CONTINUED FROM POST #344
CHAPTER 13
I realize that I have been jumping around a bit on chronology in our story. I probably should have started with an outline arranged in order of occurrence and used that for reference. Alas this has led me down a rabbit hole and I have gotten carried away. Bear with me, it may make some sense after all is said and done.
Approximately one month prior to our leaving for the trip to San Rafael Swell, I thought it best to take care of that pesky rear main oil leak that was mentioned in an earlier chapter. The parts had been purchased and lying in wait for several months. A sunny Saturday morning provided the perfect starting point for this. One of the advantages of having a lift on the Jeep has been being able to lay on the garage floor and slide right under the vehicle without the need for a jack or jack stands, bonus!
The catch pan was in place and the drain plug removed. As I was lying under there letting the oil drain, I took a good look at the transmission pan and noticed how the paint was flaking off, and rust had started to take hold. There were no noticeable leaks. Here is where that dreaded "painter/detailer" side of my brain jumped to the forefront. Kind of like they picture it in the cartoons, devil on one shoulder and angel on the other. Devil, "You should remove that transmission pan, clean and repaint it. And replace the filter and fluid at the same time". Angel, "It's not leaking now, if you touch it, that is a guaranteed leak." Devil, "Come on man, you can't possibly live with yourself knowing how terrible that looks". Angel, "Remember it's an off road vehicle. It will get dirty and scratched the first twenty feet of your next off road adventure". Devil, "Blah, blah, blah.....". Angel, "Blah, blah, blah......". On and on. It's a wonder that I am ever able to get anything done, too many voices going on at the same time.
The engine oil pan was unbolted and removed. The transmission pan was unbolted and removed. The devil convinced me that since the skid plate did not need to be dropped to gain access to all the pan bolts, the trans pan removal would be easy. It actually proved out that way. The removal of both pans was drama free. Oh, wait a minute, there was a plastic clip that supported the transmission cooler lines. It had to be removed to gain access to one of the bolts holding the engine oil pan. All manner of kind and gentle methods were employed to remove it. Not one of them worked. It came down to brute force and cursing before it relented it's mighty grip. Also total destruction of said clip.
My good friend Tony's name has been mentioned before. What I have not mentioned about Tony is just how good of a friend he is. He and his lovely wife live on a one acre lot and they built a 40' by 60' shop out back of the house. Tony has let me keep many of my tools as well as work out there for over twenty years. Gave me a key to the shop and has never charged me a dime of rent. I may not be wealthy due to money but I have been blessed with good friends. They don't come any better than Tony.
I took both pans over to Tony's place and used the parts cleaner then the blasting cabinet to clean them up. Then surprise surprise, I painted them. I had purchased a FelPro gasket kit for the engine oil pan. The only thing that O'Reilly had for the trans pan was an off brand filter kit with a new filter and rubber pan gasket. The trans pan did not have a formal gasket in place when I removed it, just RTV. Back to the cartoon shoulder scenario. Devil, "Don't use that rubber gasket, it will only cause you grief." Angel, "They include that in the kit for a reason." Devil, "I'm telling you dude, just put it back on using RTV". Angel, "The engineers are smarter than you. Use the gasket". Blah, blah, blah........ I reinstalled the trans pan using the rubber gasket. As I am torquing the bolts, it just does not feel right. The bolts are not holding their torque values and the gasket is squishing out all around the perimeter. I get both pans reinstalled and call it good for the days work. However, I toss and turn all night long. I just don't feel right about that transmission pan. The next morning I slide back under, remove the pan and gasket. Clean everything and reinstall it using only RTV. Hey, this time the bolts torque properly and I feel much better.
Of course you know I had to notice one of the transmission cooler lines was weeping fluid at one of the crimp fittings where the hard line and rubber hose are connected. So I cut the crimp end off, replace the rubber section of the line and use hose clamps to hold it together. Then I had to make a new bracket to hold the trans cooler lines replacing the one I destroyed during removal. Also the four bolts that attach the exhaust crossunder pipe to the manifold were ruined when loosening. I have always been amazed that removing exhaust bolts seems to strip the threads from the bolts during the process. Am I the only one that experiences this?
To be continued:
I cleaned and painted the crossunder pipe as well. The bushings in the upper long arms were worn, so I replaced them. Also cleaned and painted the arms and rod ends.
Just to the right of the crank dampener you can see my repair to the transmission cooler line.
I am proud to say, no leaks from either pan or the cooler line since the repair.