Well a couple of years ago, I lost high gear in my rebuilt powerglide (out of warranty). Disgusted, I put the car in the body shop, still drives fine with only 1st gear. Now after I got it back to do inside trunk and floor issues, it was driven out of the shop on a trailer. Then off the trailer and onto my lift late last year. Now after sitting for months and not running, I come out one moring to find ATF dripping down from the speedo cable onto my impala. Cleaned it up and did not think much about it. Next morning, same thing.

I'm thinking WTF, why all of a sudden??

I fiigured the o-ring let go, got some new ones. I go to replace it today and take the speedo cable out fiirst. I notice it looks like the leak is from the speedo cable, not the o-ring. i take the bullet out and ATF is pouring out!

At least a quart or 2 of ATF was in the tailshaft! I thought it was suppposed to drain into the pan? Could this have caused high gear to go out if the ATF is not draining from the tailshaft? (the governor is there)

Any thoughts?

Well, I did some digging and found that powerglides will drain from the convertor if sitting too long :( Then the level goes up and finds the weakest place to leak from! Another nail in the coffin of the PG.

I have the same exact issue. If I don't drive my Camaro(Powerglide) for a length of time, then I have fluid under the car. As long as I drive it, I'm fine. Apparently it keeps the fluid circulating. I replaced both o-rings on the bullet with no luck. I even entertained the notion of replacing the bullet, but the bullets from every parts place are wrong. They list the same bullet for Powerglides and TH-350's, but they are different. The bullet for the TH-350 is slightly larger than the Powerglide. I know this because I tried it and it doesn't fit. I measured them with a micrometer and they are, in fact, different in size. Also, the "replacement" bullet from say Rick's, NPD, or Classic Ind. is metal. My Powerglide is like a plastic material. Definately will not work. I even went so far as to try the local GM shops, no luck. It appears the only way to get a "new" Powerglide bullet is to find one in a junk yard.

Another nail in the coffin of the PG.Happens to other models as well, not just P/G.

I've seen different types of trannies leak after sitting for some time with no problems. Then they are moved and placed in a different enviroment maybe more heat. less heat, whatever the reason and start leaking. But the real issue is still this, no matter what, if it is leaking there is a problem. I had my powerglide rebuilt two years ago and I have had no issues with it leaking at anytime since then. And mine sits for 3-4 months here in the midwest. What caused the high gear to go out I don't believe had anything to do with this. But that is just my opinion.

Dave

yes kevin the torque converter will drain back over time. fluid finds weakest link as water does. if inside of speedo is leaking where cable hooks up look at end of gear see if a worn spot is in it and also see if gear wobbles inside of housing. if it does you need a new housing and gear. i got them just need teeth count on speedo gear. pm me and we can hook up on weekend.

Bill, thanks. Its a new gear and the housing looks good. I think the speedo cable was not on tight enough or had some grit holding it open.