ATF drain and refill first timer

Can anyone with prior experience recommend a good gasket scraper for cleaning the old gasket off the transmission pan? Also, is permatex spray degreaser suitable for cleaning the pan? Is it necessary to use a torque wrench to replace the filter and the pan? Finally, would it be good to jack up the truck and use 4 jack stands? Thanks folks.

 

1. Plastic gasket scraper. Find at auto parts store or in paint section of hardware store.

2. I’ve never used that product but Permatex is a large well know brand. Brake parts cleaner works, just make sure it’s dry before reassembly (ie you don’t want wet brake cleaner in your new fluid).

3. Do you absolutely need one? No, people have had success using their calibrated elbow joint and perceived superior intellect or whatever. Will I be using one when I do the same service on my vehicle? You betcha.

4. Yea you want the vehicle leveled so when you refill and perform the procedure to get it up to temperature for fluid level check it will be the correct reading.

Here’s a link with more information than you’ll ever know what to do with:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

Here’s a great thread with much more relevant info for what you are doing on this job:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

 

I've read some of the awesome recommended threads for A/T drain and refill. I'm confused by them because I can't find or I missed which type, 4 cyl. 4-speed or 6 cyl. 5-speed A/T drain and refill is being covered. Anyway, I also have my Haynes Manual. It says to use RTV sealant on the pan and doesn't even say anything about the rubber gasket for the pan! That's confusing! I bought a new filter, and drain pan gasket, and 2 quarts of ATF type T-IV from Rock Auto. I have 4 jackstands and 2 torque wrenches. Can anyone refer me to a really good explanation of how to do a A/T drain and refill for a 2007 Tacoma 4 CYL. 4-speed A/T? I'm also interested in if the lower dipstick tube is hard to seperate from the upper part.

 

-Why would you need a gasket scraper, it’s a rubber gasket and should about fall off. If it doesn’t just use a 99 cent plastic scraper from the paint aisle at Lowe’s. Edit: you can use RTV when replacing the rubber gasket, just dots on the corners to hold it in place while you reinstall the pan.

-I would use brake cleaner to clean the pan.

-My personal advise is to use a torque wrench for anything with a torque value, including the filter and the pan bolts. Both are listed on the torque spec list in the stickies. The pan bolts have a very low torque.

-It’s not necessary to lift the truck up and I don’t think it’s safe to place the truck on 4 stands as you can’t chock any wheels. If you want to raise it up find a friend with a lift.

Make sure you follow the stickied drain and fill procedures particularly for getting the truck in temp check mode.

 

Pretty sure the A340 use FIPG and not a gasket.
You need a torque wrench that does INCH pounds as well.

The lower dipstick tube looks like it use an O-ring.

 

Unfortunately, I don't have any friends with a lift. The only people I know with a lift charge me $650 every time they put my car on it. Yeah that make me nervous getting under a vehicle in the garage even though I bought 4 6-ton jack stands. I think it would be hard to to the job. My truck is stock, not lifted.

 

Should be a gasket, not sealant. Unless someone screwed around with it. You could probably get away with just changing the fluid, unless it's leaking bad. If need be, change the filter also. Fel-Pro gaskets are always available at your local parts store. 3 qts. ATF give or take. If you do put a new gasket on, put four bolts in the corners, the gasket should hold them in, before reinstalling pan. Saves a lot headaches. Just do a criss-cross pattern when tightening. Do not over torque! Snug & slightly more is good enough. Good Luck Dan

 

Maybe some of you missed the part where he had a 2.7 Automatic A340

The FSM says -

1. Apply FIPG to the oil pan
   FIPG:
   Part No.08826-00090, THREE BOND 1281 or equivalent
   
   

 

Which RTV part #, exactly, did you get? RTV gasket maker and RTV sealant are two different things. Since your filter came with a gasket, don't use a RTV gasket maker, unless you ditch the gasket. A gasket should always be installed dry, with the exception of a gasket tack adhesive to hold the gasket in place as needed. Also note that most gasket makers require a 24-hour dry time, the exception being Permatex’ Right Stuff.
Yes, you need a inch-lb torque wrench. Its very important that the pan bolts be torqued properly because the pan is relatively thin gauge. Your ATF pan bolts torque value will be about 35 inch ponds. Dont know anything about that two-part dip stick.

 

I did a drain and refill as well as dropping the pan and replacing the filter on my truck when it was still on a stock suspension, without jacking it up. Plenty of room.

I’ve read having a vehicle on 4 Jack stands can be plenty safe, but I’m not a fan.

If your pan uses a sealant, any non-metallic scraper should be just fine. I’m sure they have something for the purpose at the auto parts store.

 

There should be a few gaskets for the strainer. But not the pan.

Make sure to use an RTV rated for Transmission Fluid. Apply it, bolt it on, fill the trans, and enjoy the rest of the day.

 

I want to thank everyone for sharing their advise/experience/knowledge/know-how with me. I've got 4 vehicles I've got to maintain:
Me: 1998 Toyota RAV4 4D FWD A/T
Mrs: 2009 Sienna
Dau: 2015 Hyundai Sonata
son: 2007 Toyota Tacoma 2D 2.7L 4-SP A/T
One of the members on RAV4 WORLD said to me, " If you own an old Toyota, you need to learn how to fix it yourself!"

 

You might also see the link below.
Page # SS-38 has the specs

If you go all the way to the bottom of the page, you can download the whole thing.
It’s better quality.


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-torque-spec-guide.318116/

 

When I changed the filter on my V6 tranny I did not bother with RTV. I just got the gasket and sprayed one side with Permatex high tack spray on gasket sealant and placed it on the pan. Torqued it up and two years later still no leak. The RTV is only if you decide not to use the gasket. It should be the same with the 4 cylinders.

 

You can also put it on ramps and jack up the the rear by the diff and leave it on jack stands. That is how I did it.

 

I believe Toyota recommends FIPG. But I also think there is a gasket that can be used.
Here is what @Jimmyh has to say. I’d take his word, he has a Tacoma with the A340

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/removing-automatic-transmission-pan.397685/#post-11015363

The important part is DO NOT strip the pan bolts. It’s been done, it’s not hard to do.
@Bishop84 might even know a few tips.

 

Some Aisin-Warner A340's came with a gasket, some with sealant. Mine has a gasket. If you can get the correct gasket, use that. Less scraping, if any & less mess