3 speed auto tranny out of an 88. I replaced the filter the other day and while I was putting the new cork gasket on I thought 'put some blue RTV on there to help it seal'. I'm sure I've done this with other cork gaskets, eg the oil pan with no problems. Torqued the pan bolts to the requisite 8 ft lbs, job's a good 'un.
I was doing the axle seals today (tranny is in the garage on a dolly waiting to go in the car) and I noticed the pan gasket looked like it had 'squeezed' out from between the pan and the tranny case in places so I took the pan off and the gasket has pretty much fallen apart. Good job I had not put the tranny in the car yet!

Anyway, question is, should I have used rtv or not and what to do now, get another gasket and install it dry or ust use rtv (book says rtv or gasket, I guess not both!).

Opinions?

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Dave

www.ltlfrari.com

I always understood it to be common practice not to use RTV anywhere on any transmission gasket surface and install gaskets dry.
The RTV could flake off over time and clog fluid passages and interfere with transmission operation.

[This message has been edited by Indiana_resto_guy (edited 10-02-2009).]

RTV'ing cork gaskets doesnt always work out so well. The silicone often acts like a lubricant, and allows the cork to squeeze out. Cork normally uses no sealant. sometimes, to make things easy, there is stuff called "Indian Cement", to glue the cork in place. But, I have used RVT with cork. the trick is to use the RTV like glue. put the thin thin layer of RTV, lay gasket in place, and wait for it to dry. then put the other side of thin RTV on, and bolt cover in place.

the permatex Copper will work fine, the Blue stuff is terrible, falls off & gets into oil pump pickups & everywhere else you wouldn't want it. I wouldn't even use the blue on a water pump.

I would use a cork gasket and a little high tack sealant from permatex.

J.

And the pan is bent... You'll see that when you get pan out. All hole for bolt are bent.

High Tack, Super 300, (both Permatex) or Balkamp Aviation Sealer (FAA approve even.) with gasket.
Tip: Use Teflon pipe sealer on bolt as thread locker. Won't damage tranny and help keep "rust" out.

RTV can cause damage in automatic transmission and engine if you use it the wrong way. RTV can go places you don't want it do. Many people use way to much.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top of every forum page...)

New (generic) pan from Rock auto, black permatex (they should use that stuff in the gulf of Mexico, seals anything, or so I thought) and fiber gasket and it still #$%^&^& leaks.

Now what?

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Dave

www.ltlfrari.com

I changed my tran fluid last year - replaced the cork gasket with an all-rubber gasket and applied permatex (both sides) and I have not had any leaks thus far (knock on wood).

quote Originally posted by jaskispyder: I would use a cork gasket and a little high tack sealant from permatex. J.

Hi-tack spray or brush is what I use on felt or cork gaskets.