[ponyakr]

The dipstick tube in my TH400 leaks out fluid, when engine is not running.

Here's the history: I decided to check the fluid level. First checked it before starting engine. It showed above the full mark on the stick. But, I've always read that it must be checked while the engine is running and the fluid is warm. So, I checked it that way. There was no fluid showing on the stick, at all. I added a quart, which just barely showed on the stick. It took aprox 2 1/2 quarts to get up close to the full mark.

So, I assumed that the guy who installed it had just not put in enuff fluid. But, the next day, I noticed a puddle of fluid under the car. I put a catch pan under it. Over the next couple of weeks it appeared to have leaked out just about all the fluid I'd put in it.

I assume it has the correct dipstick for the tube. I was gonna pull the tube and check the o-ring & groove, as well as the length of the stick. But, the bolt that attaches the tube to the bell housing is too close to the firewall to remove. So, I'll either have to move the engine/trans forward, or just cut the tube lose from the mounting bracket.

Anyhow, I'm considering just replacing the tube & stick. I've seen quite a few stock tubes which cracked in the O-ring groove & caused a leak. So, I'm considering an upgrade. One I'm considering is this TCI, which appears to have a much better sealing system than the stock, single rubber O-ring. I think they are called "top hat" seals.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tci-743803/overview/

But, the description says it is not recommended for tight clearance apps.

"...These are not recommended for vehicles with minimal clearance between the bellhousing and firewall or transmission tunnel..."

My '68 Bird looks to have only "minimal clearance". So, my question is: have any of you guys used one of these in a '68 Bird ?

I'm also considering one of the cheap flexible tube models, which attaches to the firewall. But, it seems to me that if it has a solid attachment, the engine movement & vibration would make that type tube not the best choice. Anybody use one of these firewall mounted tubes ?

They appear to have 2 rubber O-rings, instead of just 1. So, I assume they would seal better than a stock type tube. There are some models that bolt to a Chevy bellhousing. But I haven't seen any that will bolt to a Pontiac bell. So, a question is, if I decide to try one of the flex tube models, would it be best to try to rig up some sort of a block or bellhousing attachment for it ? Or, do some of you guys know of a reasonably priced flex tube that is made for BOP engines ? I found some Lokar tubes, for what I consider a ridiculous price. Don't know if they are any better than the cheap ones or not. Not gonna pay $100 for a dipstick/tube.

I only wanna buy once, and not have to experiment, to find one that works.
Any advice on a positive solution for my problem ?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STAINLESS-FL...X-DlMg&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-Turbo-350...3D272286553265

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lokar-Hi-Tec...3D200720316647