1994 ATX filter fitment issue

[ssenter]

I recently purchased a 200K ATX SHO. I serviced the transmission (real clean fluid, pan and filter) pulled the old filter off the fitting. No clamp or any other attachment point. The new filter had a seal on it, so I attempted to remove the rather robust seal on the inside of the trans fitting. What a nightmare! It is some rubber/silicone gasket material that gets embedded into the fitting. I was able to finally get it off with careful scraping. Now comes the issue: The filter does NOT want to stay in the fitting, like its too tight, even when hitting it with a rubber mallet. I compared old/new filters, and they are identical, except for the new seal on the new filter. The old filter had no seal (I figured it was stuck to the fitting, so that's why I removed it).

What to do? I can wedge the filter into place and tighten the pan bolts to hold it in place, and assume it will get squeezed into the fitting. I haven't tightened it fully yet, but this doesn't make any sense. What am I missing...? The trans says AXOD SHO on the pan.

 

[NoSlo]

The filter should have an orange seal (although some makes may not "comply" with the color scheme). There is a long and short version of the gasket neck, SHO uses "long neck", or "tall seal". 0.5", although I don't know how you'd measure that.

The filter (and pan kit) should be for "17 bolt pan". 19-bolt is for later AX4N.

Rockauto has many wrong choices available when you put in your 1994 ATX. Here is one of the correct selections, with picture.

The OEM is Motorcraft FT-128. The kit should also include a replacement retaining clip and bolt. Some early ones even included the clips to re-route a hose that was on 1992-made cars.

Got a part number to share, and we can point out you got the wrong thing?

The inside of the transmission hole is now bare metal? You can't feel the lip of the metal ring of the seal still embedded in there when you stick your finger in the hole?

 

[ssenter]

Thanks for the help! After a day to digest the problem, I went back to RockAuto (where I got the Powertrain Components F178 short orange seal filter/17 hole gasket set) comparing the short and long seal filters listed. Before I had seen your response, I ordered a Motorcraft FT-128 as it ONLY lists '93-95 Taurus for fitment. Should arrive by Friday, and I will be re-checking/cleaning the transmission hole to be sure there's no remaining gasket material or metal ring. What a PITA to get the old gasket off! Surprised that there was no retaining clip and bolt holding old filter... Just a pressed in filter.

 

[ssenter]

So, there is a metal ring/bushing in the transmission hole, which appears to interfere with the filter (tall seal or short seal) from being inserted into the transmission hole. Its probably about 1/2" wide. This bushing is what the previous filter gasket was stuck to, so much so that I had to scrape it off to get it clean. Am I supposed to pry this bushing out, put it over the filter gasket, than wedge the whole package into the trans hole? It just seems ridiculous that the correct filter (Motorcraft FT-128) won't fit into the trans hole...And how do I pry the damn bushing out... with a screwdriver? Crazy ridiculous! Or, do I just use a rubber mallet and force the filter/gasket up into the trans hole w/bushing??

 

[NoSlo]

The reason I was able to describe such a ring jammed in the transmission filter hole is that I have a rather specific memory of needing to do such a thing. A ring from a previous filter or such in the transmission filter hole, that had to be pried at the edge with a knife tip or small screwdriver until there was enough of a dent to enlarge the pry mark with a larger screwdriver and finally be able to get it out with needle-nose pliers.