Cork/metal trans pan gaskets

[D60]

Thoughts on cork trans pan gaskets with a metal core? O'Reilly has quick access to a lot of this style from Mahle.

I've used two so far as I don't care for the 100% rubber gaskets that come in cheap filter kits. However not enough time has elapsed to see how the cork/metal units hold up over time.

Would anyone consider these "reusable"? I think I'd be hesitant to reuse cork -- even with the metal core -- but I'm hoping they have less chance of leaking over time if left undisturbed.

They're relatively affordable -- I think I paid ~$11 for a 46RE

 

[AKhan87]

never had those 100% rubber gaskets from "cheap filter kits (Beck/Arnley)" leak, ever but I am not an idiot and I gently hand tighten the bolts with a 1/4" ratchet...

For Toyota transmissions, OEM is a combination of rubber/metal and I have always never seen that leak but can't justify the cost when the aftermarket ones never leak...

Only have experience with a cork oil pan gasket that I had to use in a pinch, it didn't leak but I am sure it would have leaked over time as the OEM setup was RTV.

 

[Lubener]

The pan has to be checked for flatness especially at the bolt holes. When corrected as needed with a ball peen hammer and torqued to specs (not over torqued ) , I never had a leak regardless of the gasket material used.

 

[Trav]

I would not reuse cork even if it was over metal. Cometic makes a good trans pan gasket with AFM that should be reusable.

Aluminum Foamette Material gaskets feature an aluminum core and a chemically blown, compounded nitrile synthetic rubber coating that is bonded to the outside layer; do not require gasket sealer.

https://www.cometic.com/products/C15246

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...ytTPsMn-b46FiRXV4C48M7gs_oD6bacTWXEiMu20LyuTO

 

[JavierH19]

I reused the solid metal gasket when doing a pan drop on a jatco cvt recently. I didn't care to use the rubber one in the kit. Those metal ones last forever if removed and reinstalled carefully. I never reused the cork ones and did use the rubber one in the kit and that one didn't start seeping until it was the next time to do another pan drop so it wasn't the worst.

 

[Marcozi]

The pan has to be checked for flatness especially at the bolt holes. When corrected as needed with a ball peen hammer and torqued to specs (not over torqued ) , I never had a leak regardless of the gasket material used.

Correct torquing AND torquing in the proper sequence are critical.

 

[BrendanC]

Always go for the OEM if they’re the metal/rubber re-usable options. They always seal.

 

[D60]

I guess people got distracted by the mention of reusable. That's my fault for mentioning it.

Was more curious of experiences with cork/metal for one time use vs the cheap all rubber gaskets which don't seem to always hold up very well

 

[clinebarger]

Cork is used quite frequently in the transmission rebuild industry...Works pretty good if installed dry. ATF & sealants act as a lubricant & will cause the gasket to split before achieving adequate clamping force.

48RE's came factory with a reusable steel core molded rubber gasket & can be used on 46 & 47RH/RE.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Cork gaskets were pretty common decades ago. They did not leak when installed properly, but were 1 time use.

I wonder how they fair with synthetic oils vs conventional regarding swelling?

In the very old days some seals were essentially just cotton rope in a channel, designed to swell when saturated with oil.

 

[D60]

Cork is used quite frequently in the transmission rebuild industry...Works pretty good if installed dry. ATF & sealants act as a lubricant & will cause the gasket to split before achieving adequate clamping force.

48RE's came factory with a reusable steel core molded rubber gasket & can be used on 46 & 47RH/RE.

Thank you! I can't say I was SUPER careful about getting the transmission surface bone dry before installation. I did do a swipe with a shop towel, but pretty sure more ATF ran onto one or two parts.

I did have the pan spotless and dry, however.

Hopefully it holds up. Again, I'm trying to like these because my O'Reilly can get them almost immediately out of their main Lubbock distribution center, and Mahle tends to be good stuff AFAIK