Ok gurus, my car has 184000 miles on it and the tranny went out the other day. Am currently in the process of pulling both eng and trans out. What I would like to know is, what are some things I need to replace while it is out. I already have plans to replace the following....
1. Eng oil pan gasket.
2. Trans oil pan gasket.
3. Valve cover gaskets.
and some other minor details that I cannot think of at this time.
I do believe Billboost is wanting me to take pics of the transmission while it is out. (hoping to do a complete teardown) If anyone is interested in specific pics, let me know.

I'd do the waterpump at the same time...its tricky to replace when the engine is in.....re gasketing is always a good plan

Sounds like a plan. Will add those to the tech pics Bill wants.

coolant by-pass tube

i cannot stress this enough. If it'* original, it will be brittle..

Mine has been replaced 4 times though :?

Kept either coming out, or cracking. I finally HELPED my mechanic do it

hasn't leaked yet.

it'* a $7 part but well worth it.

The coolant tube at that mileage should already have been changed... check to ensure it'* metal.

On the oil pan... this might be worth a trip to your local dealer'* parts counter. I found that GM expects you to use an engine sealant in addition to the gasket....

Bill, where can a fellow get a metal elbow?

If this is referring to the joints where the aluminum rear bearing carrier butts against the cast iron block forming the rear sealing area for the oil pan, I have had good luck using RTV silicone to make sure there were no gaps where oil could sneak through. The pan sealing surface of that carrier should be flush with the pan sealing surface of the block, too. I use a straight-edge and a feeler gauge to make sure it is within spec.

Easy easy to do on a L36. The pump could be out, surfaces cleaned, and new pump installed in less than an hour on a L36.


As for other things to change. I highly suggest you replace the rear main seal when the tranny is out. The only way to replace that seal is to remove the transmission. Even if it'* not leaking now, it'* great prevenative maintenance to get it replaced.

Just about any parts store. All should carry as it'* a very common item.