1960 PG Transmission

[Joe M.]

I have 3 major leak sources on my Powerglide; the speedometer cable screw-on fitting, (2) Low and Drive Valve body cover, (3) Servo Cover. I am not going to remove the PG from the car, but plan to remove the two covers and replace the gaskets.

Any advice of things to watch out for before removing either of the covers? Servo cover must have some pressure from springs.

Do I need to drain the auto tranny fluid before I remove both covers?

Is there one main drain plug or more than one that must be removed?

I found a vendor on the Internet that sells Powerglide parts; from complete rebuild kits, to an Outside Seal Kit ($32). That is what I purchased because it contains seals and gaskets that can be replaced with the tranny in place.

I may be getting over my head with messing with any part of the Powerglide.

[Peter V.]

Re: 1960 PG Transmission

Joe,

I have an early '61 cast iron PG tranny - it "seeps" fluid at the rate of about 1 pint every six months. I have had the car to many "experts" who have replaced seals and checked gaskets. It still "seeps".
Short of removing the tranny and using modern gaskets and sealing agents, not sure you will achieve a "dry" tranny in your (or my) lifetime.
I keep a large piece of corrugated cardboard under the car to absorb the seepage.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 PG Transmission

I assume that the Outside Seal Kit has modern gaskets, o-rings, and other seals. I will need to determine whether I will use some type of sealant on the gaskets before installing them.

Any suggestions on what sealant would be good to use on the PG exterior cover gaskets?

[Peter V.]

Re: 1960 PG Transmission

Joe,

I did all the "reachable" seals and gaskets with modern materials and still have the seepage.
Maybe some others with cast iron PG's can chime in - I'm told by some very knowledgeable C1 guys that you can spend lots of time and $$$ and still not have a "dry" tranny.
'61/'62 Team leader Dave Heitzman (jokingly) claims the leaks are planned - GM engineers' way of not allowing the cast iron tranny to get rusty!!

Good luck!

Peter

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 PG Transmission

I am not seeking "dry" just trying to slow the 3 biggest leaks down. I will be pis**d if I go to the trouble of replace the side cover gaskets and it does not change anything. There are numerous bolts to remove in very cramped quarters and I have no idea what parts will fall out when I remove the cover plates.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 PG Transmission

The combination of leaks from my steering box and the tranny leaks have created a greasy mess from the steering box to the rear end of the frame. I hope the chassis grease installed in the steering box alleviates that source.

Steering box leaked some much fluid into the frame box rail that is has been seeping out between the welds for a week.

[Pat H.]

Re: 1960 PG Transmission

I had a Transmission shop try and stop the leaks in my PG with new gaskets etc. It still leaked, but a a much shower rate than when I bought the car. The fliud leaks keep the frame in mint condition and yes cardboard under a C-1 is a must.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 PG Transmission

Pat and Peter, your past results have dimmed my optimism that I can make a difference after replacing the "easy" to get to gaskets and seals. Did either of you use gasket sealer to see if that would create a better seal?

[Peter V.]

Re: 1960 PG Transmission

Joe,

No gasket sealer. Not sure why, but was told that's a "no-no".

There are so many places for leaks due to the design of the PG. Also, cast iron expands and contracts over a wide spectrum of temps.
Tranny fluid is essentially 10W oil, so it seeps more easily than engine oil.

I've been told stories of guys who have removed the PG, replaced all the seals, and had a "dry" tranny when done. Oddly, no reputable tranny shop will "guarantee" no seepage (and I've been to a bunch of 'em). I assume it's "dry" until it isn't!!!

Peter

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 PG Transmission

I may invent a heat resistant tranny "diaper" to catch the red mess. I don't mind if it drips into the plastic pan filled with cat litter, but I don't like the greasy mess it makes all the way to the back of my frame. But as someone else pointed out on this thread, it sure keeps the frame preserved. I do not have any significant rust on my frame or under body parts. Combo of leaking steering box and tranny has kept the underside preserved.

I guess if I would stay out from under the car, I would not see the greasy mess. Once the gaskets arrive tomorrow, I am sure that I will try at least to replace one of the side cover gaskets as a test case and see if I get lucky. I should not have to wait long to find out if the seepage continues.

One question, I am still not sure which plug is the drain plug. Is it the small horizontal plug that faces the rear of the car?