Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

4T60-E swap - 711 vs 726?

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • 4T60-E swap - 711 vs 726?

    I just bought a '92 Transport SE with a 4T60-E in it 3 days ago. I THINK I have a leak in the transmission's lower pan...tell me what you think - I'm about this close to throwing my hands up on this one:

    When I bought the van, the fluid was really low - barely on the end of the dipstick, and it was losing overdrive. So I filled it up - tranny worked fine. However, within less than 100 miles, I had to put over 1/2 gallon into it! I finally discovered that it seemed to be leaking at the rear driver side corner of the pan.

    I grabbed a filter/gasket kit and swapped it earlier today. I used a 1/2" ratchet to tighten down the bolts, working from the center of the front and rear rails out towards the sides. I snugged the bolts down just until I could see the gasket (a rubber gasket, not cork) barely starting to compress out the sides. Barely. I didn't notice anything wrong with the pan at the time, but I didn't check it with a straightedge or anything while it was out - that would have made too much sense.

    So I drive the van today, probably less than 15 miles, and it's leaving fluid ever place I stop, but now it's only on the back edge of the pan that drops are forming (and on the rear mount bracket to a degree) but it's still towards the driver side. I'm assuming it's leaking while I'm driving too, but I've never climbed under the van while doing so to check.

    Tonight I decided I was going to find out, once and for all, what the heck is going on under there. So when I got home, I left the van running, jacked up the front and put it on stands, climbed underneath, and could not see any source above the rear pan rail that could be putting the fluid there. I then decide to check the bolts again, and they seemed to be somewhat lose. They weren't less than finger tight, but it was REAL easy to turn 'em with the 1/2" ratchet again. So I figured that I would need to resnug them and that'd be that. I do so, take the van out for a spin, and when I come back into the drive and crawl underneath, I'm watching the fluid drip more than 1 drop a second off the back edge of the pan. I had a good sized puddle within less than a half minute. After a minute or two, it tapered off and you'd only get the occasional drop.

    At this point, I packed up my tools, parked the van, and here I am.

    Any help would be appreciated.
    SCREECH
    1976 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham, 468ci BBC
    1990 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - undergoing 3.4/5-speed conversion
    1987 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - beater

  • #2
    Mine leaks like an SOB as well with a brand new pan from GM. Although I have heard different, I still think the stock cork gasket is much better at keeping it sealed up than the rubber gaskets that come from the auto parts store. I kep thinking I need to go get one from the dealership, but I'm too lazy.
    -Brad-
    89 Mustang : Future 60V6 Power
    sigpic
    Follow the build -> http://www.3x00swap.com/index.php?page=mustang-blog

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by bszopi
      Mine leaks like an SOB as well with a brand new pan from GM.
      You can't tell me you just live with it! Isn't there anything that can be done about this? I am planning on making this van my service vehicle, and if I have to park it in a customer's driveway, I don't want a phone call later asking why I dumped a whole wack of trans fluid on their driveway.
      SCREECH
      1976 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham, 468ci BBC
      1990 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - undergoing 3.4/5-speed conversion
      1987 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - beater

      Comment


      • #4
        Ultra Grey is the only way to go...

        Get a Factory Cork gasket...put a bead of Ultra grey on the pan and the tranny it self. If this doesn't stop the leak I don't know what will.
        67 Olds Cutlass 2bbl 330 w/ 2 speed Jetaway

        Comment


        • #5
          Mine doesn't leak as bad as yours does. But I do have to put about a quart of fluid in every month.
          -Brad-
          89 Mustang : Future 60V6 Power
          sigpic
          Follow the build -> http://www.3x00swap.com/index.php?page=mustang-blog

          Comment


          • #6
            a cork gasket is not stock. go get the gm one its 20$ and it is rubber with metal in it. that should fix your problem.

            Comment


            • #7
              Ok, that GM rubber/metal one sounds like the simplest method, but since they're not open today (Sunday) and my local Canadian Tire store is (I don't know what you guys in the States would liken it to...it's one of those little-bit-of-everything and TONS of automotive stuff kinda store) I'm gonna give that Ultra Grey trick a whirl. I'll let you guys know how it turns out later today! Thanks guys!
              SCREECH
              1976 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham, 468ci BBC
              1990 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - undergoing 3.4/5-speed conversion
              1987 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - beater

