Tranny pan gasket and RTV

**footballplaya3k** · 04-02-2011

I was told by a member on a different forum that I shouldn't use RTV on the tranny pan gasket because the tranny fluid would eat down the RTV and it would clog the valve body. If the RTV gets broke down wouldn't the filter stop any pieces from getting to the valve body of through the tranny at all? I'm being told just to change the fluid and filter but I just did it a couple months ago. Input appreciated. Thanks.

**mechguy** · 04-02-2011

As far as I know the pan gasket is sufficient. No need for RTV.

**footballplaya3k** · 04-02-2011

It's already been done lol.

**redlinepontiac** · 04-02-2011

i think the rule of thumb is...if its paper type use rtv, if its rubber dont

**footballplaya3k** · 04-02-2011

It's rubber :/

**redlinepontiac** · 04-02-2011

i doubt tranny fluid will "eat" rtv.. dont worry about it lol

**footballplaya3k** · 04-02-2011

Well his exact works were that it would break it down.

**FriboRage** · 04-02-2011

Well tranny fluid has some detergents in it, doesnt it? It could possibly break down the rtv... just sayin it's possible, I dont know for sure.

That being said, I've never heard of RTV being used on a tranny pan, Im pretty sure the gasket is enough..

I have heard people say to get a stock replacement though, and not to use the junky one that comes with a filter kit, or reuse the reusable one that is on your pan from the factory, if it's not damaged.

None of the write ups and even the directions for drain and refill on the filter kit box mention rtv or any kind of sealant, just the gasket.

**Scottydoggs** · 04-02-2011

people have used rtv on trans pan gaskets forever, dont worry about it. the only thing is, you will probably never get the gasket off in one piece down the road.

**BillBoost37** · 04-02-2011

I doubt it would break down or leak if you use a good RTV. However being that you want to remove that pan to service the trans at times. The best gasket is the factory gasket. It's considered a lifetime gasket, has ribs and metal in it. It's a great gasket.

**postalc38** · 04-02-2011

ALOT of Chrysler/Dodge cars come from the factory with RTV'ed transmission pans. Caravan/Intrepid/Stratus and some other FWD transmissions.

Yeah, i've seen some come into work leaking........But they also had upwards of 100K miles and if you haven't taken care of the trans filter by then it SHOULD give out just so you have to do it....lol

**footballplaya3k** · 04-02-2011

Thanks for the input guys. I am still using the stock rubber gasket, I just put some RTV on for a lil extra sealing precaution.

**GR8racingfool** · 04-03-2011

Stock metal reinforced gasket can be cleaned and reused dry. I would NEVER do RTV on a transmission pan just for the mess it creates, and taking the time to clean up all that before you can reinstall the pan each time you do a pan drop filter/fluid change.

If you didn't have a issue before, why even add RTV.

I will how ever do RTV on our oil pan gaskets, cause your not taking those off every 50K miles.

Plus, that's the ONLY way to insure its a job well done so your don't have leaks.

~F~