Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Aluminum transmission pan, worth it?
| Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305823] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 14:35  |
lw8000
Messages: 201
Registered: July 2012
Location: S.E. Michigan
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Hello:
We will be changing the transmission fluid soon as part of our regular maintenance. We've thought about the aluminum pan in the past and figured it might be worth considering since the old one is coming off anyway. We still have our OEM radiator, everything is stock other than the final drive which is the 3.70 which should help the trans run a little cooler anyway. We don't currently tow but may in the future.
How much of a temp difference does the aluminum pan make, really? Any guesstimate?
The Ragusa seems to be the most popular but I see it holds an extra quart. Does anybody know approximately how much extra it sticks down, compared to the OEM steel pan? I was looking at it straight on and the steel pan almost looks like the low point as it is, so just wondering how much further the Ragusa would stick down.
Thanks for any and all feedback!
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
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| Re: Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305825 is a reply to message #305823] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 15:50  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
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I have had the Ragusa pan on my previous GMC and currently have the Rockwell pan on my current GMC. I love the extra qt of transmission fluid. Pretty hot down here in Lower Alabama and I feel that it helps with transmission temperatures. I have added a VDO gauge to the first pan, of course after it was installed. As I recall, temps stayed down.
I think that it is worthwhile as an investment in transmission life. I doubt if it drops the pan more than a inch.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
[Updated on: Mon, 22 August 2016 15:51] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305826 is a reply to message #305823] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 16:08 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
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Chris,
GM used a steel pan because it did the job and was cheaper.
In my OPINION:
Aluminum pan pluses:
Some additional fluid cooling
Extra quart
Drain plug
Temp Sensor Port
Aluminum pan minuses
They have a tendency to seep as they are a casting
If on the rare chance that you hit something they can crack
If anyone disagrees with any of the above statements PLEASE comment. Also feel free to add to either list.
BTW I suspect you may have made a typo; the stock final drive is 3.07 to 1.
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Chris S.
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2016 5:35 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it?
Hello:
We will be changing the transmission fluid soon as part of our regular maintenance. We've thought about the aluminum pan in the
past and figured it might be worth considering since the old one is coming off anyway. We still have our OEM radiator, everything
is stock other than the final drive which is the 3.70 which should help the trans run a little cooler anyway. We don't currently
tow but may in the future.
How much of a temp difference does the aluminum pan make, really? Any guesstimate?
The Ragusa seems to be the most popular but I see it holds an extra quart. Does anybody know approximately how much extra it sticks
down, compared to
the OEM steel pan? I was looking at it straight on and the steel pan almost looks like the low point as it is, so just wondering
how much further the
Ragusa would stick down.
Thanks for any and all feedback!
--
Chris
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305828 is a reply to message #305823] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 16:24 |
LNelson
Messages: 335
Registered: December 2008
Location: Springfield, MO
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I put one in and also installed a temp gauge. I guess I am happy with it BUT it does "seep". I keep a cooking pan under the tranny. Next time I pull it I will coat it with ????? to stop that mess. I used ???? because I don't recall the "fix" to this issue.
Larry
Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
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| Re: Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305834 is a reply to message #305823] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 17:17 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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My 26' coach has three (count 'em, 3) outboard coolers, one which has a fan across it. Consequently, I see no need to change the transmission pan. The 23' has the box stock setup and 3.07 gears. Haven't seen any indication of it overheating - clean fluid, no leaks. Again, I don't see the need. YMMV.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305835 is a reply to message #305828] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 17:19 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Larry,
You may have heard of something else, but the fix I've heard of is "water
glass". In the early days of automatic transmissions, the castings were
prone to seepage, so they were coated with that compound. That's not one
of the applications mentioned here though:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_silicate#Automotive_repair
I should think glyptol would be a good alternative.
Ken H.
On Mon, Aug 22, 2016 at 5:24 PM, Larry Nelson <
larrynelsonarchitect@mchsi.com> wrote:
> I put one in and also installed a temp gauge. I guess I am happy with it
> BUT it does "seep". I keep a cooking pan under the tranny. Next time I pull
> it I will coat it with ????? to stop that mess. I used ???? because I
> don't recall the "fix" to this issue.