              Comment


              • #8
                Although hard to remove, the best I've found to stop a stubborn,leaky trans pan gasket is a cork gasket, with a 1/8" bead of with 3M weatherstrip adhesive on both sides. Doesn't work on rubber gaskets! (They suck anyway)Make sure all surfaces are dry first and clean with laquer thinner. It's cheap too. Torque values vary with different manufacturers. Do not exceed or you will cut the gasket. If you have crush seal washers, they must be replaced.There is another scenario also. You may have a plugged vent, this will cause you fluid pressure to be too high. It will blow gaskets first and eventually a seal. Even with this fix. Check it first. I had an 86 Celebrity Wagon. Even after flipping it in Kansas, it still ran. Had the little 4 banger. Ended up in a salvage yard, not because of the drivetrain, but all the other crap that was going bad. She died with 312,000 miles on her! Most reliable piece of s... I ever owned.
                If you are driving a Chevy, everything else, is just a blur. 3.4 Carbon Footprint.
                sigpic

                Comment


                • #9
                  Ok, Permatex Ultra Grey...purchased. Cork gasket...purchased (had to get another blinkin' kit! BAH!). Micro-adjustable inch-pound torque wrench...purchased. I'm all set, but I've got a service call to go on before my camera and I can crawl underneath and get to work.


                  Originally posted by RednBlackCutlass
                  There is another scenario also. You may have a plugged vent, this will cause you fluid pressure to be too high. It will blow gaskets first and eventually a seal. Even with this fix. Check it first.
                  Where is the vent located on the 4T60-E? I have limited access to the motor with the HUGE cowl on the Transport, but I'm hoping I can reach up from behind if it's on the back side.
                  SCREECH
                  1976 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham, 468ci BBC
                  1990 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - undergoing 3.4/5-speed conversion
                  1987 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - beater

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Usually the vent is on the top of the tail section. I'm not sure on the 4T60 E though. Might be hard to reach.There are diagrams in the tranny section of this site. Not any good pics though. Look under Modulators and Fluid Flow Diagrams.
                    If you are driving a Chevy, everything else, is just a blur. 3.4 Carbon Footprint.
                    sigpic

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Ok, the pan is back up in place. The Permatex Ultra Grey says it hardens within an hour and fully cures within 24. I'm going to let it sit overnight just to give it all the advantage I can.

                      I did locate the vent on the transaxle, it's right below the exhaust crossover area. There seems to be a small bit of fluid around the base of the vent. Is it possible that the trans could be puking out the vent? If so, what would cause that? Major fix?

                      I've got lots of pics of the whole affair, including of the vent on the 4T60-E. I just have to get some time (and webspace - runnin' low!) to post 'em. Keep your eyes peeled!
                      SCREECH
                      1976 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham, 468ci BBC
                      1990 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - undergoing 3.4/5-speed conversion
                      1987 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - beater

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Ok - so I've replaced the fluid in the trans this morning and fired it up. No leaks initially. I ran it through the gears (stationary), stalling the convertor in both directions. When I jumped back out, I decided to check the vent - it had more fluid around it! And I could see the occasional bubble come from under the vent cap.

                        What would cause fluid to be forced out the vent cap? The transaxle is NOT overfilled. I've made sure of that both times I've drained and refilled it. I even left it a little UNDER full to allow for expansion once the fluid heats up.

                        It's apparent to me that the vent ISN'T PLUGGED, considering that fluid is coming out of it. I feel safe in assuming that much, at least.

                        Any help or experience in this matter that can be passed along is greatly appreciated.
                        SCREECH
                        1976 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham, 468ci BBC
                        1990 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - undergoing 3.4/5-speed conversion
                        1987 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - beater

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          The transaxle is NOT overfilled
                          Uhh...Not trying to be a smart ass about this but can you 100% say that the dip stick is the right one? I personally have been bitten by this on a SBC.
                          2004 Grand Am GT 3400 ... I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability.(Ron White)

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by bud36light
                            can you 100% say that the dip stick is the right one? I personally have been bitten by this on a SBC.
                            Well, I haven't been holding the van's hand since it was new, so obviously I can't, but it's the same one that's been on all the vans I've looked at - and I looked at a BUNCH of 'em before I bought this one.

                            I've done some more research myself, and talked to a local tranny shop that my parts store recommended - chances are, tranny's done. I'm looking into getting a replacement at the moment, and trying to remain cheerful about having to change it. I mean There we go.
                            SCREECH
                            1976 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham, 468ci BBC
                            1990 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - undergoing 3.4/5-speed conversion
                            1987 Chev Celebrity Eurosport Wagon - beater

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Thats cool. Just wanted to clear that deal up cause it sure seems to be related to over filling and loose bolts. Too bad it wasnt tho. huh?
                              2004 Grand Am GT 3400 ... I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability.(Ron White)

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X