Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

If memory serves didn't one of the venders come up with a "conversion" for the under the car transmission dip stick to a more conventional under the hood style? Say 1951-54?

Not sure about a Packard vendor, but there are plenty of aftermarket flexible "universal" transmission dipsticks out there. All of them involve drilling a hole in the pan. Some have a weld in bung, some use a double o-ring bulkhead fitting.

Hmm, seemingly not a simple process. And not one I can do at the storage unit. Stuck again it seems. Seems to work that way. Only driven the car 1 time in 2 years :-/ Thanks Kevin for your reply

Unless there is a pool of transmission fluid under the car, the level is fine if it was fine 2 years ago.

Also when the car is stationary, the only realistic leakage point is past the TC ring seal/gasket.

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First things first, there is clearly another issue which needs to be addressed before contemplating the idea of adding a dipstick to your transmission. Why have you only driven your car once in the past 2 years?!?!?!? This needs remediation ASAP!!!

I have looked at this dipstick issue a couple of times for my 53 Cavalier. Apparently 54's do have an under the hood dipstick, but it enters the transmission on the passenger side, not the driver's side like our little dipsticks. So you can't just take a 54 dipstick and add it to the earlier Ultramatics.

There isn't a simple route to add an aftermarket dipstick, not to mention I'm not very inclined to add non-factory things to my car, particularly things that are visible.

My ultramatic has a significant leak at the seal for the shifter shaft. I replaced it once, but the shaft looks to be scored so I still have a leak. I'm going to pull my transmission sometime and give it an overhaul and fix this leak at the same time. I have thought about putting a sight glass like this in the side of the pan so it's easy to check the fluid level. Then I shouldn't have to pull that goofy little dipstick out again.






As HPH mentioned, unless there is a puddle of ATF under your car, you're good to go. Does your transmission leak? If so where is it leaking from? Or is the idea of adding a dipstick for convenience and peace of mind?

It wasn't fine. the passenger side shifter shaft leaks. (Fixed the other side) and it leaks underway at the compression fitting on the pan. The car cant move now till I get more fluid in the trans. It slipped when I went to put gas in it this spring. (only a short drive)
It never did that before. The lines to the trans cooler need to be replaced. they dont leak but are a patch work quilt at best. and its difficult getting fluid in the trans. from above is VERY slow. it really doesn't like to be filled from there

Sounds like you need more fluid, an easy fix! When you check the level follow the procedure in the service manual. (The torque convertor needs to be full and it's hold a significant amount.)

Is it the little shaft seal on the throttle valve that is leaking? I found that one was rather easy to replace. The seals on the adjusters for the low and reverse bands are also easy to replace if those are leaking.

If the pan on your transmission leaks it may need a bit of straightening, and a new seal. Mine was a bit beat up and had RTV gooped on it to get it to seal. Keep RTV away from your transmission and engine, it's that last thing you want getting inside and plugging oil passage ways.

Yes, it does need more fluid, but getting it in is the problem. the pan does not leak, the cooling line going to it does

On the pan you will often see the holes are flared up from the screw pressure. They should be hammered or pressed flat. (This is not to be confused with the rectangular dimples in the pan from the factory, for strength.)

Wire wheel the gasket mating surface on the pan to clean it. Do not use RTV. Use Permatex Shellac (Indian Head Gasket Maker) on the pan side then place the new gasket.

The drain port may need to be brazed back on if it is leaking directly from there. There is a fiber washer in the parts x-ref that should be a good replacement for the typical solid copper washer. It is my recollection that the pan is large enough to hold the full fluid capacity of the transmission minus one-half of the TC volume, which should prevent any leaks when the car is still except from the drain port or TC O-ring.

the pan does not leak. only a cooling line going into it. and the shift shaft seal on the passenger side when at rest. underway I would think too