Powerglide problems

[Don M.]

Guys, I didn't drive my car for a period of a month and a half. I went up to the garage today, and I have a large puddle of Auto trans fluid on the floor. I didn't get the car up in the air, but it never leaked, there was never any fluid on the frame, just a big puddletoday. I remember always hearing stories of Powerglide seals. What should I look for, what are the common leaks. The car drives fine, no slippage, pulls great.(Well it's a Powerglide) What might I expect to need to do. In the next couple of days I will get it up on a lift and see if I can identify the source of the leaks. I'm sure there are some common problems.?? oh yeah, it's a 64 300hp

[Wayne W.]

Re: Powerglide problems

Its a PG thing. Leaks from the converter when sitting for a long time.

[Don M.]

Re: Powerglide problems

Hmmm, so this is NOT a problem??? Do I need to do anything other than top off the trans fluid?

[Richard W.]

Re: Powerglide problems

Anyone?? I have the same issue. I was going to replace the pan gasket.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Powerglide problems

As Wayne said "it's a Powerglide problem".
It occurs on my 65 and once in a while on my 57 cast iron PG.

[Jack H.]

Re: Powerglide problems

Gasket probably won't help. Mine leaked a LOT until I had it rebuilt even after new gasket. Now, no leaks at all, not one drop.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Powerglide problems

I am not an expert on powerglides so I dont know what it takes to fix the problem. Changing seals certainly wont hurt anything, but it might not do any good either. It is a common occurence with PGs, and usually occurs when sitting for a long time, otherwise not much leakage if driven. I have seen explanations why, but never tried to fix one.

[Doug F.]

Re: Powerglide problems

later powerglides have a vent on top, much like the ones found on rear ends, we've put a few in and it seems to take care of the converter leak down issue

[Bruce B.]

Re: Powerglide problems

Doug,
Where is the vent located and what exactly does it vent?
Thanks.

[Dan P.]

Re: Powerglide problems

There is a Convertor drain back valve in the valve body. I know the cast Iron Powerglides had it and so I guess the Aluminum ones had it also. If the smallest piece of dirt gets under the valve or for some reason it does not seat the convertor will drain back and burp fluid out .They make a one way valve that goes in the coolant line and some people have had some success with it . The front pump bushing can also cause the problem . But if it is the pump bushing it will happen every time the car sets for several hours . If this just happened once just rub the car through all the gears and it should be alright.It may happen again so keep a pan under the car.