[GMCnet] TH425 Dipstick replacement

[Woody]

Anyone know of a source for replacement TH425 dipstick?...the stick, not the tube. Any alternative sticks that'll work once calibrated, shortened, and/or vented? Interweb searches yield nothing. Thanks in advance.

Woody.

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[gene Fisher]

jimK?
http://www.appliedgmc.com/level.itml/icOid/482

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
"Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html

[Dennis Sexton]

pyolet wrote on Mon, 10 February 2014 12:51

> Anyone know of a source for replacement TH425 dipstick?...the stick, not the tube. Any alternative sticks that'll work once calibrated, shortened, and/or vented? Interweb searches yield nothing. Thanks in advance.
>
> Woody.

Woody
I got a good used replacement from JimK at Applied GMC.
Or you can have the old one brazed.

Dennis

--
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Germantown, TN

[Ken Burton]

I think Jim K. or Dick Paterson has them. When mine broke years ago near the top, I took the two pieces and riveted a small steel or aluminum piece along the side of the break. It works fine for me.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

[Robert Mueller]

Woody,

Contact JimK and if you're feeling a bit flush you could spring for one of these:

http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/715

Makes it possible to check the transmission fluid without removing the engine hatch.

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

[John Wright]

This one is offered by another of our GMC suppliers.

<http://www.golbymotorcorp.com/parts-catalog/parts-catalog/198/24/drivetrain/transmission/dipstick-tube-kit-remote-fill-GMC%20MOTORHOME%20PARTS.html>
or
http://tinyurl.com/k5owtak

Both are very good products

J.R. Wright
30' Buskirk Stretch
Michigan
On Location in Tucson

[Woody]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I've been aware of the Applied extended version for a while and didn't want the expense or extravagance of the feature as my tranny has not leaked or blown out fluid in the 8 years I've owned it....just needed to seal the dipstick tube and be able to check the fluid during services.

Was on the verge of calling Manny or the Jim's but I came up with a local solution that might help others. Went to AutoZone with the broken parts and found a chrome dipstick assembly for a TH400 that is the same size and appearance, just 10" longer. Part #54723. It's $15.99, so I popped on it to give it a whirl. It's made in Chynee, therefore, it's crap metal, so I used a punch to mark the full and add-a-pint marks in lieu of drilling holes. I tried to roll up the end like a german dipstick but the metal broke before bending 90deg. So just cut it to length and rounded the cut end. It works fine. Problem solved I hope and I didn't have to wait a week for shipping. Thanks again,

[mike foster]

You can Google or go to either SUMMIT of JEGS and look for products made by LOKAR. These guys are street-rodders who make exceptional high quality products for most every application you can think of.

I have one of their transmission dip-sticks. S/S-teflon lined flexible with a 'vinyl' gauge.

They are not inexpensive. You will not be disappointed in the product.

[Ken Henderson]

I misread the request and went looking for this, which I've hidden in a 77
photo "Miscellaneous" folder:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/miscellaneous-gmc-stuff/p3935.html

While it's specifically an engine oil dipstick replacement, perhaps it will
be useful to someone.

Not clear in the description is that the Lexan handle is drilled to fit
over the outside of the tube, much like the OEM stick, to prevent water
entry.

A similar dipstick could easily be made for the transmission also, but the
handle material would necessarily be much thicker.

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com

[Robert Mueller]

Mike,

You note below that you have one of their transmission dipsticks but I when I went to Summit I couldn't seem to find one for the
TH-425.

Could you point me in the right direction, please?

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----

[mike foster]

TheLOKAR part number I found at www.summitracing.com was TD350400FM36, this translates to a turbo 350 or 400 and 36" long. My GMC had the LOKAR when I bought it. To my knowledge this one should fit. Price was around $95.00. I would not be without it. Check and top off standing in front of the bumper!



USAussie wrote on Tue, 11 February 2014 16:24

[Robert Mueller]

Mike,

Thanks!

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: mike foster

The LOKAR part number I found at www.summitracing.com was TD350400FM36, this translates to a turbo 350 or 400 and 36" long. My GMC

had the LOKAR when I bought it. To my knowledge this one should fit. Price was around $95.00. I would not be without it. Check and
top off standing in front of the bumper!

[gmccoop]

These trans sticks are a real problem.  Manny explained to me no other trans uses the samee stick, ya that surprised me too!  We sold the remote Lokar back in the CLASCO days.  The flexible stick was descent to read but dripping fluid down that 3/8 stainless braided hose was tough doing a filter change!  There is a groove in the stick stopper seal on the original stick allowing the case to breath, the Lokar one does not.  It has a good O ring seal to keep things out.  Have seen no troubles but my wonder is are we misssing a case vent with the Lokar.  Sure wish I had all those original sticks we through out back then!  When we do a filter change, we stick in an original tube, fill and fip with that then reinstall the Lokar.  We can't take that much time to fill the trans, you could do it if you pack a lunch!

