So I have an 88 GTA with a 350TPI/700R4. It leaked before I tuned it up with a new gasket/filter/fluid. After I did it it seemed to have gotten worse. So its got a new pan gasket on it, what else should I check? thanks guys! Merry Christmas!

 

Some more info, It is leaking from the front of the pan. I don't think from the pan seal itself but above that. I don't think it leaks when the car is running or when it is warm, its when the car has been sitting cold.

 

Front seal is leaking into the dust shield. Transmission needs to be dropped for replacement if that is where leak is located. Look for a $400+ repair bill.

 

haha that's what my dad told me... and that sucks alot. It couldnt be any cooling lines or anything? thanks

 

Slim to None, but you can hope for what I don't know.

 

Ok guys, I raised the car up and me and my father took the dust shield off and inspected things. The shield itself had no trace of fluid inside, and the wall above it was not wet. Then I saw that the bottom of where the dipstick connects to the trans was wet and dirty. My dad said he said its not the front seal leaking, but something else. Could this be it? How would one go about changing whatever kind of seal is there? My car is in the garage right now jacked up awaiting your guys recommendations on what to do next. Here are some pics I just took of the area. THANKS GUYS!

Here is the dust shield. You can see it is just a little wet in the corner.




It only leaks from this side, and it doesn't look like its coming anywhere above the shield.

 

trans dip stick? Kickdown? Replace o-rings?

 

Yes I think that its the seal at the bottom of the dipstick. How does the tube come off? thanks

 

Cmon no one knows how to take the dipstick tube out? I was told at checker that there should be a bolt on the bell housing and if I got that off the tube will just pull out. True? thanks!

 

im prettty sure thats right. There is a bracket that bolts inbetween the tranny and motor and then should come out.

 

Thanks man, and I assume I should be going at this from the bottom?

 

The dipstick tube has a bracket about half way up that bolts under the bellhousing bolt. With the bolt out the entire tube can be pulled out from the engine compartment. The seal is about 3/4" long, looks like a rubber thimble with the end cut off.
Sometimes it pulls out with the dipstick tube, others it'll stay in the transmission. Lube the new seal with transmission fluid and slip it in the top of the transmission, then slide the tube into it. I've never seen that seal leak, but it's not impossible.

 

Just so you guys know, I took it in to have the O ring replaced. The owner said that it was common for these old cars to leak from there. He actually used to have a 88 Trans am with a 350tpi. I don't know exactly what he did, but he said he did something with the dipstick tube and put in a new boot or something like new cars have so it will never leak again. Was only $65 so I don't feel bad about taking it in, now I know it wont happen again either. Awesome!