1st one from NAPA, second one from Oreilly. I know I cannot put it together without the gasket on the filter, anyone have any guesses, cant compare the old filter of course as i threw it away and its gone
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
When i take the orange gasket off the filter, and then put it back in without the gasket , then it seats deep enough and I could put the pan back on.
Try lubricating it.
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From: Cleveland Tennessee
Lubricated it, twisted it, even tapped the first one with a hammer knowing I would bend it, thats why i bought the second one from O reillys still does not seat enough by about 1/4 in. If i take the gasket/o ring off that seems to make enough room, but the o ring seats against a shoulder on the filter, and the filter seems to have to seat all the way down to that shoulder, but when the o ring is put back on, it only seats to the edge of the o ring, creating the 1/4 in or so drop, hope i'm describing it clearly
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I've had issues with several off-brand filters. having said that, ac delco service replacement is the only way to go.
GM/Delco 82-93 700R4 transmission filter service kit (P/N 8657926) - best price - rockauto
I've bought several different kits over the years, and there's nothing like OE parts. for as often as you service the transmission, IMO, i'd go first class with this one. BTW, the ACD filter is made in the USA!
GM/Delco 82-93 700R4 transmission filter service kit (P/N 8657926) - best price - rockauto
I've bought several different kits over the years, and there's nothing like OE parts. for as often as you service the transmission, IMO, i'd go first class with this one. BTW, the ACD filter is made in the USA!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
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From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
Lubricated it, twisted it, even tapped the first one with a hammer knowing I would bend it, thats why i bought the second one from O reillys still does not seat enough by about 1/4 in. If i take the gasket/o ring off that seems to make enough room, but the o ring seats against a shoulder on the filter, and the filter seems to have to seat all the way down to that shoulder, but when the o ring is put back on, it only seats to the edge of the o ring, creating the 1/4 in or so drop, hope i'm describing it clearly
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Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Cleveland Tennessee
Dont know, took it out a week or so ago and threw it in garbage, figured it would be no problem. The seal seems to stop it from seating the extra 1/4 inch it needs to go.If I take the seal off, insert the filter, the raised section of the filter goes in and seats against the first ridge in the hole. Put the seal on and the seal hits that first ridge, keeps the filter the width of the seal lower, and no fit
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From: Cleveland Tennessee
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
I just ram those in there and they're fine.. If you have the same trouble, maybe try seating the seal first and then following with the filter?
I use a mixture of "Motor Honey" and ATF here to seat seals and just about everything else. It's ultra, ultra slick, and it helps with things like filter necks and such.
I use a mixture of "Motor Honey" and ATF here to seat seals and just about everything else. It's ultra, ultra slick, and it helps with things like filter necks and such.
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Did the seal just come off of the tube and is still stuck in the bore? It seems this happens from time to time. Have you looked?
Don't toss old parts until the "damn job is done"!! A couple of days ago a fellow tossed a compressor before doing the replace and now needs a part from it.
Don't toss old parts until the "damn job is done"!! A couple of days ago a fellow tossed a compressor before doing the replace and now needs a part from it.
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From: Anaheim CA
The old O-ring is still in the pump. You need to get it out before you can seat the new filter correctly.
One of these hook tools will do the job:
https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piec...set-66836.html
One of these hook tools will do the job:
https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piec...set-66836.html
Race Director
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The old O-ring is still in the pump. You need to get it out before you can seat the new filter correctly.
One of these hook tools will do the job:
https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piec...set-66836.html
One of these hook tools will do the job:
https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piec...set-66836.html
- good possibility on an old O-ring and, the tool set. been there, done that....
Last edited by Joe C; Aug 4, 2017 at 03:54 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Cleveland Tennessee
The old O-ring is still in the pump. You need to get it out before you can seat the new filter correctly.
One of these hook tools will do the job:
https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piec...set-66836.html
One of these hook tools will do the job:
https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piec...set-66836.html
Race Director
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, no logic. as stated, I PERSONALLY have had issues with non-GM/delco filters. not sure if it's a tolerance thing on the filter seal, or what, but I have fought those things in the past. 
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From: Cleveland Tennessee
OK. problem solved, as most stated here above my insistent and objections it was an old gasket still in the pump. The inside had worn so no orange just shiny stainless inner core was showing. Sure enough got a pick behind, it came out, filter in. I was looking but was too blind to see. Thanks to all who respond and forced me to continue to look for the obvious
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: San Antonio Texas
OK. problem solved, as most stated here above my insistent and objections it was an old gasket still in the pump. The inside had worn so no orange just shiny stainless inner core was showing. Sure enough got a pick behind, it came out, filter in. I was looking but was too blind to see. Thanks to all who respond and forced me to continue to look for the obvious
Sometimes it just takes 'new eyes' to see the obvious. I've had friends say "I just can't figure this out', and I'll walk up and say, "well what's this thingy here?" Or they'll do the same thing to me! DUH!
Glad you solved the problem!