Het, they are nice though and they look marvelous ,

Jim Bounds

-------- Original message --------
From: mike foster <mafo...@bellsouth.net>
Date: 02/11/2014 7:15 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] TH425 Dipstick replacement

TheLOKAR  part number I found at www.summitracing.com was TD350400FM36, this translates to a turbo 350 or 400 and 36" long. My GMC had the LOKAR when I bought it. To my knowledge this one should fit. Price was around $95.00. I would not be without it. Check and top off standing in front of the bumper!

USAussie wrote on Tue, 11 February 2014 16:24
> Mike,
>
> You note below that you have one of their transmission dipsticks but I when I went to Summit I couldn't seem to find one for the
> TH-425.
>
> Could you point me in the right direction, please?
>

> Regards,
> Rob M.
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> 
>  -----Original Message-----
> From: mike foster
>

> You can Google or go to either SUMMIT of JEGS and look for products made by LOKAR. These guys are street-rodders who make
> exceptional high quality products for most every application you can think of.
>
> I have one of their transmission dip-sticks. S/S-teflon lined flexible with a 'vinyl' gauge.
>
> They are not inexpensive. You will not be disappointed in the product.
>

[Ken Henderson]

Some of you may want to consider modifying your TH-425 dipstick for
up-front access. It's really pretty simple:

At the 30* bend where the tube turns vertical, drill a 3/8" hole on the
side toward the front of the coach. Distort the hole slightly by inserting
a bolt and "aiming" it toward the planned access location up front. Now
insert a length of 3/8" OD tubing from the desired front access location
into the new hole (the 3/8" need not reach the front; it can be spliced,
like the OEM engine dipstick tube) Use a marker to scribe around the 3/8"
tube at its entry into the dipstick tube. Now remove both tubes to the
workbench.

Cut the 3/8" tube to the marker line and braze it into the dipstick tube,
with no more than 1/32" or so protruding inside. Try to keep the 3/8"
oriented like it was when fitted, but a slight curve when installed won't
matter. Reinstall the new assembly. If the new tube doesn't reach up
front, splice on some more with a 3/8" coupling (it may be necessary to
drill the coupling to the same ID as the tube). Clamp the new tube up
front -- your choice where/how.

Now braze the end of a 1/8" steel cable to prevent raveling and for ease of
reading. Use the OEM dipstick to measure the ATF level; leave the dipstick
out. Insert the 1/8" steel cable to measure the ATF level; mark the brazed
end to correspond to the reading on the OEM dipstick and its markings.

Make a handle for the new dipstick like:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/miscellaneous-gmc-stuff/p3935.html

Not obvious from that photo is the fact that the cable originally extends
all the way through the T-handle. Only after the correct cable length is
determined and the handle set screw tightened is the excess cut off flush
with the top of the handle.

You now have a remote dipstick installed and calibrated. The OEM dipstick
can be left in place; the cable will fit past it in the OEM tube; but, the
ATF tends to smear on the cable when checking. Better to cut the OEM
dipstick above the added tube;or, make a new (vented) cap to fit the OEM
tube.

DON'T try to add ATF through the 3/8" tube -- lift the hatch and use the
OEM tube! :-)

IIRC, these are offered by some vendors for about $95 if you don't want to
make your own.

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com

[Johnny Bridges]

I wonder, would it be possible to fill the OEM tube with shot so it won't collapse, and then bend it to point to the hatch and then braze an extension to it?  The new dipstick would be as you describe... you could add of fill from the front.
 
--johnny


________________________________
From: Ken Henderson <hend...@bellsouth.net>
To: gmclist <gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 9:11 AM

Subject: Re: [GMCnet] TH425 Dipstick replacement

[Kosier]

Johnny,

Ken Frey used to sell a modified tube from a Chevy/GMC van that came out
close to the engine dipstick. I have one (somewhere) that I never
installed. I assume GM discontinued the original part since I don't see
them
being sold anymore.

Gary Kosier
77 PB w/500 Cad
Newark. Oh

[Robert Mueller]

Jim,

Your post sparked a bit of grey matter. Manny once told me that the OEM dipstick formed part of the transmission vent system along
with the vent in the top of the chain case.

He told me that it would be a good idea to vent the extended dipstick so dumbass here goes and drills a small hole in the bottom of
the tube so that water can't get in NOT realizing that while the hole in the bottom of the dipstick wouldn't let water in it WOULD
let trans fluid OUT when you added fluid! DOUH!

I wound up wrapping some duct tape around the tube to plug the hole.

