I'm replacing the filter and fluid in my transmission but the POS cork gasket that came with it tore. Now what

Question

Its for an 89 LeSabre T Type. I've had this happen before on me and I ended up using a large glob of RTV hi-temp silicone. Should I just use the silicone again or ask a friend to give me a ride to the auto parts store for yet another gasker/filter kit (stupid stores dont sell just the gasket).

Answer 1

I own a transmission shop, and I would say go to a transmission shop, and see if they have one they will sell you. You have to get a filter kit to get the gasket from a parts store, unless you find one that sells just the gasket. I would not advise using just RTV on it for a gasket for many reasons. What happens is this; when you tighten the bolts with the RTV it pushes out to the inside of the transmission, and one tiny little fargmet of this stuff gets into any of the valves, you will then understand why they use a gasket and not the RTV, as some people on here think. RTV is good stuff and I use it myself, but there is a place and time for this stuff, and on your transmission pan is no place to use it. Clean the pan good, put the pan in a flat surface and hammer down the bolt holes (if it is an all metal pan), and the bolt holes are protruding to where they will cut the new gasket. Don't over torque the bolts when you go back with the pan, and use nothing but the gasket. Put at least four bolts into the pan, and through the gasket to hold it all in alignment. Start these four bolts, but don't run them up until you have all the bolts started by hand. Now run them all up in a criss cross pattern until it is pulled up all the way around, and torque the bolts with a 1/4 drive ratchet and extension. Torque them all the way around in a circle. Start at point A and end at point A. This way you don't miss any. Torque them to about 15 inch pounds or snug them up good, and go about a 1/4-1/2 turn more, and you are there.
Glad I could help you, Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

Well the new transmissions don't even use a gasket anymore.
RTV is all that is used. What you can do iss where it is broken put a dab of RTV there and use the old gasket.
If you must use all RTV, be careful as remember if it squeezes out on the outside it is squeezing out into the inside and if gets into the filter and stops it up it will stop up the filter. Chances of that is rair just don't use the hole tube to seal the pan.
Hope this helps and thanks for the question

Answer 3

You certainly could get by with the silicone as many mechanics do, however if you are a bit creative you can go to a local Ben Franklin or craft store and buy a square piece of cork board and using the torn one as a template cut out a new gasket with a razor blade. It is very easy to do and inexpensive.

Answer 4

Put an even bead of silicone on the cleaned up pan and that should do the trick, also make sure you keep the bead to the inside part of the bolt holes.

Answer 5

a tube of high temp gasket compound is agood idea.
take your tranny gasket back and get an exchange. tell them of the damaged gasket, and take some time and inspect the gasket kit before leaving the store.
Use a good deal of gasket compound if necessary

Answer 6

If you didn't have any problems before after you used the silicone go ahead and use it again, it should work ok for you.

Answer 7

Your local Buick dealership sells just the gasket if ya want that

Answer 8

If you keep breaking gaskets I would humbly suggest that you need to change your approach. I've seen hundreds of these replaced but never seen anyone break one.

Answer 9

THE SILICONE IS USED NOWDAYS IN MANY CARS AND TRUCKS, IT SHOULD WORK FINE