Changing C6 Pan

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Changing C6 Pan

Quarterwave
Hi everyone,

It looks like the gasket on my C6 is leaking and so I'm looking to change the pan, gasket and filter - most likely using a deeper transmission sump pan in the process.

Here is what I'm looking at:

https://www.jegs.com/i/TCI/890/428000/10002/-1

Are there any tips/tricks that I should know about for the removal/install, and what type of trans oil is recommended for the C6 (and how much)?
1985 Ford F150, 2WD.
351 H.O Windsor, aluminum heads
Cam: Lift = .496''/.520'' Duration @ .050: 224°/234°
C6 Transmission
6" Rough Country Lift
33x12.5x15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains
15x10" Pro Comp Rims
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

grumpin
Nice pan! Here's a link to a gasket I bought. It's the reusable type. I have not put it on yet so I cannot report on it.

Our Suburban has one similar to this one and I really like it. Although it is not as thick as this one. This one is about 1/4" thick.

I also bought one for the E4OD in my Bronco. Haven't got it installed either.

My thought is to tighten it up in a cross pattern and torque it the same way. My 1986 manual says Oil Pan to Case 8-12 ft-lbs.
Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Gary Lewis
Administrator
In reply to this post by Quarterwave
Yes, that is a very nice pan.    And, it has what I think is a requirement - a drain plug.  I've said I'll not replace a pan w/o placing a drain plug in it.

Tips for pulling the existing pan?  Get a big catch pan, lots of paper towels, and cleaner with which to clean up the mess.  YUK!  I haven't done it w/o making a huge mess.

The manual says to loosen all the bolts and pry down one corner to drain the pan, but I've not had good luck doing that.  The fluid drains from a wide area and creates quite a mess.

Trans oil - the specs call for Dexron II.  But I'd go with synthetic.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Changing C6 Pan

85lebaront2
Administrator
FYI, Dexron II is synthetic.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Quarterwave
Thanks everyone.

Do I need any sealant on the gasket or does it just go straight on after cleaning both surfaces?
1985 Ford F150, 2WD.
351 H.O Windsor, aluminum heads
Cam: Lift = .496''/.520'' Duration @ .050: 224°/234°
C6 Transmission
6" Rough Country Lift
33x12.5x15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains
15x10" Pro Comp Rims
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

grumpin
Personally I would not use sealant.
Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

6.9-250
In reply to this post by Quarterwave
I just changed the filter and fluid in my C6.  I also welded a bung in the pan and hooked up a temperature gauge, while it was off.  

Best info I read on sealing it back up is putting RTV on the pan side only.  Reason being is that the pan mating surface can have inconsistencies.  Such as people tightening the bolts too much, prying to hard and bending when removed, etc.  The RTV will fill those small gaps.  The trans side surface is solid and machined and it likely to be flat.  I put a thin Layer of RTV on the pan side, place gasket on and installed on the trans.  Finger tight bolts for 1 hour then tightened to spec as per the RTV instructions.  

I replaced the filter but when I removed it I realized that it may not be necessary.  It is just a mesh screen which looks like it could just be cleaned.  For the price of the filter/gasket kit though, it may not be worth it.  

Trans oil requirement should be right on the dipstick.  Should be dex 2 though.  Dex 2 is not made anymore as far as I know.  Dex 3, 4, etc will replace it.  Dex 6 is the synthetic version.  I bought dex 6 intending to use it but there is still conflicting info on full compatibility.  There are additives that may not be good for this trans.  I used Pennzoil DEX/MERC ATF (50042067) for now.  I asked for Dex 3 and thats what they gave me.  Anything with Dex 3 on the container is good.  

I drained the torque converter and trans cooler and lines as well.  The trans had about 6 liters and the torque converter held about 4 from what I recall.  Some spilled into the large pan that I did not measure.  Ended up putting back about 12 liters or so.  
1985 Ford F-250, 6.9L, Auto C6, 4x4 208F, Extended Cab
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Quarterwave
This post was updated on .
Ok, thanks everyone.

So what is the consensus:

1) RTV sealant on the pan side only - correct, or none at all? If so, this is what I was thinking of using:

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/28031/10002/-1

2) Fluid - confusing for me to know what is compatible with what.... it seems that Dex 3 is compatible with Dex 2 and I was thinking 10 quarts of this (given that the new pan will hold 2 more quarts than factory) as it seems to cover all:

https://www.jegs.com/i/Valvoline/949/VV341/10002/-1

3) How can I flush out the converter without running it dry?

I've also reached out to the manufacturer, and hopefully they'll provide some answers. I'll post here if they do.

Thanks again.
1985 Ford F150, 2WD.
351 H.O Windsor, aluminum heads
Cam: Lift = .496''/.520'' Duration @ .050: 224°/234°
C6 Transmission
6" Rough Country Lift
33x12.5x15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains
15x10" Pro Comp Rims
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

6.9-250
#3 - Not sure about the flushing the converter.  I just drained mine.  Remove the inspection cover below the converter.  Rotate the flywheel/converter using the crank bolt on the front of the engine to access the drain plug.  It is beside one of the flywheel bolts.  On my 6.9 I had decent access to the drain plug at about the 4-5 o'clock position (facing the engine from the front).  Once I had the plug out, I used the crank bolt to turn the drain plug to the 6 o'clock position so it could fully drain.
1985 Ford F-250, 6.9L, Auto C6, 4x4 208F, Extended Cab
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Gary Lewis
Administrator
I'm sorry, somehow I missed the question.

