How tight should trans pan bolts be? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Chevyman680063 · 08-06-2009, 06:07 PM

Well I had to get another pan for my transmission since the old one seems to be warped and was wondering how tight the bolts need to be. I've heard they should be a little tighter than hand tight, that they should be torqued to a certain spec., and that they shouldn't be torqued b/c that would be too tight. So which is correct? Also, is there anything I can put on the pan to help hold the gasket in place while I'm installing the pan? It's a TH350 if that matters. Thanks in advance for the help.

brak · 08-06-2009, 06:15 PM

this is really a question for the Engine/Drivetrain forum, and i'm positive the answer is there, but here's what i've got...

It's been a while, and i don't have my manual handy, but IIRC the torque spec is in Inch Lbs, so that should tell you not very tight.

too tight will warp the pan/gasket, and cause leaking issues.

<--EDIT-->
here's a thread that may be helpful
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...79#post2035079

Chevyman680063 · 08-06-2009, 06:22 PM

I think that's what was done to the old pan since it's warped and leaking all my trans fluid out. Why must people over tighten, WHYYYYYYYYYYY?!?!

72 cheyenne pdx · 08-06-2009, 06:38 PM

My grandfather told me when tightening the valve covers, Trans pan and the oil pan to hand tighten them and then with a wrench, give them a quarter turn. I am unsure what that turns out to be with a torque wrench, but it has always been good for me.

mclairmo · 08-06-2009, 06:43 PM

I agree with above torqueing technique and I also spray the transmission pan contact surface on the tranny case, pan rail on the pan and gasket with that red high tack spray from Permatex and it always seals everything up. Have to clean all the surfaces with wax/grease remover first and read the directions on the can of high tack. Most parts stores carry high tack. I also switched to a cast aluminum trans pan and rubber seal to help seal better. The stamped steel pan and cork gasket combo sucks.

cdowns · 08-06-2009, 07:03 PM

10-12ftlbs

mclairmo · 08-06-2009, 07:28 PM

That's about hand tight with a standard box wrench.

Tx Firefighter · 08-06-2009, 07:30 PM

I just built a TH350 today coincidentally. The specified torque figure is 13 ft/lbs.

brak · 08-06-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I just built a TH350 today coincidentally. The specified torque figure is 13 ft/lbs.

Well that settles it. i don't recall correctly

Lugnut64052 · 08-06-2009, 07:54 PM

The flange metal will get pulled up around the holes from overtightening, causing leaks. Look at your old pan-- if the metal is sort of coned up around each hole that's what has happened.

It's easy to fix. Take the peen end (the rounded end) of a ball peen hammer, hold the flange over some thing flat (I use the corner of a vise jaw) and peen the metal back down flat around the holes. It should seal back up fine-- 10 to 12 foot-pounds, like cdowns said. A 1/4" ratchet, hand tight, is about right.

68C10withA396 · 08-06-2009, 07:55 PM

I replaced my gasket on the TH350 3 days ago and in order to keep the gasket lined up i just shoved the 4 corner bolts through the pan and then gasket holes and the bolts were held in by the gasket and in turn they kept it lined up perfectly. I hand tightened all bolts in a criss/cross pattern and torqued them to 13 ft lbs.

mclairmo · 08-07-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lugnut64052

The flange metal will get pulled up around the holes from overtightening, causing leaks. Look at your old pan-- if the metal is sort of coned up around each hole that's what has happened.

It's easy to fix. Take the peen end (the rounded end) of a ball peen hammer, hold the flange over some thing flat (I use the corner of a vise jaw) and peen the metal back down flat around the holes. It should seal back up fine-- 10 to 12 foot-pounds, like cdowns said. A 1/4" ratchet, hand tight, is about right.

I tried this on my old steel pan and it still leaked. That's when I swtiched to aluminum. They are cheap and seal better with the thicker rail.

tim21391 · 08-07-2009, 06:37 PM

i usually hand tighten them.. then slap a close end wrench on it and grab it right at the head and snugger down.. no leaks yet... knock on wood

CEE1NG_RED · 07-17-2012, 02:02 AM

My '68 manual says 8#s, but the lowest my torque wrench goes to is 10#s. It ranges from 8#s to 13#s so I'm not so sure. I have a Moroso blue gasket and did 10#s. I'll find out if it leaks once I fill it up with trans. oil sometime this week.