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305842 is a reply to message #305823] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 18:45 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
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I run a stock steel pan with a temp sensor that doubles as a drain plug. Since the advent of off shore trans filters that fit loose in the intake tube, I've been warry of what could happen if gravity made the filter drop because of a loose fit. With the steel pan, it can't drop to far, before it rests against the bottom of the pan. The aluminum pan is deeper, so I'm guessing that the filter could potentially drop another 1" or more allowing it to disconnect from the input tube. This would result in no fluid going to the transmission, until the pump fills the pan so over full that it starts drawing fluid from the over full pan. You wonder what kind of damage could occur in the mean time. Just my WAG. Also, I'm not convinced that the aluminum pan provides any significant cooling over the stock pan. Both are right down there in the air passing under the coach. JMHO
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305843 is a reply to message #305826] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 18:54 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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USAussie wrote on Mon, 22 August 2016 17:08<snip>
Aluminum pan minuses
They have a tendency to seep as they are a casting
If on the rare chance that you hit something they can crack
If anyone disagrees with any of the above statements PLEASE comment. Also feel free to add to either list.
BTW I suspect you may have made a typo; the stock final drive is 3.07 to 1.
Regards,
Rob M.
Rob,
I don't know if it is common, but I have been concerned about strike damage.
My transmission pan had strike damage when I got it. When I had the pan off to change the fluid, (having been a body mechanic a hundred years ago and still holding the tools), I hammered out. (I did not lead and file it.) I have not noticed it again in subsequent forays under the coach.
Has anybody else ever seen strike damage to the transmission pan?
Maybe I am just being overly paranoid. I know I am somewhat paranoid, but then, I am OLD and paranoid....
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305844 is a reply to message #305842] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 18:55 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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I have an electrical sending unit in my Ragusa aluminum pan, hooked up to
an AutoMeter gage. It very seldom strays off the lowest mark on the meter.
The final drive is another story. On hard climbs, I see it reach 215
degrees. Steady state cruise, 200 degrees. It could benefit from an
aluminum pan and synthetic gear lube, I am sure. On my list.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 430
On Mon, Aug 22, 2016 at 4:45 PM, Larry wrote:
> I run a stock steel pan with a temp sensor that doubles as a drain plug.
> Since the advent of off shore trans filters that fit loose in the intake
> tube, I've been warry of what could happen if gravity made the filter
> drop because of a loose fit. With the steel pan, it can't drop to far,
> before
> it rests against the bottom of the pan. The aluminum pan is deeper, so I'm
> guessing that the filter could potentially drop another 1" or more allowing
> it to disconnect from the input tube. This would result in no fluid going
> to the transmission, until the pump fills the pan so over full that it
> starts drawing fluid from the over full pan. You wonder what kind of
> damage could occur in the mean time. Just my WAG. Also, I'm not convinced
> that
> the aluminum pan provides any significant cooling over the stock pan. Both
> are right down there in the air passing under the coach. JMHO
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305845 is a reply to message #305844] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 19:00 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Matt, I am under lots of coaches in the course of my work, and I have seen
a fair share of damage on transmission pans. Also on air dams that I call
"possom scoops", In Texas they are referred to as "Armadillo scoops"
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
On Mon, Aug 22, 2016 at 4:55 PM, James Hupy wrote:
> I have an electrical sending unit in my Ragusa aluminum pan, hooked up to
> an AutoMeter gage. It very seldom strays off the lowest mark on the meter.
> The final drive is another story. On hard climbs, I see it reach 215
> degrees. Steady state cruise, 200 degrees. It could benefit from an
> aluminum pan and synthetic gear lube, I am sure. On my list.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, OR
> 78 GMC Royale 430
>
> On Mon, Aug 22, 2016 at 4:45 PM, Larry wrote:
>
>> I run a stock steel pan with a temp sensor that doubles as a drain plug.
>> Since the advent of off shore trans filters that fit loose in the intake
>> tube, I've been warry of what could happen if gravity made the filter
>> drop because of a loose fit. With the steel pan, it can't drop to far,
>> before
>> it rests against the bottom of the pan. The aluminum pan is deeper, so
>> I'm guessing that the filter could potentially drop another 1" or more
>> allowing
>> it to disconnect from the input tube. This would result in no fluid going
>> to the transmission, until the pump fills the pan so over full that it
>> starts drawing fluid from the over full pan. You wonder what kind of
>> damage could occur in the mean time. Just my WAG. Also, I'm not convinced
>> that
>> the aluminum pan provides any significant cooling over the stock pan.
>> Both are right down there in the air passing under the coach. JMHO
>> --
>> Larry
>> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
>> Menomonie, WI.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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>
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305860 is a reply to message #305831] |
Mon, 22 August 2016 23:54 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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James Hupy wrote on Mon, 22 August 2016 16:56I Hava an early Ragusa on my coach. It had some porousities and it seeped a
bit.
