400e trans pan gasket leak, and leak, and leak again

[88260e]

So this is the third time I'm replacing the gasket on my trans pan! This time I changed the pan as well, can't seem to get it to stop leaking??? Maybe it's not the gasket I'm not so sure now any suggestions ?????

[mbdoc]

Most leaks are due to warped pans OR over tighting!

Did you buy a new pan?

[rurlndum]

Maybe it's not the gasket I'm not so sure now any suggestions ?

Went through what you did until an inspection mirror showed the leak to be above the pan and gasket. After replacing a faulty o ring the leak is gone.

[hs_300e]

The o-ring that seals the dip stick tube to the transmission housing can leak and when it leaks it looks like the oil pan is leaking. You might want to look at that.

[88260e]

New pan torqued 6ft lbs still leaking LOL the saga continues

[88260e]

Ordered a gasket from the dealer will see if that will help

[emerydc8]

FWIW, I had a leaking transmission on my E420 that I thought might have been the pan. When I got under to take a look, there was fluid coming out the aft right side where the kickdown solenoid valve is located. There is a plug there that was loose, so I pushed it in, not knowing if that was the problem. The leak went away immediately.

I bought the reseal kit and have it sitting here on my desk but figured that if it's not leaking right now I will leave it alone. This leak had been going on for several years and I had been adding about 1 quart of transmission fluid every 1,000 miles. I guess that's one way to keep the transmission fluid new. Anyway, you may want to check this area for leaks. By the way, the leak didn't start until I pulled the pan to change the oil. I may have bumped the connector on the re-installation of the pan.

[vince]

There are several places on the case that can leak and make it look like the pan is leaking. Those mentioned above plus the selector shaft "O" Ring, and the B-2 "reaction" device (located behind the neutral safety switch - the opposing side from the B-2 piston) and, if fitted, the overload protection switch. Clean the entire case thoroughly and check while on a rack in gear. Some will not show a leak unless the trans is engaged.

[88260e]

Moral to this story is, buy your gasket at the dealer no leak " so far "

[emerydc8]

Let me guess, you were using a Victor Reinz gasket before?

[88260e]

The aftermarket gaskets were different brands but they all came in a bag folded up!!! The dealer one was not folded I think that made a difference not wrapped up in a ball on the shelf for months maybe years!

[85 DSEL]

I just went thru this tranny leaking process and was driving me nuts. Two trips to dealerships (2 different ones) and one trip to my Indy before it was resolved. First dealer put a new pan gasket - thinking that's the easiest, least expensive - nope, that wasn't it. Next took it to my Indy he thought it was some switch/valve o-ring up higher on the tranny body...nope but on the right track. Last trip to my least favorite dealership (~2 mi from where I live) and they replaced an o-ring/gasket for another switch/valve on it. SO, it's been good now for several months, dry as a bone!

I wish you all the best trying to get this resolved

[88260e]

Day 3 still no leak woohoo might be solved

[Zulfiqar]

Originally Posted by emerydc8

Let me guess, you were using a Victor Reinz gasket before?

The Victor reinz gasket I bought for my A/T pan came in a cardboard packing and was laid straight - no leaks so far, my trans was leaking at the kickdown solenoid

[emerydc8]

Zulfiqar,

I'm curious, how did you stop the leaking kickdown solenoid? New O-rings?