I realize that people say to change seals when you remove something, IE: Intake Manifold, Tranny Pan, etc...but why would you do this if they are in good shape? Am I missing something or is the noob in me just coming out? I mean, I know a newer one is always better, but if it isnt leaking before you take it off, then why would it be "bad" to put it back on?

Also, about draining my tranny, if my 21 tranny bolts are still in good condition, as in, no rust, none broken or flaking, etc...then is there any reason to replace them?

Sorry if this is something that I was never told, but I am just asking. THanks!!

Peace.

 

beacause things like seals age, bearings wear. It may be still good and within tolerance but age/wear and tear sets in. Im talking about seals, bearings, gaskets/hoses, ect. What would suck is that you put the same gasket back in and only to have it fail a couple months down the road and have to remove everything for something that you could have installed when you had it off. No need to swap out bolts unless they are damaged.

Preventive maintenance.

 

Alright, I wasnt sure if it was something like it compromised the integrity of the seal when you remove it...thanks.

 

I'm assuming your auto. You should change your tranny filter also. The new tranny filter will come with a new gasket. If you're just draining and refilling, there's no need for a new gasket and also no need to take off all those bolts.

Its like this. If you put a bandaid on your finger, it usually stays there until you peel it off to show someone how bad it looks. At that time, you put a new bandaid on since the old one doesn't stick as well nemore. Plus its pretty disgusting...heh

 

Nice analogy. I gotcha now. Yeah, I have an auto, but its in need of a flush and I am not sure if the mags have ever been cleaned...

 

no need to change that filter cuz its not really a filter its a screen...

 

true, but why not if he took the pan to clean the pan and the magnets??

 

ROFL......

 

because its a ***** to take it off and it will save you 20 bucks and 3 days at the autoparts store to order it... no need i learned it the hard way

 

It all depends on the gasket and its age. Dealers and service manuals will tell you to change all of them all the time. However, they don't have time to waste and buying the new gaskets is on your coin (plus their markup on the gasket price) so they change everything in sight.

More practically, you don't need to change every gasket all the time, especially if you are careful not to damage them. Some gasket materials get damaged easily, and it's a gasket that holds oil, then replace each time. If you're changing one of the parts out, definitely change the gasket every time since the new part has a slighly different shape. However if you get lazy like me and reuse a gasket than torquing all the bolts to spec becomes much more important.

My time is cheaper than a whole slew of gaskets, so on little jobs I just re-use them and look to see I didn't create a leak. It generally works well.

Dave

 

I would personally recommend changing the gaskets rather than re-using them. I know most maintenance items come down to what you can afford but consider this, if the $2 part is used to seal or protect a $1200 part (such as the trans or engine) spend the $2. And if you must skimp on something, fill up with 87 octane gas for a few tanks instead of the 91 octane premium, that a lot of orgers insist on putting in their cars.