Cast Iron Powerglide - Fluid out the Dipstick Tube

[Edward S.]

My 57, after it sits anywhere from overnight ot several weeks, will push fluid out the dipstick tube. I assume for some reason that the fluid is draining back out of the torque converter. Does anyboby know what causes this? Is the problem in the valve body or possibly the pump? Any help would be appreciated.

[Mike M.]

Re: Cast Iron Powerglide - Fluid out the Dipstick Tube

i've got 3 c-1's with cast iron PGs and all but one punk atf if not started daily. the lone non-puker was restored by fatsco in new jersey. the other two that puke have been apart numerous times by local well-reputed auto tranny rebuilders. if your goal is a NCRS PV, get ole fatsco to rebuild it for you. otherwise, put a tray under the PG when starting it after a more than 3 day rest period..mike

[Joe M.]

Re: Cast Iron Powerglide - Fluid out the Dipstick Tube

Since I had my PG rebuilt Sept. 2011, it has not puked fluid once and I don't start it every week. Having said that, there are owners that have had reputable re-builders work on their PG (as Mike stated) and it still leaks when they are finished, just not as much.

I do have a little seepage out of the tail shaft seal. A rebuilder told me after mine had been rebuilt that unless the wear-caused groove is welded and machined down, it will seep around the seal. My rebuilder did not do that. I don't know if that is accurate info, just passing along information.

[Edward S.]

Re: Cast Iron Powerglide - Fluid out the Dipstick Tube

Thanks Mike and Joe!

[Brad H.]

Re: Cast Iron Powerglide - Fluid out the Dipstick Tube

Hi, my fifty four does the same thing, didnt use to, I allways start it in ntrl and the key for mine anyway is to give it very little gas when it fires and keep it that way for awhile before reving. Brad.

[John S.]

Re: Cast Iron Powerglide - Fluid out the Dipstick Tube

My 57, after it sits anywhere from overnight ot several weeks, will push fluid out the dipstick tube. I assume for some reason that the fluid is draining back out of the torque converter. Does anyboby know what causes this? Is the problem in the valve body or possibly the pump? Any help would be appreciated.

you will be looking for wear from the metal ring seals in two areas. the most likely is the area where the input shaft's metal ring seal rides in the valve body. if you feel a groove in the valve body you will need to locate another valve body. the other area is the where the two metal ring seals on the valve body ride inside the bore of the clutch drum.

[Joe M.]

Re: Cast Iron Powerglide - Fluid out the Dipstick Tube

Update to 2012 Thread - I drove my 1960 with PG most of the day on Saturday. I backed it out of the garage Saturday evening and there was no ATF puddled on the garage floor. I returned the car to garage on Saturday night. I did not drive the car from Saturday night until Tuesday afternoon. When I backed it out, there was a puddle of ATF under the car. That had not happened in the 39 months since I had the PG rebuilt. I typically shut off the engine in Neutral and never place lever in Park because it pops out. I contacted the man that rebuilt the PG in Sept. 2011 and he stated that it can be caused by the vent on top of the tranny getting plugged up; sometimes with dirt dauber nests. I have not checked that yet and it will be difficult to reach or even determine if the vent is plugged. After 39 months it was a big surprise to see the red puddle.