Just brought my 99 4.2 in to get a transmission leak sorted out. Figured it was leaking from somewhere around the pan as I only noticed small amounts of fluid after letting it sit overnight or at work.

Anyway, I got the gasket and filter replaced but after I got back home I noticed that they listed "gasket maker" instead of a replacement gasket. I don't have much experience with RTVs or anything, but don't they need time to dry or cure before you refill the fluid? I wasn't there for too long really.

Would I notice right away if it wasn't fully set or would this be a problem that I would see later on?

 

I believe that is what the directions on the tube states. That is why I bought a gasket when I replaced my differential lube recently. I tried the rtv stuff on a previous lube replacement on another truck and it leaked.

By the way, the original gasket that came on the 4R70 is a permanent type. It never has to be replaced.

 

Yeah, I read that on the trans pan a few months back when I was doing some exhaust work. I figured that since they typically don't cost that much that I'd just get it replaced to rule it out as a problem. Now I've gotta keep an eye on it anyway. Oh well.

I looked at the instructions for some Permatex gasket makers online, apparently there are ones that can be put back into use immediately. Maybe I'll give the garage a call tomorrow to see what they used so I can get rid of a bit of paranoia.

 

never use RTV on a Automatic trans because it cause trans to fail if the the RTV pieces break loose and get into the trans

 

The factory gasket is reusable for several pan drops without needing to be replaced.

 

Pan gaskets are available that are not reusable like the stock Ford gasket. (crap gaskets) If you end up buying a gasket make sure it is the Ford gasket.

 

Install the correct rubber bonded/reusable pan gasket and torque the pan bolts to 130 inch lbs.

If you plan on servicing the transmission regularly, you might invest in a new pan with a drain plug.

GASKET -> http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-FORD-OEM...-/271930611149

Dorman makes a replacement pan that has a drain plug mounted in it, you can get this pan for $30 on Ebay

Pan -> http://www.dormanproducts.com/itemde...SEName=265-813

 

I installed a drain plug like the one you can buy from the "Help" section of many auto parts stores. But, I don't use the nylon gaskets because they will leak. I use the oil pan plug washer/gaskets. They are metal washers with a rubber inner ring. They don't leak.

 

I recommended replacing the pan because when somebody installs the pan with a cork gasket or RTV, they usually over tighten the pan bolts, which distorts the pan rail and mushrooms the bolt holes in the pan. so even if correct pan gasket is installed, the pan will never seal correctly again.

The Dorman pan is an cost effective replacement and has the bonus of having a built in drain plug

 

So after spending some time under the truck it looks like they didn't use only RTV, but a cheapo gasket as well, except they used so much RTV that the gasket is pushing out slightly in the front again and has some intermittent leaking (also noticed some fluid coming from the dipstick tube as well).

It was completely dry this weekend between Friday and Sunday morning, only drove it once in that time for about 5 minutes on Saturday. Checked it early Sunday morning to see how it was doing and there was no liquid (on the pan) at all. Went to take a look a few hours later and it was wet again. What the hell?

I picked up the reusable Ford gasket from a nearby dealership and I'll be installing it (and possibly a new o-ring for the dipstick tube) myself some time this week. Hopefully when they put that gasket and RTV on they didn't tighten the hell out of it and the pan will still be fine. If not, I'll probably be looking at a new pan with the drain plug so I don't have to spend time messing around with the rusty cooler lines or a pump to get the fluid out of the pan in the future. Thanks for the links Mity!

I knew I should have just done this myself from the beginning, but I'm in an apartment building right now. The management haven't given me a hard time about working on the truck in the lot, but that could change if this becomes a messy procedure haha.

 

What are you guys' thoughts regarding Permatex Spray gasket sealant on both sides of the OEM transmission pan seal?

 

Why?
Unless they are damaged and need to be replaced I have never had one leak. These are awesomely good gaskets. They don't need anything. Well, other than to be kept away from those who want to torque the hell out of everything.

D