Hey guys,first of all I want to say thanks to all the help and tips I have recieved since joining this forum a couple of weeks ago.You guys are all about helping and not making people feel inferior for their lack of know how , unlike some other sites.I had a leak coming from my pan and checked the bolts and alot of them were loose, so I tightened them up and the leak stopped.That was 2 weeks ago.Now it is leaking again and I checked the bolts and alot were loose again,especially around one corner,like 3 bolts.Any reason for them coming loose and anything I can do to keep them tight? Maybe need a new gasket? As always,any tips would be appreciated.

 

Did you torque them to the proper specification?

Maybe a little loctite, I would use the blue one.

 

Hey Ken00,no I did not torque the bolts. I just tightened them until snug and then gave an extra quarter to half turn and leak stopped but they are now loose again.I dont own a torque wrench so that was also a reason for not torquing the bolts to specs.I will re-do using the loc-tite and a torque wrench.Any idea what torque specs are? Thanks for the info.

 

You don't mention which tranny you have. This article may help with the torque specs:

FORD 4R/5R55E Transmission Fluid, Filter & Gasket Change

 

Thanks Rockledge.I have the 4r44e trans and BTW I found a transmission filter/gasket kit under the seat from the previous owner so I was thinking of putting new gasket on pan,maybe it is not getting a good seal around the one corner it is leaking from.

 

96 to 120 in-lbs according to my Haynes, which is good for '93-'00. If you have other years it may not be correct. Loc-tite it and torque it correctly. Then check your fluid level, you probably didn't lose much but better safe than sorry, especially with an auto!

 

Sounds like a good idea changing the gasket. However, if you're going to do it, make sure to use the upgraded composite rubber gasket, not the older one made of cork.

 

It is a Pro King kit and comes with the composite rubber gasket.I feel it cant hurt to replace it and torque to specs (thanks RangerPilot).I am hoping it will give a better "bite"for the bolts and I will Loc-Tite them.Can I re-use the fluid that comes out of the pan or should I use new fluid?

 

Oh yes, use new fluid. Refer to the chart at the end of the article for the right specs(Mercon or Mercon V).

 

Okay, I finally have a free day tomorrow and I am going to replace the gasket on the trans pan and since I have a filter gasket kit I may as well change filter and gasket together. I have never done this before so any tips would be appreciated.I have a Pro-King kit with filter and O- rings and the new rubber gasket.Should I loc-tite bolts upon install or just torque to specs? How much time should I figure on spending on doing this job?

 

You might consider purchasing one of those cheap fluid pumps available from any auto parts store (5-10 bucks) and using it to pump out as much fluid as you can through the dipstick first. This will lighten up the pan considerably when you go to drop it.

Make sure you have something large enough underneath to catch any spillage. Have lots of rags available, ATF is messy stuff.

A dab of blue loctite on the end of the bolt threads couldn't hurt.

 

Thanks again Rockledge. Hopefully this will remedy my leak problem. It is kinda odd that this trans was just rebuilt and the pan is leaking. I am sure they changed gasket on pan during rebuild with new filter.How much fluid do you think I will need to replace with this job?

 

I think it's about 5 quarts when you drop the pan.

 

I always grab a BIG piece of cardboard when I drop the pan, no matter how careful I am I always manage to spill some.

 

Thanks guys for the info. I will prepare myself for the job and let you all know how it turned out tomorrow.