I can't seem to get rid of a pesky transmission leak at the pan. First it was leaking at the dipstick tube bolt. I fixed that with new crush washers. Now I'm getting a very slow leak at the pan. It's enough to lose a tablespoon every other day maybe.

I tightened up the bolts a little more although the bolt next to the dipstick tube I can't tighten. The tube is in the way ... not really wanting to disturb it because I have the new crush washers in there.

Has anyone ever used any kind of sealant around the pan gasket? What should the proper torque be for the 4 bolts?




Thanks,
Phil

I have taken to small amounts of RTV or "The Right Stuff" on most gaskets. I read a thr ad on here about a leak free engine.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

7 Nm, according to the FSM on a 722.1.

Use a new gasket too.

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83 SD

84 CD

Its possible the leak is from the kickdown solenoid or around that area, leaking down and around the pan looking like the pan is leaking..

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I was just googling about "The Right Stuff." It sounds like a very good product but don't think it would be good for transmission pans. It's supposedly sets up really hard and is difficult to separate later on. I wouldn't want to damage anything on the transmission trying to pull the pan off.

What do you think about this stuff:

Amazon.com: Permatex 80011 Form-A-Gasket #2 Sealant, 11 oz.: Automotive


Amazon.com: Permatex 81180 Automatic Transmission RTV Sealant, 3 oz. Tube: Automotive


The second link looks like a new Permatex product. I'm not sure which one would be best. I'm really hesitant about putting anything on the gasket. I've always heard it could break down and cause problems inside the transmission.

I guess I would be willing to risk it. I need to make sure this thing doesn't leak anymore. The wife is gonna kill me. hehe



Thanks,
Phil

I don't think it's the kick-down solenoid. It's bone dry on that side of the pan now. The solenoid is directly above the filler tube & bolt. I already fixed the leak on the bolt with crush washers.

I don't see any signs of leaking around the transmission overload protection sensor (Right above where my leak is on the pan).

I really dislike the design of this pan, filler tube. The pan could use at least 8 bolts on it, not 4. The filler tube should enter the transmission on the casing not the underside of the pan. I'm guessing Mercedes did not use this design for very long. It's a PITA!



Phil

I hear ya, latter models corrected that issue.

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83 SD

84 CD