Tranny gasket question

[Homeline]

I had my SEC transmission serviced last fall and it has been leaking profusely since. I won't go into detail why I'm not taking it back to the place that did the job. This is well within my mechanical abilities so I'm fixing myself. Anyway, the shop put some kind of goop (I think Seal-All of all things!) on one side of the pan between the pan & gasket. This is where it was leaking. Also the bolts were way over tightened. After removal, the pan doesn't look deformed from the over tightening and the gasket looks fine. After reinstalling everything and adding fluid ,and not running or driving yet, it still leaks! Same spot on the pass side, too. I don't think the gasket requires any gasket sealer, but in the event it does, what type would be suitable? All the service things I've read don't mention any type of sealer to be used.

Thanks,
Cliff

[Jadavis]

Buy a new gasket.
This one is for my 1987 300DT: http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1ST0UES6C1SZ0VHL6A&year=1987&make=MB&model=300-DT-002&category=J&part=AT+Pan+Gasket

While you are at it, get the filter change kit. You get a filter and a gasket.

Start here and look up your model:

http://catalog.peachparts.com/resetsession.epc?&cookieID=1ST0UES6C1SZ0VLCF7&source=MERCEDESSHOP.COM&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&source=MERCEDESSHOP.COM&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop

-Jim

No Goop!

[Homeline]

The filter, fluid and gasket was replaced all at the same time. I'm thinking to just ordering a new gasket. The one I have maybe bad even though it looks fine. I forget the brand name; Berni, Pernel or something like that.

I figured no sealer since it was not mentioned anywhere. That and the retired mechanic at the local parts store said he rarely used it with rubber gaskets.

Thanks

[glenmore]

I just did this on my 1991 300CE. The torque values for the pan bolts on my car were only 8Nm so you'll need a low range torque wrench.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

[Hatterasguy]

If its anything like the trans on my SDL which I suspect it is, it uses a large rubber gasket. Clean the surfaces and install a fresh gasket. Also the torque speck on those bolts is nothing like 10nm maybe. You need to tighten them with a 1/4 drive if you don't have a torque wrench, don't go nuts!


The pan may be warped, fine something real flat and see if the pan will lay flat on it.

[Homeline]

Well, I crawled back under last night and discovered it doesn't seem to be the pan gasket at all. Looks like the seals are leaking (very badly too) from the two round things located on the side of the case above the pan on the right (pass.) side of the tranny. I assume these are valves or a pump. I will say it wasn't leaking this bad before I took it in, but I understand these things can be aggrevated by just a simple servicing. So...the shop may not be a fault at all...

Can seals be purchased? Are they fixable without having to drop the tranny? If I drop the tranny, I might as well have it gone through by a good shop, which I'd rather not do right now because funds are a little tight... I'm not afraid to drop this thing myself.

Any thoughts on how to proceed? Ballpark idea cost on a rebuild (with me doing the pull and install)?

Cliff

[dpkreuze]

The round things are probably the brake band piston covers.
I'm suprised if BOTH leak. However the dealer should be able to find the orings that seal those covers if you give them the trans # stamped on the side of the tranny. The # should start with 722.___.
dpk

[Homeline]

I cleaned the side off last night (lot of grease & grime) and looked again before bed time and there is a noticable, faint red trail from both covers. There is also a third round component mounted on the side toward the rear that may be leaking also, but I can't tell yet.

And yes, the trans # is clearly visible.