Problems never end

Well, the tranny pan gasket I had installed last Wednesday is leaking from one of the bolts. It's not a big leak but I noticed it running down the pan. The mechanic didn't use a torque wrench and I'm not sure if he used a criss-cross pattern when he reattached the pan. My torque wrench doesn't go down to 96 in lb. I guess I should attempt to tighten the bolts a tad bit more w/o doing damage?

Also, after the filter and drain/refill Wednesday, the tranny was working shifting pretty smooth. BUT yesterday from 1st to 2nd it slammed into gear. I really didnt warm the car up at all before I drove off. Should I do another drain/refill now instead of waiting? I think the gasket leak obviously forced me to lose some fluid. I was going to wait 3k to do another drain/refill but I think since things were neglected by the original ower I should do it again. I've driven the truck about 90 miles since the last drain/refill.

If all else fails I might throw in a bottle of Lucas tranny fix to buy more time. Any thoughts?

BTW, no RTV or gasket sealer was used by the mechanic. It's a rubber gasket.

The slamming 1st-2nd gear is *somewhat* typical on a COLD engine/transmission - mine has done this since new if I take off within a minute or so of starting, but only after it's sat for more then 5-8hrs or so.

HOWEVER - that hard shift when you 1st take off, generally only occurs ONCE, and once it shifts to 2nd gear should be pretty back to normal from that point on, it shouldn't shift harsh again, period. Anytime you stop and have to go into 1st-2nd shifts again it should be smooth.

For this reason, I have always allowed the truck to idle at least 3-4 minutes, even in the peak of summer, because that tranny will do it everytime after having sat overnight, and I hate that.

If it continues even after the transmission is at normal temperature, then it's probably low on fluid.

I would NOT put any kind of additive in until you've ruled out if it's just a cold start issue or low on fluid.

The tightening of the pan bolts, be VERY careful as you could easily overtighten and cause the pan to warp.

The slamming into gear did happen after it sat overnight. It didn't occur again after the first time. I might go ahead and do another drain/refill since I was going to do consecutive ones in hopes to flush out the gunk.

BTW, I bought some plug washers that have rubber inserts in the middle. Don't know if they are the same ones you found at Autozone.

If it didn't occur again - the slamming - probably just the typical cold take-off.

In the summer, if you don't feel the need to idle it for 2-3 minutes (after sitting all night) start the truck, wait for the RPM's to drop below 1k (few seconds) then put the tranny in gear (D or R) and wait 10 seconds or so for the fluid to start cycling - then take off. That's helped with mine, at times, when I don't really have time to let it idle.

Well, after driving for about an hour the tranny starts to slip pretty bad. I did another drain/refill but once the fluid starts to thin over time, the tranny slips. Seems like the tranny is on the way out. I'm going to try some Lucas and see what happens. :frown:

Are you sure you topped it off WITH the engine idling and in Neutral after having shifted through all the gears a few times.

Can't remember are you the original owner?

No, I'm not the original owner. I've done 3 drain/refills within a weeks time, and even added some Lubegard, which is a PITA to add, and the whining and slipping continues. First into 2nd is fine but after that, it just slips and whines as I step on the gas. I think the oil pump is going out and it just needs a rebuild. The original owner got 150,000 miles out of the tranny. He took care of almost everything except the damn tranny. I've been looking at rebuilts and it seems I might be out $1900 (includes 3 yr/36000) warranty.:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

You haven't answer Ramblin Fever's question if you're topping it with additional fluid during idle. If you're not then it's low on fluid.

I have encounter what you've been through, doing 4 fluid changes within 2 weeks. This tranny needs attention every 30,000 miles and it got a way of getting your attention, so i doubt that the original owner neglected the tranny.

You haven't answer Ramblin Fever's question if you're topping it with additional fluid during idle. If you're not then it's low on fluid.

I have encounter what you've been through, doing 4 fluid changes within 2 weeks. This tranny needs attention every 30,000 miles and it got a way of getting your attention, so i doubt that the original owner neglected the tranny.

Just out of curiosity how would you know if the original owner never neglected the tranny? I've owned and driven the truck all of 200 miles. The filter and pan had not been dropped in 150,000 miles. There was 1/8 in layer of sludge at the bottom of the pan and the filter was totally clogged. Even the owner stated he just did flushes on the tranny. SO, do I think the tranny was neglected? YES!

At this point, I've read enough and performed enough tranny fluid checks and fills. Sometimes they just have to be replaced or rebuilt.