trans. dipstick marks

[timemachine]

Hey all,

My 81 sx4 6cyl 3 speed auto came with a broken dipstick and some tranny issues.  In order to keep from stalling out I need to start in 1st and shift up manually.  There is also no kickdown on climbs and stop/starts (also manual).  I figure a good start is to figure out the level and condition of the fluid. (I realize the broken end of the dipstick is probably in there too.)  The eagles at the junkyard that still had tubes had their dipsticks gone.  I figured I could make one out of a longer dipstick if I had the measurements from the bottom of the cap to the marks. 

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.   Thanks, Derrick

[doc65]

Derrick,

I can measure my 85 with 998 later today if that helps. 

Doc
(aka Dereck :})

[mudkicker715]

If you do not get a kickdown you will have no use for a dipstick. the lack of a kickdown will tear up your trans quick.

[timemachine]

Thanks Doc, that would be great.  What does anyone think my next move should be?  Am I looking at a replace or rebuild?  Are there any adjustments or exterior case things I can try first?

[carnuck]

Do you have the kickdown linkage? That would be the first thing to go after.

[doc65]

Ok, so from the top of the dipstick cap, so basically the top of the fill tube 17" to the full hot line, 17.5" to the add one, 18 & 7/8" to the tip...

[timemachine]

Right on! Thank you. I'm going to see what's up right now.

[timemachine]

Well at least the fluid is clean and red.  If anything a bit too full.  Also, apparently it all worked fine before the car sat for two years if that is significant. I couldn't find anything about kickdown linkage in the 81 service manual so I don't know what to look for.  I know I have come across it in my travels in the nest but I don't remember what thread it's on.  I have used the preset topic search but is there a word search on this site? 

Also, question from mudkicker's post... what kind of damage will I have done driving it in this condition?  500 miles of getting it home, 20 mile commutes to work and various diagnostic joyrides.  Haven't noticed any changes yet in the feel of the drive. 

[BenM]

I've had two dipsticks break off there, it's a weak point in them.

If the throttle rod is bad all kinds of problems can happen, that's how the transmission knows what to do. The original 81 transmission should be a narrow range with lockup, and a locked torque converter will stall you at a stop.

Even though the fluid looks good, you may want to change it out if you're not sure how old it is. Over time the seal conditioners (and the other additives) get used up, and fresh fluid will help the old dry seals swell up and do their job again.