Old Man Minimalist

So last summer I replaced the transmission pan gasket. I haven't driven it much as I have it in my garage doing some major work. The other day I noticed a drip under the pan. I inspected it and found fluid seeping out around the gasket.

What is strange to me is that it hasn't leaked in the last 4 months or so and just started. Also when I checked the fluid level with the dipstick it was reading at least a quart high. In the old days auto trans would usually read a quart high when it wasn't running in neutral. I can't start it right now because I have the intake and exhaust system disconnected.

I may have not gotten a good seal when I replaced the pan gasket, but knock on wood, I normally seal stuff up pretty good. If I was driving it I might think the bolts loosened up or I have too much fluid or maybe a pressure thing. But sitting in my garage?

Looking for ideas and thoughts. Sure I can replace the pan gasket again but if there is some voodoo magic going on with my trans I'd be interested in knowing about it. Thanks.

BruceB

It might be worth re-torquing all the pan bolts, starting with where the leak is coming from. Wipe dry and wish for the best.

Saudade

Did you use a cork gasket? They are very easy to overtighten.

edit: the '99 parts guide shows no gasket, just sealer.

Saudade

The '99 fsm say to tighten the trans oil pan bolts to 53-70 in/lbs (6-8 nm)

lawsoncl

I would snug the bolts and see if that fixes it. Cork gaskets seems to shrink over time. Just beware that over-tightening the bolts is a major cause of it leaking. It deforms the edge of the pan, bending it inward and then it doesn't squeeze the gasket properly. Next time you have the pan off, put a straight edge on it and bend the lips back if needed. 7-10 ft-lbs is all those screws take. Too much torque and you'll strip the threads out of the transmission housing. Also check that it's not the cooler lines on the side leaking.

Old Man Minimalist

I don't believe it was cork but may have been a composite of cork and rubber maybe? It was a Felpro. I'll try retorquing them first. If not, maybe I'll use transmission safe RTV the next time. I usually torque to the middle of the range. I'll take up to the top of the range. Thanks men!

robsjeep

remove the bolts near the leak and inspect pan around the bolt hole. if pan is dished inwards toward the tranny around where the bolt head rests, then that maybe the cause of leak. over tightening can cause the pan to dish in around the bolt head. if so, next time pan is off, undish the area around the holes either or both by hammer and dolly work or flat file to remove dish on seal surface. Use of thick flat washers as big outside diameter as possible can help prevent dishing. also steel strips perhaps 1/8 inch thick, perhaps an inch long, and as wide as can fit can be used a super sized washers, which can also eliminate dishing of the pan.

good luck

dont be a drip!

Jeepwalker

Ive had pan gasket bolts come loose (or the gasket shrunk). Like the guys said, a slight re-torque is easy and free to do...

Old Man Minimalist

Yeah, it could be that gosh darn shrinkage...again!

I am hoping that is the situation, not that it's a big deal to redo it. I installed it and it basically has zero miles on it. With the heat and cold in my garage and being a fresh install, I have heard of stranger things going on. I'm going to put my crossmember and new transmission mount back in tonight. I'll tighten them while I'm under there.

arpunk

“I was in the pool!”

Old Man Minimalist

I retorqued the pan bolts to 70 in-lbs. I could see that the gasket was compressing but not squeezing out.