I took it back off and took it to a friend who has a transmission shop and
put it in his parts washer. Super clean. Then I coated the inside of the
pan with GLYPTAL #1201 RED INSULATING PAINT. It is made to oil proof
electrical coils and armatures. I applied two thick coats and baked it for
4 hours at 125° in my powder coat oven. Re-installed it and no more leaks.
That was in 2012 before our cross Canada trip. Been across the USA twice
since that trip. Our coach gets used quite a bit. Still no seeps or leaks.
I got the GLYPTAL from EASTWOOD Co.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On Aug 22, 2016 2:25 PM, "Larry Nelson"
wrote:
What bothers me with that approach is it says right on the can of Glyptal "(Insulating paint)". I wonder if that is temperature / heat insulating or electrical insulating?
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305861 is a reply to message #305860] |
Tue, 23 August 2016 00:01 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Ken Burton wrote on Mon, 22 August 2016 23:54James Hupy wrote on Mon, 22 August 2016 16:56I Hava an early Ragusa on my coach. It had some porousities and it seeped a
bit.
I took it back off and took it to a friend who has a transmission shop and
put it in his parts washer. Super clean. Then I coated the inside of the
pan with GLYPTAL #1201 RED INSULATING PAINT. It is made to oil proof
electrical coils and armatures. I applied two thick coats and baked it for
4 hours at 125° in my powder coat oven. Re-installed it and no more leaks.
That was in 2012 before our cross Canada trip. Been across the USA twice
since that trip. Our coach gets used quite a bit. Still no seeps or leaks.
I got the GLYPTAL from EASTWOOD Co.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On Aug 22, 2016 2:25 PM, "Larry Nelson"
wrote:
What bothers me with that approach is it says right on the can of Glyptal "(Insulating paint)". I wonder if that is temperature / heat insulating or electrical insulating?
Forget my comment. I went to their web site and found that they were claiming electrical insulating. I also wonder if it would be any better to paint the outside rather than the inside of the pan.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305868 is a reply to message #305861] |
Tue, 23 August 2016 06:49 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Glyptol has been used inside engines for many years. My own first exposure
to it was in 1958. I was a (the) mechanic at a foreign car dealership in
Columbia, SC when a Jaguar XK120 came in for a valve job. Imagine my
surprise to find the INSIDE of the engine painted orange! :-)
Ken H.
On Tue, Aug 23, 2016 at 1:01 AM, Ken Burton wrote:
> ...
> Forget my comment. I went to their web site and found that they were
> claiming electrical insulating. I also wonder if it would be any better to
> paint the outside rather than the inside of the pan.
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305877 is a reply to message #305868] |
Tue, 23 August 2016 08:42 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
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When we were racing (1966 thru 1986) it was a common practice to paint the inside with glyptal of the Cast iron blocks and oily areas of the Cast iron heads to promote oil return and seal any bad stuff that might be left on the surface.
JR Wright
> On Aug 23, 2016, at 7:49 AM, Ken Henderson wrote:
>
> Glyptal has been used inside engines for many years. My own first exposure
> to it was in 1958. I was a (the) mechanic at a foreign car dealership in
> Columbia, SC when a Jaguar XK120 came in for a valve job. Imagine my
> surprise to find the INSIDE of the engine painted orange! :-)
>
> Ken H.
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 23, 2016 at 1:01 AM, Ken Burton wrote:
>
>> ...
>> Forget my comment. I went to their web site and found that they were
>> claiming electrical insulating. I also wonder if it would be any better to
>> paint the outside rather than the inside of the pan.
>>
>>
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305901 is a reply to message #305868] |
Tue, 23 August 2016 17:12 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I have seen engines painted inside with Glyptal. I remember Steve Ferguson posting pictures of a 455 he was rebuilding and it was painted with Glyptal. I just questioned whether in the case of the trans pan whether it should be painted inside or outside. Also I wonder what that paint does to the heat transfer between the trans fluid and the pan and also between the trans pan and the air.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum transmission pan, worth it? [message #305919 is a reply to message #305826] |
Wed, 24 August 2016 07:47 |
lw8000
Messages: 201
Registered: July 2012
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 1
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USAussie wrote on Mon, 22 August 2016 16:08
BTW I suspect you may have made a typo; the stock final drive is 3.07 to 1.
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Hi Rob,
Actually we do have the aftermarket 3.70 final drive from JimK. When we got it we were told it helps the trans run a little cooler, makes sense but that's why I brought it up to see how much more difference the pan would make. Thanks much for the extra thoughts/feedback!
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
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