Dropped The Tranny Pan

[c03camson]

Just got done dropping the pan and changing the filter. added 5 quarts of dex6. Was a pretty messy job, never have done it before. I would totally recommend putting in a drain plug (which i did not). When I got the pan out and looked at the magnet you couldnt even see it because it was full of sediment so im glad i did this.

 

As far as anything being in the way.. I took the heat shield off and the shift bracket (easy). The exhaust or the driveshaft was not in the way at all. Im kinda wondering about the fluid that spilled all over the exhaust, I cleaned it off best I could with rags but that stuff isnt gonna catch fire is it?? It was smokin a little bit. Anyway just thought I would let people know its pretty easy because I was trying to decide if i should take it to a shop or do it myself. Later

[mhenshaw]

Glad you posted this, because I was about to take mine to the dealer to do it. How much did it all cost you and where did you buy the fluid and filter from?

[Westlotorn]

The Automatic Trans uses clutch plates that will shed some debree in normal use. This is the material you find in the pan. This is also why Automatics usually don't have drain plugs. They want you to pull the pan, clean it, install the new filter and then refill your Trans. You can add a lot of life to an Automatic by keeping clean fluid in it.

[c03camson]

Glad you posted this, because I was about to take mine to the dealer to do it. How much did it all cost you and where did you buy the fluid and filter from?

 

Well I bought 6 quarts of amsoil $10 a quart. filter and gasket came together got it at autozone for like $20 i think. Thats prettymuch it. I didnt even attempt to take the seal out that the filter goes into. I felt up in there and it seemed ok so i left it in.

[Westlotorn]

Some company, Snap On maybe must make a tool that can quickly pull that seal out, I think it needs replacement before the filter goes in. I have struggled to replace that seal each time I do one. I usually colapse it and pull it out. Maybe someone knows of a good tool to pull these? It sits up in that hole and is only what, 3/4 of an inch diameter. Hard to pull with normal tools.

[c03camson]

Some company, Snap On maybe must make a tool that can quickly pull that seal out, I think it needs replacement before the filter goes in. I have struggled to replace that seal each time I do one. I usually colapse it and pull it out. Maybe someone knows of a good tool to pull these? It sits up in that hole and is only what, 3/4 of an inch diameter. Hard to pull with normal tools.

 

 

Yeah thats why I just left it in. Hope it doesnt F anything up. Hey got a question for you.. when i start my truck up to try and check the fluid it just smokes really bad cuz i got some fluid on the exhaust. is that stuff gonna catch on fire or just smoke til its burned off?? I wiped it all down but there is still residue on there. THanks

[c03camson]

well i will be doing it again at some point to add more good fluid and get the old stuff out. im adding a drain plug for sure.

[Xtremski74]

You should not catch fire. It will take a little bit to "burn" off. The best tool to use is a gasket removal tool. It looks like a crazy hook thing. works good and is only $3 or $4 bucks at Autozone. I was working on my truck to this weekend. Taking lots of pics so I can do a how to on the rear bumper cover replacement. Super easy! As my one is rusted the other was replaced! The earlier post is true about not mixing o-ring gaskets by the way. You most likely will be fine. The o-ring can be different from one company to he other due to slightly larger or smaller outer diameters of the filter's stalk. Again, you should be fine as long as it went in nice and snug!

[c03camson]

You should not catch fire. It will take a little bit to "burn" off. The best tool to use is a gasket removal tool. It looks like a crazy hook thing. works good and is only $3 or $4 bucks at Autozone. I was working on my truck to this weekend. Taking lots of pics so I can do a how to on the rear bumper cover replacement. Super easy! As my one is rusted the other was replaced! The earlier post is true about not mixing o-ring gaskets by the way. You most likely will be fine. The o-ring can be different from one company to he other due to slightly larger or smaller outer diameters of the filter's stalk. Again, you should be fine as long as it went in nice and snug!

 

Thanks for the info. I will remove the seal next time. Did you paint your front bumper black or did it come like that? Im trying to get rid of all the chrome on my truck. thanks

[Bronc]

Good to hear that the exhaust crossover is not in the way of dropping the pan. Was worried we would have to drop the crossover. As for the transmission fluid spill on the exhaust. Take some brake clean and a shop rag when the exhaust is cool to touch and clean off any residual. This should take care of the burn off and smoking.

 

I wonder if the older 4L60's pans that came with a plug from the factory would fit on our trans?

[Xtremski74]

The rear bumper should be done Wednesday. The front is not done yet! I did that in photoshop. I can tell you that I am having the front done after the rears are done. Powdertech is powder coating the front and rear dumpers for me. The how to post will have pics. Should come out awesome!

[Westlotorn]

I agree that if you wiped the Trans oil off your exhaust it should be no danger of fire. Wipe it good and forget it, a little smoke is nothing to worry over.

Make sure the smoke is not caused by a new leak, maybe the pan gasket was not in correctly? I hope all is good.

One more concern, your torque converter holds another 4 to 5 quarts of oil, just a guess on qty since it has been over a year since I did mine. Some oils don't mix well with other brands and types.

You might want to read up on the Amsoil and see how it fares with normal Trans oil.

[TexasAl]

I just got home from a long trip, and 2008 Silverado just hit 50,000 miles. I was wondering when GM recommends us to change the tranny fluids, as well as any other recommended maintenance services. I just read (in the manual) that they recommend the first tranny oil change for normal use at 100,000 miles! I don't know if I should wait that long to change it. It is funny that you posted your results of changing your own tranny oil just when I came to the board to look for some info.

[c03camson]

I just got home from a long trip, and 2008 Silverado just hit 50,000 miles. I was wondering when GM recommends us to change the tranny fluids, as well as any other recommended maintenance services. I just read (in the manual) that they recommend the first tranny oil change for normal use at 100,000 miles! I don't know if I should wait that long to change it. It is funny that you posted your results of changing your own tranny oil just when I came to the board to look for some info.

 

yeah i didnt really wanna go 100k without changing it. in the haynes manual it says every 30k.

[jblakeney]

Just a couple things.... The trannie fluid will smoke on the pipe but it should not catch on fire.

 

That seal.... DOES NOT HAVE TO BE CHANGED every time..... If it feels smooth and does not have a rip in it or didn't come out on the filter. Leave it alone.... Rub some new trannie fluid on it and the filter neck and push it in place.

 

If it is bad use a bent all or hacksaw blade to remove.. Either way JUST DO NOT NICK/CUT THE VALVE BODY.

 

They toss the seal in because if it is bad you need it. And then it is in the box and they do not have to package it separate. Actually that is why they call it a "Filter Kit". It has everything you should need to change the filter in a bad situation. They also sell just a "Filter" in a box by itself.

 

I have only changed the gasket 1 time in my 1999 GMC 1500 4l60e.... I returned to GM and got a new one. The seal is the original one. I change my filter in my transmission 1 or 2 times a year depending on how much driving I do. I buy just the filter if I have it in stock edgewise I get the kit and chunk the gasket and the seal up on the shelf in my shop.... And I have had that truck since 2001, the previous owner was as particular as me but retired so he let the dealership do it.

 

Jbo