Thread: Trans pan gasket

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OK, what is the best gasket? Some say cork and some say rubber. I'm confused. Then RTV or no RTV some say yeah and some say no. What is the best way to keep it from leaking?

duct-tape fixes everything IMO... ;-)

I generally buy FelPro gaskets and follow their instructions on the package except for exhaust headers where I like Earl's. More important is what type of pan you're dealing with. If it's chrome you need to get after the sealing surface with a fine wire wheel or an abrasive scuff pad to get that slick chrome surface roughed up to grip the gasket or sealer. Left alone the chrome is too slick and will tend to push out the gasket as it's tightened.

Chrome pan will scuff it real good. Thanks. As far as duct-tape DMS.

If the pan has been used before the mounting holes are probably dimpled and if so turn the pain upside down and find a narrow piece of wood and place it under each hole. Take a ball peen hammer and gently tap around each hole until the area is flush. After scuffing the finish I'd wipe it down with some sort of solvent, I like to use brake parts cleaner, but make sure you're in a well ventilated area and don't breathe the fumes. Do the same thing to the mating surface on the tranny to eliminate any residue. I like to gather all the mounting bolts and with a thin layer of Pematex #2 coat the mounting are of the pan, install the gasket and use the bolts to hold it in place. I also use plastic clothes pins to keep the gasket from slipping and after the Permatex has a chance to set up you're ready to install. Put all the bolts in finger tight and use some kind of sequence to tighten them to spec.

most leaks on pans are from overfilling. also worn out 350's will leak back from converter and raise the level . most every aftermarket dip stick will be wrong.

Thank you very much for quick response! Couldn't find Fel-pro gasket picked up a Mr. gasket 8690 cork and rubber composite one. Did the holes with hammer and wood. Yeah it's a 350 TH trans. Started with small drips now puddle. Hope that works. Thanks again!

When all else fails.
Permetex "The Right Stuff"
Get all mating surfaces CLEAN and scuffed, apply and button it up = NO LEAKS

On the mopar transmissions I have been using the fluid level is above the pan and I ended up stopping using cork gaskets. I swear they absorb the fluid and then leak out. Now I just use rubber ones and a light coat of sealer or molded plastic with an o-ring when available. The right stuff is an awesome sealer as well!

You will always get various answers on this subject.

The basics you can count on:
If you use RTV and a gasket, then make it extremely thin layer. On dodge, I discovered not to use rtv on the rubber front and rear seals, it causes them to slip out of position. Some say use rtv instead of front and rear intake gaskets. I think I tried it, and it worked ok. Most say cork gaskets are fine installed clean and bare. The right stuff is awesome, but pricey.

Anyway, lots of personal preferences. You'll have to wade through it and choose your own path.

Thanks for the help!

I've used cork on all the Mopar trans pans. I found that using a thin layer of hi-temp silicone on both sides of the gasket works great and I have never had one leak.

Thanks all! Used a gasket and permatex 2! Worked this time. Thanks again!!