I have a 1984 Olds 98 200-4R in my restomod 1955 Studebaker. The 307 engine was recently rebuilt and the 20 minute break-in run was done. After the run was over I filled the transmission to the full line. A day later I went out and found a bunch of Transmission fluid on the floor. The leak was from the TV cable hole. The seal was partially crushed so a new one was installed and I figured that should take care of it. After running the engine until the torque converter was filled I filled the transmission up to the full line again. I just got back from a week's vacation and there was another pool under the chassis and it is coming from the TV cable hole. I was surprised and disappointed. I am thinking about redoing the seal and this time using Ultra Black or something similar to really seal the thing.

I am wondering if someone has had this problem and if my approach is on the right track.
Thank you,
Charlie D.

 

The TV cable port is pretty high up to be leaking when just sitting, are you sure you are not over-filling it? Are you sure your dip-stick is "calibrated" properly? I'm pretty sure that the fluid level should be just at or below the pan gasket, which is lower than the TV cable port. I would be hesitant to use sealant since if a small chunk was to separate and get into the fluid, it might make a mess or malfunction. Hopefully someone w/ more experience w/ the 200-4R will chime in w/ guidance.

 

If no answer soon here, you might try asking it also over there

https://www.turbobuick.com/forums/transmission-talk.12/

 

That is a new one. Usually a new seal fixes that leak. I find the 2004R usually leaks from many spots, the TV cable isn't one of them. Make sure it isn't cracked or a pin hole anywhere and try a small amount of Optimum Black or The Right Stuff which cures nearly instantly. Permatex also has ATF specific RTV. If you have Ultra Black lying around,it will work fine. Everything but The Right Stuff needs a few hours of curing before adding ATF. Good luck.

 

The fluid level when not running is very high and will easily leak out the TV. When running, the fluid level is just barely below the TV. Check out where the dipstick sits from the inside sometime. It's crazy.

The cases on these old transmissions tend to get beaten up. At some point, it's almost guaranteed that a hairy ape used screwdrivers and hammers to remove the TV/kickdown and dipstick. Sadly, RTV is the only usable solution. This has happened to me with every TH350 case I've had (and that's been at least 6 over the years).

 

Make sure the cable housing isn’t cracked

 

I sucked 3 pints out of the tranny with a mityvac and removed the TV cable at the tranny and the carburetor. Used ultra black to help improve the seal and reinstalled. I will wait a day or so to put the 3 pints back in it. I also found a picture of the tranny with the dip stick in it. Some disclosure here. The original screw holding the TV cable twisted off during disassembly. I tried to easy out but it broke my easy out. I drilled and tapped it for 1/4-20 screw. When I reassembled the cable this evening I tightened the screw as tight as I thought I could go without stripping the threads. I think that I had not tightened the new screw as tight as I did today. I am hoping the ultra black combined with increased torque on the screw will stop the leaking.

Thank you guys for all your advice. This forum is awesome. Next up is installing the fuel tank and lines. Just before I went on vacation I cleaned the tank and coated it with Red Kote. I chained the tank into the front end loader of my Kubota and agitated the acid by driving around on my land which can get pretty bumpy. Neutralized with baking soda and coated it.

Charlie D.

 

While you have the pan off you may wish to check the full mark on the dipstick. It should be no higher than the pan mounting surface on the body of the transmission.

 

Yup, those areas get messed up a lot. The screw only needs to keep the cable end from popping out, but if the hole is torn up and the cable end can wiggle - it'll leak.
The RTV should help. You showed far more restraint in the application of RTV than I've ever had.

 

The bolt itself does nothing for the seal but make sure you're getting it snug.

Just wondering, if the first seal was hosed, what's the issue? Are you using a GM seal? I can't vouch for aftermarket seals, but GM seals and TV cables shouldn't leak. What about the bore smoothness? Any gouges?

Seal -GM p/n 25518260. $4 and change from Rockauto.com

TV Cable- GM p/n 25508262. These are hard to find but will do the trick. Not sure if the aftermarket versions are correctly sized on the ends.

I guess if you have to you have to, but using all GM parts, I've never had one leak and never used any sealer on it at all.

 

I would try a washer under that bolt to increase the holding surface area.

 

I put the three pints back in and after four days, no drips. I am happy with the results. Thank you once again for your input.
Charlie D.