Need tips!!! Removing tranny pan?

[WArunner7710]

So i'm doing a complete tune up on my new 4R, (See: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/126248-massive-maintenance-weekend.html ) and I can't get my Tranny pan off! (bolts already removed) Rubber mallet is doing nothing, can't get a piece of string or floss in their to cut through the old gasket, and I certainly don't want to pry to hard on the edges for fear of marring the rim of the pan and ruining a future seal.... Suggestions???

 

[AZTOY]

Sounds like you have been doing all the right stuff. If you are going to use RTV or FIPG with a gasket, you could lightly pry around some of the bolt holes and use RTV or FIPG around the bolt holes to ensure it would seal any uneven surface.

I have never had this problem, so hopefully someone will have better advice. Good luck.

 

[WArunner7710]

Thanks AZ, I'll be using a rubber gasket provided with my tranny filter. So I'm hoping I done have to take a Teflon wedge to it....

Another question though, do I need to unbolt the dipstick tube from the block before I remove the pan? Or does it separate in the middle by that ring?

 

[AZTOY]

Check out this link from the sticky. It has info about removing pan and dipstick tube.

Dropping Pan And Flushing Transmission

 

[res1eott]

This is an old thread, but figured I would post what worked for me. Mine had the original FIPG from the factory. I took the bolts out and used a rubber mallet. Wouldn't budge. I did not want to pry at all on anything, so I took some brake cleaner and soaked the orange gasket all the way around. Then, I took a thin, paint scraper and used the edge to scratch/scrape all the way around. Respray with brake cleaner and keep doing this until you can tell you have cleaned out the FIPG all the way back to the "bumps" on the pan. For me, once I got the outer FIPG removed, a few whacks with the rubber mallet knocked the pan loose no problem at all. Sure it took longer this way, but I didn't have to worry about having any bent edges on my pan from prying and the tranny didn't get gouged or scrapped up either.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Paint scrapper and rubber mallet; start from the rear of the tranny and work your way forward.

 

[UTEP]

This is an old thread, but figured I would post what worked for me. Mine had the original FIPG from the factory. I took the bolts out and used a rubber mallet. Wouldn't budge. I did not want to pry at all on anything, so I took some brake cleaner and soaked the orange gasket all the way around. Then, I took a thin, paint scraper and used the edge to scratch/scrape all the way around. Respray with brake cleaner and keep doing this until you can tell you have cleaned out the FIPG all the way back to the "bumps" on the pan. For me, once I got the outer FIPG removed, a few whacks with the rubber mallet knocked the pan loose no problem at all. Sure it took longer this way, but I didn't have to worry about having any bent edges on my pan from prying and the tranny didn't get gouged or scrapped up either.

On this topic….

I had a '69 Chevy that the pan was a PITA to seal even with a gasket! That's why I'm hesitating on mine. I had to flatten it by "sanding" on some flat concrete and make sure the screw holes were not flared at all. After this is would still leak even a torque specs.

I recall using Gaskgacinch (greatest label of ANY auto product!) and this did the deed.

Anyone use Gaskgacinch or something to assist the gasket?

Does the gasket usually work? Mine is a rather thin stiff Felpro version.

Good luck and keep us posted!

UTEP

 

[kball]

I use a scraper or chisel to break pans free at work all the time. Just be careful. I would use either silicone or a rubber gasket. I don't like the fiber ones.