08-06-2009, 06:07 PM	#1
Chevyman680063 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 850	How tight should trans pan bolts be? Well I had to get another pan for my transmission since the old one seems to be warped and was wondering how tight the bolts need to be. I've heard they should be a little tighter than hand tight, that they should be torqued to a certain spec., and that they shouldn't be torqued b/c that would be too tight. So which is correct? Also, is there anything I can put on the pan to help hold the gasket in place while I'm installing the pan? It's a TH350 if that matters. Thanks in advance for the help.

08-06-2009, 06:15 PM	#2
brak Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: MinneSNOWta Posts: 1,381	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? this is really a question for the Engine/Drivetrain forum, and i'm positive the answer is there, but here's what i've got... It's been a while, and i don't have my manual handy, but IIRC the torque spec is in Inch Lbs, so that should tell you not very tight. too tight will warp the pan/gasket, and cause leaking issues. <--EDIT--> here's a thread that may be helpful http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...79#post2035079 __________________ 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 WT 1995 Nissan Hardbody 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo DC2 (SW/AW) Clyde W. Harvey USN "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery" Winston Churchill Last edited by brak; 08-06-2009 at 06:21 PM.

08-06-2009, 06:22 PM	#3
Chevyman680063 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 850	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? I think that's what was done to the old pan since it's warped and leaking all my trans fluid out. Why must people over tighten, WHYYYYYYYYYYY?!?!

08-06-2009, 06:38 PM	#4
72 cheyenne pdx Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Portland Posts: 382	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? My grandfather told me when tightening the valve covers, Trans pan and the oil pan to hand tighten them and then with a wrench, give them a quarter turn. I am unsure what that turns out to be with a torque wrench, but it has always been good for me.

08-06-2009, 06:43 PM	#5
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? I agree with above torqueing technique and I also spray the transmission pan contact surface on the tranny case, pan rail on the pan and gasket with that red high tack spray from Permatex and it always seals everything up. Have to clean all the surfaces with wax/grease remover first and read the directions on the can of high tack. Most parts stores carry high tack. I also switched to a cast aluminum trans pan and rubber seal to help seal better. The stamped steel pan and cork gasket combo sucks. Last edited by mclairmo; 08-06-2009 at 06:44 PM.

08-06-2009, 07:03 PM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? 10-12ftlbs __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-06-2009, 07:28 PM	#7
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? That's about hand tight with a standard box wrench.

08-06-2009, 07:30 PM	#8
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? I just built a TH350 today coincidentally. The specified torque figure is 13 ft/lbs. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

08-06-2009, 07:54 PM	#10
Lugnut64052 Middle-aged Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Independence, MO Posts: 753	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? The flange metal will get pulled up around the holes from overtightening, causing leaks. Look at your old pan-- if the metal is sort of coned up around each hole that's what has happened. It's easy to fix. Take the peen end (the rounded end) of a ball peen hammer, hold the flange over some thing flat (I use the corner of a vise jaw) and peen the metal back down flat around the holes. It should seal back up fine-- 10 to 12 foot-pounds, like cdowns said. A 1/4" ratchet, hand tight, is about right. __________________ Bret Check out the site's Truck Tech FAQ. Be a site supporter. My more-or-less pathetic build thread. Board members I've met: ------------------------------ Longhorn Man Dieselwrencher jholley big mike71

08-06-2009, 07:55 PM	#11
68C10withA396 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jacksonville N.C. Posts: 58	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? I replaced my gasket on the TH350 3 days ago and in order to keep the gasket lined up i just shoved the 4 corner bolts through the pan and then gasket holes and the bolts were held in by the gasket and in turn they kept it lined up perfectly. I hand tightened all bolts in a criss/cross pattern and torqued them to 13 ft lbs. __________________ "Some people spend an entire life time wondering if they ever made a difference... The Marines don't have that problem." President Ronald Reagan '68 C10 SWB 396/350/4.11

08-07-2009, 06:37 PM	#13
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? i usually hand tighten them.. then slap a close end wrench on it and grab it right at the head and snugger down.. no leaks yet... knock on wood __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

07-17-2012, 02:02 AM	#14
CEE1NG_RED Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: LBC California Posts: 497	Re: How tight should trans pan bolts be? My '68 manual says 8#s, but the lowest my torque wrench goes to is 10#s. It ranges from 8#s to 13#s so I'm not so sure. I have a Moroso blue gasket and did 10#s. I'll find out if it leaks once I fill it up with trans. oil sometime this week. __________________ - 1967 Chevrolet C/10 SWB fleetside (New Project). - 1969 Chevrolet C/10 SWB fleetside (SOLD) - 2000 Ford Mustang 232 (DD) - 2003 Ford SVT Cobra "Terminator" 281 (Once in a blue moon driver/weekend driver)

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