I don't know how to flush the converter either.  I've just refilled and gone on.

As for the amount and type of fluid, a 2wd C6 takes 23.8 pints to completely refill it, so basically 12 quarts.  So with your deep pan you'll need 14 quarts, but only fill to the Full line after having started it and shifted through the gears with maybe 11 quarts in it.

And I'd use Dexron II, which Bill said is synthetic.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Quarterwave
Thanks Gary - I'm looking for Dexron II from any manufacturer and can't find it.

Everything is either Dexron IV, Mercon etc... and I don't know a lot about oils as I haven't had time to research and ideally, want to just get this job done.

Can anyone send me a link to the sales page of the trans fluid that they have successfully used in a C6?
1985 Ford F150, 2WD.
351 H.O Windsor, aluminum heads
Cam: Lift = .496''/.520'' Duration @ .050: 224°/234°
C6 Transmission
6" Rough Country Lift
33x12.5x15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains
15x10" Pro Comp Rims
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

grumpin
I don't think there is any Dexron II, Dexron III is available and is said to be backward compatible.

https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/automatic-transmission-products/dex-merc-atf

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NO_75200

I don't think Dexron II was synthetic. It was a group 2 base oil.

Edit: Added another link.
Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Gary Lewis
Administrator
We have a bit about it here: Specifications/Lubricants and then the Evolving Specifications tab.

And on it there's another link - Hemmings.  See what you think of how I've summarized the Hemmings blurb on that page.  Perhaps a re-write is needed?
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Quarterwave
Thanks everyone.

This is the fluid that Jegs recommends as part of their transmission oil change kit for a Ford C6 up to 1996:

https://www.jegs.com/i/Valvoline/949/VV341/10002/-1

Does anyone think this is NOT compatible?
1985 Ford F150, 2WD.
351 H.O Windsor, aluminum heads
Cam: Lift = .496''/.520'' Duration @ .050: 224°/234°
C6 Transmission
6" Rough Country Lift
33x12.5x15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains
15x10" Pro Comp Rims
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Gary Lewis
Administrator
Yes, I think it is not compatible. The Hemmings article I referenced above says:

The development of the C5 transmission in 1981 brought a new specification called Type H, named after the specification ESP M2C166-H. About the same time, Ford C6 transmissions upgraded to a new formulation, ESW M2C138-CJ or Type CJ. These transmissions cannot use Type F/FA; however, Dexron II could be substituted. Type H eventually was reformulated and received anti-shudder additives. It was then renamed Mercon, and it was an acceptable retrofit for both Type H and Type CJ and became the new Ford standard fluid from 1987-2007.

Mercon V was introduced in 2008 and supersedes any requirements for H, CJ or Mercon. It does not replace Type F or Type FA, but is often marketed in retail establishments now as Dexron III/Mercon V and takes the place of any previous non-Type F/FA requirements.

So you want some form of Dexron III or Mercon V.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Quarterwave
This post was updated on .
Ok, thanks Gary - I appreciate you taking the time to research and reply.

Parts and fluid ordered.

I'll try to do a photo step-by-step when I do the job.

Would you rather a new thread for that or continue in this one?
1985 Ford F150, 2WD.
351 H.O Windsor, aluminum heads
Cam: Lift = .496''/.520'' Duration @ .050: 224°/234°
C6 Transmission
6" Rough Country Lift
33x12.5x15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains
15x10" Pro Comp Rims
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Gary Lewis
Administrator
No prob.  I was just worried you'd order the Type F.

And your call on whether you do a new thread or not.  No charge anywhere for the number of threads.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Quarterwave
I might do a new one and link to it from here.

I figure that if someone needs some help on it in the future,  a new thread will show up better in the SERP's (search engine result pages).
1985 Ford F150, 2WD.
351 H.O Windsor, aluminum heads
Cam: Lift = .496''/.520'' Duration @ .050: 224°/234°
C6 Transmission
6" Rough Country Lift
33x12.5x15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains
15x10" Pro Comp Rims
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Quarterwave
In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
Guys - what torque setting do I need to tighten the drain plug on the torque converter?

Also, how does the torque converter get filled once it is drained? It seems like there is a lot of fluid to replace once it gets drained out.

I thought I had the factory service manual for the trans, but I only have the engine and body/electrics manuals... and after looking in the manuals here (http://www.garysgaragemahal.com/c6.html), I can't seem to find anything.
1985 Ford F150, 2WD.
351 H.O Windsor, aluminum heads
Cam: Lift = .496''/.520'' Duration @ .050: 224°/234°
C6 Transmission
6" Rough Country Lift
33x12.5x15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains
15x10" Pro Comp Rims
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Re: Changing C6 Pan

Gary Lewis
Administrator
The factory service manual section for the C6 is here: Driveline/Transmissions/Automatic Transmissions/C6, and on the Rebuild Procedures tab, clear at the end, it says 8-28 ft-lbs.  (Yes, Cory and Jim, it says "ft-lbs".  )
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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