Hi,

I have a 79 with TH350 transmission.  2 months ago, I replaced the tranny oil pan seal (and filter) because there was a major leak of tranny oil.  I looked in Haynes book and they say the contents of tranny oil are 6 pints (2.8 liters).  I put 2.8 liters in the transmission, started the engine, took a little drive and check the tranny oil level, according to what is indicated on the dipstick (car level, hot, transmission on park, engine idling) and there was nothing on the dipstick.  I put a little more oil (like the 0.2 liter I had left) and still nothing on the dipstick.   I drove 250 miles on the car and now the tranny is leaking a lot.  Am I missing something with the tranny oil level ?  The engine had been replaced and I'm not sure the transmission is original.  Help !    Thanks !

Roger

Where is it leaking?

A 350 trans will hold 4 quarts(sorry...I'm metrically challenged!) for a fluid change. The fluid should be in the cross-hatched area of the dipstick when hot, on level ground, idling in park. Raise the rpms (2500-3000)of the motor for about 30 sec. before checking the level, as this will allow the press. regulator valve to open and completely circulate the fluid through the system. At idle, there is not much fluid going anywhere but from the pan to the pump, and back.
Check the pan gasket for a leak. You may have over tightened the bolts, and squished the gasket out somewhere. Always make sure the pan rail surface and the trans is dry of any oil before bolting the pan back up. I recommend the cork style gaskets, but the paper/rubber ones are ok,too. Never, never use any type of sealer/sillicone on the pan gasket! It will allow the gasket to move around as you tighten it, and will usually create a leak.
Check and see exactly where it is leaking. It could leak from:
pan....governor cover(large round 'can' @left rear)....speedo housing(Common)....rear seal......modulator(right rear)....filler tube...accumulator cover(right/center, behind filler tube)...detent cable(kickdown-in front of filler tube)...cooler lines....front seal...shifter shaft seal.
Find out where the leak is, and go from there.
Let us know what you find. Adams' Apple38512.2143287037

Last night, I jacked the car on jackstands and I went under and the leak is visible around the pan.  According to Adam's Apple, I made 2 mistakes : I put a little silicon under the seal so it stick on the pan and I overtighted the bolts.  I was using my new torque wrench but I discovered since that I misused it.  I ordered a new oil pan gasket and I will try to replace it during the week-end.  So, no overtight nor silicon this time.  I will let you know how it goes.  Thanks a lot for the info.

Roger