124 trans pan gasket leak
 

The tranmsission pan has leaked on my 92 400E. I started out with a normal torque of the 6 bolts and it leaked in the passenger rear side of the pan near the drain hole. I then torqued it to about 15ft lbs and it gushed out fast. I purchased a new gasket and the dealer says that it will split above 13 ft lbs.
He was spot on the gasket split. The new gasket was installed with about 7-8 ft lbs which is a bit more than the spec of 6 ft. lbs. It still leaks a little.
My best guess is that the pan must be distorted and I need to replace the pan. Any thoghts? Thanks in advance for input.

Chris

Take the pan off and straighten it with a rubber mallet and block of wood. There must be ZERO distortion otherwise there will be leaks. Distortion can occur from overtightening, but also from uneven tightening.

replace the pan. with that style of pan, the "ears" at the corners get distorted (usually from overtightening,) which makes it next to impossible to seal. i wouldn't even try to make it true again. i've tried in the past and it was nothing if not frustrating and i ended up getting a new pan anyway...

I think ozawa is probably right. Sometimes straightening the pan is just an exercise in frustration, albeit a very time consuming and messy one. Go for a new pan and you won't be sorry.

It seams that the leak has subsided. But if it returns I will get a new pan.
Thanks for the great advice, reducing ones frustration is always greatly appreciated.

Chris