Tranny pan removal???

I went to remove my tranny pan and I couldn't get it to drop. Instead of a gasket, looks like whoever removed it last time used some sort of red "make a gasket" type of stuff. I tried to wedge a screwdriver but was too afraid of bending the lip of the pan. Any suggestions on how to get this thing off? I purchased a new gasket but wondering what that red stuff is and if I should be using it instead of an oem gasket as well???

[svx_commuter]

Oh yeah that is most likely RTV gasket maker stuff. Makes me wonder why it's there? You need a putty knife oh about one inch wide or so to get that off and it's sometimes not easy. So take your time.
I found the best way is to work the putty knife into the sealant so it passes thru to the inside but not too deep or you may cut a wire that's hanging down. Keep working the putty knife around until the pan drops free. Use the putty knife like a knife and not like a wedge or pry.
Then you have to clean off all the RTV on the bottom of the trans and flange of the pan. A gasket remover in a spray can helps.

Then you need a straight edge like a metal scale to check the pan flange and bang it back flat, ball peen hammer the bolt holes.

Clean everything with brake parts cleaner.

What are you taken it apart fur?

I'm trying to drop the pan because 1) it's leaking, 2) want to clean the filter that's in there somewhere.

When I tried to wedge the screwdriver in there, I remember having all sorts of problems because I could not get a straight shot in between the pan and tranny. I can't remember what was blocking, but do you think I'll have to drop the exhaust. If so, then I might as well take the tranny mount out and check it's integrity as well.

Also, would applying heat to the red gasket stuff make it any softer and easier to cut through. Had an idea of taking a propane tourch to it???

Oh, also, should I use a regular gasket or get this red stuff again. Don't want to deal with leaks anymore.

[AFBeefcake]

You don't have to remove anything to get the pan off.
I had my filter and fuld changed at a trany shop and they droped the pan without removeing any thing but the bolts for the pan.

[kuoh]

Unless as he said, the person who did the work previously used a sealant instead of the gasket. And if they dropped your pan, they should've installed a new gasket, as the factory one is made of paper and not likely to continue to maintain a good seal in the future.

KuoH

Originally posted by AFBeefcake
You don't have to remove anything to get the pan off.

[SVX-FF]

Have fun scrapping all that goop off. I just changed my filter and it was in there with RTV. I bent the pan's lip getting it off. Hammer fixed that.
NAPA had the tranny filter kit with a rubber gasket for about 30 bucks.

Used a razor blade and small wire brush to clean tranny, wire wheel bench grinder to clean pan.

Steve

Well the red stuff was there before I brought my car into the dealer recently for an inspection and tranny flush. I told them to remove the pan cause it was leaking and I wanted them to change/replace that internal filter. I brought 13-14 quarts of Redline High Temp for them to use during the flush as well. Since they didn't inspect what I asked them to(read my High clutch pack post in Tech), I assumed when I noticed the usual tranny drip that they didn't drop the pan like I requested either. I'm going to have a look this evening. Any reason not to reuse the Redline that's going to come out if I ever get the pan to drop. The fluid only has about 500 miles on it.

[svxfiles]

Originally posted by rount5
Also, would applying heat to the red gasket stuff make it any softer and easier to cut through. Had an idea of taking a propane tourch to it???

Please, Please, Please, DO NOT USE FIRE under the oil and asphalt covered gasoline filled, 3580 pound, EXPLOSIVE DEVICE!

Thank you.

Originally posted by svxfiles



Please, Please, Please, DO NOT USE FIRE under the oil and asphalt covered gasoline filled, 3580 pound, EXPLOSIVE DEVICE!

Thank you.

hmmm...

[svx_commuter]

Originally posted by rount5
Any reason not to reuse the Redline that's going to come out if I ever get the pan to drop. The fluid only has about 500 miles on it.

Well I am very confused becasue in your first post I thought you said the pan would not drop. So I thought you drained the fluid from the trans before trying to take the pan off. Well, you did that right?

I do not know about reusing it. How do you know it is clean and does not have rocks or dirt in it?

Drain fluid before dropping pan, I'll take a "mental" note of that one.

It just had a full flush and I had them put Redline High Temp. I would assume it's as clean as used fluid can get. But I could be mistaken which is why I asked.