Leaky pan after fluid change, overfull?

[87gninpa]

I change my tranny fluid every year, usually by drain plug but decided to drop the pan and change the filter this time. Everything seemed fine but a week after I went to get the car out of the garage and there was about 1/3 of a quart of fluid on the ground. Took a look and its definitely coming from the front of the pan where the gasket is.

I put in about 5.5 quarts, seemed like a lot (I can never remember how much it takes), is that too much?

Anyway, going to have to drop the pan again and replace the gasket, any recommendations on a good gasket? Really dont want to have to do it again. Used one of the crappy parts store rubber ones.

 

[Slow91z]

What pan?

Doubt it's an overfill problem...Fluid comes out of the converter for a LONG time when they sit (mines been there for months and the front of the pan has leaked the entire time.

Doesn't leak a drop while running.

 

[87gninpa]

Whoops...trans pan. Thought I put it in the thread title.

 

[Slow91z]

Whoops...trans pan. Thought I put it in the thread title.

Sorry, I meant stock or one of the aftermarket pans.

 

[87gninpa]

Oh, its a stock pan. Stock transmission with a shift kit. Have never had a problem with it leaking before.

 

[Slow91z]

Yeah I never had much problem with my stock pan...I did use cork though, I see you used rubber.

The aftermarket pans can be hard to seal because they don't have the contour the stock pan has on the rail, that's why I asked...Hopefully with a different gasket you will be fine.

 

[87gninpa]

Yea, thats what Im hoping. Where can I get a cork gasket? The paper thin rubber ones that come with the filter kits are pretty crappy.

 

[Slow91z]

This kit has a cork gasket. WIX 58896 - Automatic Transmission Filter Kit 1987 Buick Regal | O'Reilly Auto Parts

But this Fel-Pro gasket may be better, I'm not 100%

Felpro/Transmission Pan Gasket - (A/T) (TOS18662) | Transmission Pan Gasket - (A/T) | 1987 Buick Regal 6 Cylinders 7 3.8L SFI OHV Turbo | AutoZone.com

I'll probably buy the Fel-Pro when I try to fix mine again.

 

[87gninpa]

Think Ill go with the Fel Pro one, as I really dont need to change the filter again.

How much fluid does the trans typically take after dropping the pan and changing the filter?

 

[Slow91z]

Maybe someone else will chime in, I can't remember it's been a long time since I did one with a stock pan...My pan holds about a case, but it's MUCH bigger than a stock pan.

 

[SSedan64]

Automatic Transmission & Torque Converter Fluid Capacity>> TCI - TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Transmission and Torque Converter Fluid Capacity

 

[87gninpa]

Thanks, but how much actually comes out during a pan drop? I thought it was under 5, but the dipstick just wasnt registering until I had almost 6 in there.

 

[Slow91z]

Thanks, but how much actually comes out during a pan drop? I thought it was under 5, but the dipstick just wasnt registering until I had almost 6 in there.

Well the chart says it holds 6 so that sounds right to me...The chart doesn't include the converter.

 

[SSedan64]

The chart above shows total capacity of converters & pans. It will depend on how long the Trans had the pan off as to how much drains out, because they seem to never stop dripping.
I usually add 1-2qts less than pan holds then start engine & shift to R & D and recheck level and add until a full level. Check again after a drive for hot level. Most fill to back & forth bends on dipstick to prevent cavitation on hard launch. This is overfilled but, wont harm anything.

 

[87gninpa]

Yea, i didnt think all 6 quarts would come out, the thing does drip forever. Ill drop the pan again and fill it up with about 4.5 and see where its at.

Thanks for all of the help guys.