New gasket when dropping pan?

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Should I replace the gasket when dropping pan? Looks like I'll need a torque wrench also. My plan is to drain and clean pan replace and refill and then do a coolant line flush. The total should be 8.5 quarts but I think I'll need more as I have to refill before starting the coolant line flush. Does this procedure sound right? I guess 12 should do. I have an 03 Sienna 94,000 miles, last change unknown.
 
Unless you have a reusable gasket then you'll want a new one. Most passenger car transmissions don't have reusable gaskets.

You can get a filter kit from places like NAPA that comes with all the stuff except for the ATF to change the trans filter.
 
Anytime I've every purchased a new transmission filter, it came with a new gasket.

12 qts should be good. Used 13 qts on my 9.5 capacity transmission. You'll be running the car as you refill, so you should stop somewhere around 10 qts IMO, so that you can check and top off accordingly. So make sure you're pouring in at least at the same rate as the old fluid is being pumped out.

Amsoil has a nice TB if you need any instructions.
 
Ford 4.6 Modular transmission gasket on my vehicle is specifically stated that it can be re-used. I re-use it, and it doesn't leak. Check you owner's manual for the recommendation on your vehicle.
 
Ford 4.6 Modular transmission gasket on my vehicle is specifically stated that it can be re-used. I re-use it, and it doesn't leak. Check you owner's manual for the recommendation on your vehicle.
 
This is a Sienna, buy the filter and gasket at the dealer.
12 quarts should be enough. Drain the transmission, drop pan, replace the filter, clean the pan/magnet, button her up(torque wrench is smart choice), refill with the 7-9 quarts and run the cooler line flush. Use the last three to top of the pan when down since you'll pump 'er dry through the cooler line.
 
Originally Posted By: Cory
Anytime I've every purchased a new transmission filter, it came with a new gasket.


True, if you go to Kragen/Autozone they will dump a [censored] cork based gasket with a filter like Fram. Most of the filter/screens are unreplaceable and not needed in the first place.

But then there is a world of difference between the cheap cork based gasket vs OEM. There is no comparision between the two, period.

Only OEM for gaskets.
 
The aftermarket supply also has the correct gaskets. Besides cork, rubber... there are the fiber composite gaskets. And, don't forget all those pans sealed by RTV. A filter 'kit' will include the gasket. Cheap shoppers looking for the cheapest price will usually get the wrong gasket. The components are available separately.

Most filter screens are replaceable. I do recommend servicing them every 100k because the cheap o-ring or gasket used to seal it will degrade and leak(especially if transmission is worked). And, VB's tend to have bolt torque issues. So, when replacing the filter/screen, its always smart to snug the VB with a torque wrench.
 
Strange as this may sound. My transmission pan did not have a gasket. First transmission service at 30k, I went to Dodge dealer for the filters and gasket. He sold me the two filters and then told me it didn't require a gasket, and the mechanics at the dealership used RTV black. Sure enough when I removed the pan, no gasket.

This time around at the 60k service interval I purchased aftermarket filters. They came with a gasket, so I used it, along with a very thin coat of RTV black.

No leaks either time.
 
Originally Posted By: Inverse
Should I replace the gasket when dropping pan? .


If it has one, yes.

Many times since the mid 90s I'm running into many that use RTV or some similar sealant instead of a gasket. So the bottom line is it depends & I don't know if your model has a gasket or not.
 
Thanks for all the advice, I think I'll go for the oem gasket and filter and spring for a torque wrench, great forum.
 
Undummy and others,

Let's say you have a Chrysler product with silicone RTV pan seal. Is it o.k. to use a gasket instead? Seems like the dealers use RTV while independent shops will use a gasket. At the Allpar site, many say it is near impossible to keep dripping fluid from getting on the flange and goofing up the RTV (due to the sloped transmission design).

Would Felco be a reliable gasket brand?

What is the correct torque when using a gasket (vs. RTV). Haynes manual specs. are hard to trust.

thanks.
 
Felpro is a realiable brand.
When applied correctly, RTV works perfectly. Using a quality RTV also helps.
Using a gasket is OK if it is a quality gasket. Problem is that noone knows what will work when they buy the gasket. And, some transmission families switched from gaskets to rtv..... so switching back shouldn't usually be an issue. When using a gasket, I would always consider using a gasket dressing(hightack, gasgacinch, hylomar). Funny that some cork or fiber gaskets are now coated in rubber negating the need for a gasket dressing.

The correct torque is easy. Use the generic torque for the size of the bolt straight of the haynes chart as long as it doesn't exceed the torque provided for the pan bolts. Make an effort not to confuse in, ft, nm, or kg. Most read their torque wrench incorrectly causing stripped thread or broken bolts and then blame the 'haynes' manual.

http://www.filtercouncil.org/techdata/tsbs/98-3.pdf
 
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