I just installed a new Transmission Pan 2004 2.3 Mazda3.

Of the 19 (or 20?) bolts two of them seemed to thread in fine until it came to the point that when they should've snugged up, instead, they kept turning. Unfortunately, these two are right next to each other.

Assuming I applied (enough) RTV correctly and that the other 17 are properly tightened, is it possible this will provide a sufficient leak proof seal?

I realize I could fill it up to find out but then if I do have to take things apart to redo in addition to the mess, I'll be wasting fluid. I'd rather do it now while its still up and empty.

The pan is pretty corroded so I wouldn't be surprised if its mate was as well. My first thought was that the holes are corroded and lost their threading. Tomorrow, I'll try swapping these two bolts with two others and, if I get real lucky, I may find its the threading on the two bolts that's stripped. Then two new bolts solve the problem.

Otherwise what are options, other possible solutions?

I don't recall what its threading into at that point (top, left corner) but on at least one I felt it turning on the other side. I'm thinking maybe the same but slightly longer bolt with a nut on the other side might do the trick?

If a nut cannot be used and it is the hole that's stripped, then what?
an ever so slightly larger bolt? I'd really rather not have to fill, drill & tap. Are there other obvious solutions that I'm overlooking?

I'm guessing some of you may have encountered the same thing and wonder how you solved it.

Thanks,

 

If you can get to the top side a longer bolt with nut and washer should be just fine. Going to a slightly larger bolt should also tap a the hole well enough to hold. Worst case you will have to repair the thread properly.

 

Just wanted to report it worked.
I got a similar but just slightly longer bolt as well as another slightly longer than that one ...just in case and I'm glad I did. Only the longer of the two bolts worked. One can't see it from beneath but, apparently there's a small bump where the bolt emerges so you need that little additional extra length to catch the nut. This worked fine on these two (upper left corner) and should on a few others as well but not all.


Worth mentioning, is that when trying to find Transmission Fluid several times I got sucked into that whole debate about whether Mazda ATF M-V or Type M5 Automatic Transmission Fluid is or is not the same as Mercon-V

Around here (Cleveland, Ohio area)..
the Mazda dealerships have the right type but at $10.00, 12.00 or more per qt.
the larger chains (Autozone) don't have it or know what it is and will try to see you Mercon-V
the small old fashioned (usually more expensive) auto parts stores will have it. That where I found..

Global Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF By Service Pro Premium Lubricants
which says it meets Mazda specs.

http://www.amazon.com/GLOBAL-FULL-SY.../dp/B00JXR398G


I cannot testify that this is true but I was told that
Amsoil Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid
is also Mazda ATF MV rated