1999 Econoline E250. 8 Cyl. 5.4L. 2WD. Auto Transmission.

I just completed the dreaded spark plug re-bore, place inserts and re-plug operation., Ports #3 and #7 truly sucked.
In my battle had to drain the trans pan because of a dropped o-ring. Reused the reuseable gasket and getting a little leakage at a few bolts. Torqued to 11.25 pounds.
Question is: Can I tighten further safely?

 

If you have 4R70W then it's 9 to 11 ft-lb, with 4R100 then 10 to 12 ft-lb and the bolts are not tty so reusable.

 

Can we ask how and what "O"ring wound up in the trans pan ?

Did you remove the trans dipstick tube ?

 

Yes the tube had to be removed to re-port spark plug aperatures. On tube reassembly the o-ring fell into the pan.

 

If your trans has not had a fluid and filter change and was due for one, too bad you didn't have the filter.
At lease you cleaned the sediment in the pan and that is always a good thing.

 

But I did have a new filter and did take advantage of having to fish for the o-ring by cleaning the sediment..

Simply wondering if the pan can be safely torqued beyond 11.25 pounds.

 

If you have 4R70W you over-torque it. If 4R100 you under-torque at 11.25. If you over-torque it they can warp then you have to use only RTV to seal.
What I would do, locate and mark which bolts have leaks, remove the pan and resurface both end, inspect and make sure your gasket is in good condition, clean it to complete dry. Just because it's reusable doesn't mean it is good to reuse it lifetime. Apply thin RTV on the tranny side to where you have leaks then tighten the bolts to specs. Wait till next day (for the RTV to cure) then you top it off.
Optionally upgrade and buy aftermarket pan with a drain hole and plug might help if your pan is already warp.

 

Thank you.
I had seen a video that suggested RTV sealant as a supplement, but unnecessary with the OEM Gasket. Depending on proper gasket reseating of course.
So I will remove and use RTV with a new gasket..

 

Check #10 and see, if you have a "7" then 4R100, a "U" then 4R70W, assuming you are the sole owner or the previous owner never swapped the tranny.
Previous message I mention you top it off, since you have leaks you might want to fill just 3 quarts and see.
If you have 4R70W like my 98 e150 4.2L you can upgrade to this: DORMAN 265813 just $29.89, 5% coupon code: 332946010215323964 expires 4/10/26 and ship to a business address for additional shipping discount. Install this new pan could fix your leaks, and you no longer need to drop the pan just to change fluid. And you should hold on to getting a new gasket. If there is a warp it's usually the pan where the mounting bolt holes are, and not the tranny side.

 

It is not advised or recommended to use any gasket maker/sealer on any trans pan gasket.. The video is not what the trade has learned to do.