Anyone here who know their Automatic Transmissions? A343F, needs a flush.

[henxan]

Hi people!

I have a 50th anniversary toyota landcruiser with an A343F transmission, 2001-model.

Previously the radiator has been changed because of an intrinsic design flaw, where the transmission oil and engine coolant mixed. I have since changed gear oil 8 times (regular change, no bottom pan removal = 2 litre). Anyway I have come to the conclusion an transmission oil flush is in order. I have found a very good description of doin this on the net, with illustrations. And obviously, the oil HAVE to be completely exchanged, as tiny amounts of water wreak havoc on the transmission. So here are my questions:

1. When reattatching the bottom pan of the gearbox, do i HAVE to use a FIPG gasket? This seems like halla'trouble... ..

2. If I am using another type of gasket, what is the best type? Fiber?

3. Which are the best manufacturers of solid gaskets?

And, when it comes to the filter/oil strain:

4. Can I clean and reuse the existing filter?

5. Can I reuse the filter/oil strain gasket?

Sure hope someone here can help me with answers ..

[fourwd1]

In general, I prefer an actual gasket, on which I put a very thin coat of RTV on each side.

If the filter is the metal screen type, just clean it, if it's the paper type, replace.

Frequently you can get a filter and gasket kit just for what you're doing.

[henxan]

Originally Posted by fourwd1

In general, I prefer an actual gasket, on which I put a very thin coat of RTV on each side.

That was my thought too, but there seems to be three different fractions out there:
1. Use the red toyota stuff
2. Use the red Permatex "The Right Stuff"
3. Use a solid gasket
-3a. A cork gasket is best
-3b. You have to use the fibre gasket

So there doesnt seem to be any simple answers out there.

Originally Posted by fourwd1

If the filter is the metal screen type, just clean it, if it's the paper type, replace.

I will do. Hopefully the car is still equipped with the original filter, which should imply it is a "metal-screen" type. Thats the descriptions i've found for the A343F's anyways.

Originally Posted by fourwd1

Frequently you can get a filter and gasket kit just for what you're doing.

Yes, and I would love to do so. But, they are only easy to find in the US of A. I live all the way over here in norway, and the only dealerships are OEM toyota, and they dont supply solid gaskets .. and the US vendors mostly do not want to supply the filter kits, or anything at all, internationally (I do not know the reason, probably something to do with warranty... ). Brand new filter only (OEM) costs $170 here. And only liquid gaskets are available.

At the moment I am thinking of getting the "The Right Stuff"-stuff .. That would bring the total flush to an amount of $350-$400 (when accounting for 10 liters of ATF, (plus the one can I've already bought and used 30% of)..

And BTW, Thanks for the reply

[fourwd1]

Wow, that's a lot of stuff to deal with that doesn't come up here.

Your best bet would be to do whichever does the best job the most economically. A hard way to do it but mabe the best.