Tranny pan reusable gasket

[m-sanborn]

I changed my tranny filter and gasket today. I got the filter at Advance Auto parts. Its the first time i changed the fluid and filter in a 4t60e. It came with a new rubber gasket. I used it. However, after i was done and my pan was back on i found a paper at the bottom of the box (when i went to put the old filter in the box to discard) that if your vehicle has a rigid/molded reusable gasket, "DO NOT" use the gasket found in this kit. Why is that? I kept the original gasket. It is still good. Should i drop the pan and put it back on? Can i at least drive it for a while to get the new fluid flowing in the tranny first before i drop it and put new fluid?

[Bassasasin]

Do you have a leak?

I researched a bit.. found this HERE.. may be of help.

Good Luck

[m-sanborn]

No leaks yet. From the link you gave me i gather that the reusable one is hardened to avoid overtighting. I didnt overtighten the new rubber gasket and it is as thick as the one i took out. So i guess i should be all set. The fluid that came out was nasty so im gonna drive it for a while with the new stuff and change it again and next time i will put the reusable gasket back in. Thanks.

[imidazol97]

Originally Posted by m-sanborn

No leaks yet. From the link you gave me i gather that the reusable one is hardened to avoid overtighting. I didnt overtighten the new rubber gasket and it is as thick as the one i took out. So i guess i should be all set. The fluid that came out was nasty so im gonna drive it for a while with the new stuff and change it again and next time i will put the reusable gasket back in. Thanks.

I think your plan is perfect for the circumstances you describe. I wanted to get the fluid mostly replaced in my 98's transmission. I changed it three times in 10 -15 K miles. That was there was no great shock as the cleaners picked up anything; the effectiveness of the cleaners just kept increasing with each change. Repeating three times meant that less than 1 quart of the original fluid was still in the transmission. Although i did toss a good number of quarts of fluid into the recycling at the city. I think I put in 7 quarts each time out of the 12 quarts it's rated to hold on a complete rebuild.

I'd put the original gasket back. I was told also that the metallic contact at the bolts help direct heat into the bottom pan letting it help cool the transmission.

[HotZ28]

The “reusable” silicone gasket has metal, or hardened plastic inserts at the boltholes to prevent over tightening the bolts to the point that it would distort the gasket. The silicon reusable gasket is not harder, in fact, it is softer than cork or rubber impregnated types. There is a myth going around concerning heat transfer through that area, however, that remains a myth! In fact, the area is so small it could not have an effect on heat transfer!

[Hapynzap]

Originally Posted by HotZ28

The “reusable” silicone gasket has metal, or hardened plastic inserts at the boltholes to prevent over tightening the bolts to the point that it would distort the gasket. The silicon reusable gasket is not harder, in fact, it is softer than cork or rubber impregnated types. There is a myth going around concerning heat transfer through that area, however, that remains a myth! In fact, the area is so small it could not have an effect on heat transfer!

Good info guys. I plan on servicing my LeSabre this summer and this info will help