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Re: [T3] AT Leak


On 18 Mar 2003 at 8:54, jason.smith@sarcom.com wrote:

> The thing is this pan did not leak on the other transmission, so I thought
> it was better than it's original pan.

You need to get in the habit of actually inspecting part, rather than making 
assumptions about them. Once you get used to really looking a part over you 
will start to understand which of its properties are important and which are 
irrelevant. Too many people, including mechanics, have gotten used to just 
fixing problems by installing new parts, but this approach fails when you can't 
just buy new parts. It's also the most expensive repair technique, because you 
often end up replacing the wrong parts.

For example: You have an ATF leak. Is it really ATF or could it be gear oil 
from the final drive or engine oil? If it really is ATF, are you sure that the 
pan gasket is the source of the leak. The governor cover is actually a more 
common leak spot for an undisturbed AT. If you just assumed that the pan gasket 
was the problem, then you may be wasting time and money until you look more 
closely.

> >When in doubt, I like to use large Belleville washers under these bolt
> heads, 
> >these spread the force out over a much wider area than just the normal
> metric spring washer.
> 
> Should I use the spring washer in combination with the larger washer?

Belleville washers start out as flat washers, but are then deformed into a 
conical shape which makes them springy. Installed properly under a bolt head 
they spread the bolting force out around a radius much larger than the bolt 
hole. This keeps the force down near the bolt hole, where the metal is weakened 
and more easily bent. They are more effective than even hardened flat washers.

I have a supply of these and can provide them at a reasonable price. They are 
not cheap, however, and shipping will significantly up the cost.

> >Once you get it flat it will seal much better. You can reuse the old
> gaskets if 
> >they didn't tear taking them off. I would prefer not to use sealant here.

> Good, cause I have to order the gaskets.  They aren't available at any of
> the shops I called, I used up the stock at the Napa warehouse.

Just make sure you inspect the old ones carefully for tears or crushed areas.
This isn't magic. Just consider what is needed for these to seal.

And pay attention to the torque spec on these bolts; it's quite low and 
overtorqueing causes leaks by deforming the pan.

-- 
Jim Adney
jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, WI 53711-3054
USA

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