transmission dipstick leaking. help...

[Hazieview]

So I filled my torque converter up with oil, slapped it on the trani, bolted the trani to the motor, and started to fill the trani up with fluid.

The guy swore to me the disptick would not leak and what does it do? It leaks.

So.... Should I just RTV the darn thing or rip out the cheap dipstick and buy the braided lockar dipstick.

I have a th350 and my engine has a lot of braided lines. What's one more? Suggestions?

Also how hard is it to replace the dipstick? Can I just yank the old one out and shove the new one in or is it more technical than my redneck approach?

thanks!

[bitchin85]

if you have a stock style dipstick (not chrome) then there is one bellhousing bolt that the dipstick is held on there with. in the trans, theres just a rubber grommet/gasket that it pushes into. just pull it out and get a new gasket with a little sealer on both sides. if its a chrome stick, then its probly a cheap one that just pushes into the hole with a little sealer on it. i have never had exp. with the braided ones

[Jonboy]

There is a revised dipstick that uses a boot seal that will fix the dipstick leak. GM also revised the dipstick to a locking design, to prevent the fluid from coming out the tube. There was some problems in the late 80's with the trans overheating and pushing trans fluid out the tube onto the catalytic converter. Makes a nasty engine fire.

[bmchevy1979]

If I'm not mistaken the Lokar ones you have to pull the pan because there is a nut that holds it in from the bottom side

[Jonboy]

If it's the stock dipstick tube, it is held in place with one of the bellhousing bolts, and will pull out once the bolt is removed.

[Hazieview]

It is a crappy after market chrome one.

So should I just buy the stock one from LMC?

Do the stock dip sticks just push in when you install them? Does anyone have the braided dipstick? If so do I have to pull the pan to install it?

Thanks!

[flamingbig10]

I have had a cheapy chrome one on my truck for over 4 years and ive had no leaks from it

[allengator]

Originally Posted by bmchevy1979

If I'm not mistaken the Lokar ones you have to pull the pan because there is a nut that holds it in from the bottom side

You are correct... sort of...

They sell both bolt in and push in....

http://www.lokar.com/interior_pages/transdipstick.htm

[Jonboy]

I would just go to the dealer. Everything you will need (tube, dipstick, and seal) should be under $30. Most places should even have it in stock.

[Hazieview]

I called the chevrolet dealership and they said that the transmission dipstick has been DISCONTINUED BY GM!

So I'm thinking I should just buy one from summit. What about this one?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TRD-8138/

Large Image
Brand Trans-Dapt Performance Products
Manufacturer's Part Number 8138
Part Type Transmission Fluid Dipsticks
Product Line Trans-Dapt Performance Flexible Braided Stainless Transmission Dipsticks
Summit Racing Part Number TRD-8138
UPC 086923081388

Dipstick Entry Transmission case
Dipstick Mounting Location Bellhousing mount
Locking No
Dipstick Tube Included Yes
Dipstick Tube Material Braided stainless steel
Dipstick Tube Finish Natural
Dipstick Handle Material Aluminum
Dipstick Handle Finish Polished
Quantity Sold individually.
Notes Bellhousing mount transmission dipsticks are recommended for dragster, street rod, or other applications with ample clearance to the bellhousing. These are not recommended for vehicles with minimal clearance between the bellhousing and firewall or transmission tunnel.


These Trans-Dapt Performance flexible braided stainless transmission dipsticks feature a flexible, heat-resistant Teflon® rod with a braided stainless steel cover. The inner rod is stamped with appropriate trans-fluid levels and the outer housing has a slim design that allows mounting inside headers. These dipsticks include a funnel adapter to assist with filling.

[Jonboy]

That's odd. I bought a dipstick yesterday, and we had it in stock.