Auto Transmission - RTV gasket vs Normal

[Ndx]

Hi Guys,

So i ordered filter for my 2004 Mazda 3.
Dealer said they don't have gaskets just user RTV ..
But aftermarket filters have gaskets ... I wonder if its not better to go with gasket less mess.. nothing will get in to transmission.
Because if i put to much RTV it may get in fluid ..

any ideas ?

and how to strip open new pan with rtv ..

 

[Steve S]

Gaskets are nicer IMO.

 

[Nyquist]

Installed properly, I've almost never had a transmission gasket leak. I can't say the same about some of the RTVs.

 

[Cup of Joe]

Originally Posted By: Nyquist
Installed properly, I've almost never had a transmission gasket leak. I can't say the same about some of the RTVs.


I've experienced the opposite. Gasket maker does make it a bear to get the pan off and alot of cleanup before you can re-apply RTV.

 

[JTK]

Agreed. That's the only nightmare with RTV; The removal and clean-up process should you need to go back in there again.

Joel

 

[frank2009]

I've got a 3 also. Went with a Wix brand filter and gasket. Filter looked the same as OE to my untrained eyes. Took my time with the gasket so it doesn't leak and stays flat on the pan. Oh yea, if this is the first time the pan will be removed, it'll take some time to remove the old RTV. IMO, go with a gasket; you dont want to be scraping RTV again.

 

[mechtech2]

Auto trans gaskets often leak - it is their nemesis.
Some cast oil pans with super duper gaskets are great, however.
If you use RTV, clean both surfaces dry clean. And let it set up longer than you want before filling. Depending on the ambient temperature , 1/2 day to a day is safe.
Sure, you could gob it on and fill it, but it would be iffy for long life.

 

[Ndx]

what did you use to clean old RTV gasket ?
And what fluid did you use ?
And how many KMS agoo.. ?

Thx guys I think I will go with gasket ... I plan to change filter and fluid every 30Miles... so RTV would be a pain in the [censored]...

 

[Buffman]

i prefer the rubber gaskets over the cork stuff. Cork just tends to soak the oil up and eventually leak.

 

[LotusLover]

IMO you should always apply a light coat of RTV to the threads of the pan bolts, even with a proper gasket. They are a potential source of leaks.

 

[frank2009]

hi again ndx,

Tried to remove the pan with a plastic scraper but was unsuccessful. Went with a large screwdriver and CAREFULLY pried the pan from the transmission; a bit nerve racking but it worked. Would like to know how other people do this without damaging anything.

Once the pan was separated from the transmission, i put some solvent on a rag, applied it to the RTV and used a plastic blade and scraper to remove the RTV. This took some time but i didn't want to get RTV in the transmission.

Used M-V fluid from the dealer. Some people on this board have used Ford Merc V. Castrol multi import and Mobil have a fluid that meets M-V specs. My 3 is under warranty so i stuck with dealer fluid.

Did this at about 17,000 km. Probably way too early but wanted to see the magnet in the pan while well under warranty.

Hope this helps,
frank

 

[Cutehumor]

IMHO, if it comes with a gasket, I would use it. RTV is messy,I just never had to remove RTV gasket. I've installed both ways on two different cars.