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: gmccoop

These trans sticks are a real problem.  Manny explained to me no other trans uses the samee stick, ya that surprised me too!  We
sold the remote Lokar back in the CLASCO days.  The flexible stick was descent to read but dripping fluid down that 3/8 stainless
braided hose was tough doing a filter change!  There is a groove in the stick stopper seal on the original stick allowing the case
to breath, the Lokar one does not.  It has a good O ring seal to keep things out.  Have seen no troubles but my wonder is are we
misssing a case vent with the Lokar.  Sure wish I had all those original sticks we through out back then!  When we do a filter
change, we stick in an original tube, fill and fip with that then reinstall the Lokar.  We can't take that much time to fill the
trans, you could do it if you pack a lunch!

Het, they are nice though and they look marvelous ,

Jim Bounds

[Ken Henderson]

Johnny,

A more reasonable mod might be to rotate the tube toward the front and move
the bracket to a new position to keep it there.

Adding fluid through that long tube would require lots of patience.

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com

On Wed, Feb 12, 2014 at 2:36 PM, Johnny Bridges wrote:

> I wonder, would it be possible to fill the OEM tube with shot so it won't
> collapse, and then bend it to point to the hatch and then braze an
> extension to it? The new dipstick would be as you describe... you could
> add of fill from the front.
>
>

[Johnny Bridges]

yeh, but I think you'll still hafta extend it.  If so, you should extend with the same diameter tubing so you >can< fill it reasonably quickly.  I pop the hatch before each trip and look at everything anyway, so as lobng as I'm not losing fluid, it's a moot point.

 
--johnny


________________________________
From: Ken Henderson <hend...@bellsouth.net>
To: gmclist <gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org>

Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 5:28 PM

Subject: Re: [GMCnet] TH425 Dipstick replacement

[James Hupy]

Johnny & all, Your suggestion to open the engine cover before you start up
the engine is a very good one. I have seen several engine fires that
started in the nesting materials recently vacated by birds, squirrels,
mice, rats, and other unwelcome visitors to our engines when they are left
idle . Sometimes for a very short time. Does not hurt to remove the air
cleaner and look in and under it as well.
Probably another argument for blocking the exhaust crossover as well.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403

[Bob de Kruyff]

A bit off topic, but I am just starting to accept that many transmissions no longer have dipsticks. Much to my surprise I just discovered that my new car doesn't even have an engine dipstick. That's definitely pushing me out of my comfort zone.
--
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ

[Jim Bounds]

That's right-- if you don't see  your tranny marking spots everywhere, it's not strowed back onto the frame from a leak while underway as long as you check your trans fluid before a run you should be fine.  Oil on the other hand is different.  Depending on the internal wear and the driving conditions will effect oil use and just the fact the any motor will use some amount of oil under use a remote dip stich is good to have.  I see the remote trans stick as something that if you have it and like it awesome but I would not seek to install one.  I known of them and sold a blue million of em for 2 decades (mostly in the first 3 years)-- until I actually got out on the road and got seat time I found it to be something I did not use.  Could be just me and any mod you do that you lile is a good one that enhanses your GMC experience.  Do what fits your life...
 
Jim Bounds


________________________________
From: Johnny Bridges <jhbr...@ymail.com>
To: "gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org" <gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 6:39 PM

[Todd Sullivan]

Bob. My wife's e55 has no engine dipstick either. Not a huge fan of that either.

Todd Sullivan

Sully
77 royale
Seattle

[Johnny Bridges]

What does it use, a 'low oil' light?  I don't care for the no transmission dipstick.  A guy at the VW store said they wanted to be sure only the correct ATF was put in it and that was the way to do so.  Planned obsolescence I guess.  None fer me.
 
--johnny
 


________________________________
From: Bob de Kruyff <NEXT...@AOL.COM>
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 7:26 PM

Subject: Re: [GMCnet] TH425 Dipstick replacement

[Bob de Kruyff]

""What does it use, a 'low oil' light? I don't care for the no transmission dipstick. A guy at the VW store said they wanted to be sure only the correct ATF was put in it and that was the way to do so. Planned obsolescence I guess. None fer me.

--johnny
""

It has a dash readout that will tell you if it's over, 1/2 qt low and so on. But you have to let the car sit before it will read and I have to go through several non-intuitive menus to even find the readout. Also, it's nice to be able to pull the dipstick and see and smell the oil. I guess that's all old fashioned now.

[Johnny Bridges]

OK, you are now a member of the GMC Luddites
:)

 
--johnny
 


________________________________
From: Bob de Kruyff <NEXT...@AOL.COM>
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org

Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2014 11:18 AM

Subject: Re: [GMCnet] TH425 Dipstick replacement

[mike foster]

They used conductivity switches that are the same type that began showing up on high stereo turntables back in the 70's. My 1995 Z/28 had one for engine oil that tripped at 1qt down. I tested it every time I changed the oil and it worked.


Johnny Bridges wrote on Thu, 13 February 2014 07:20

[Robert Mueller]

G'day,

See the Fire Prevention Document we put together:

http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Mueller_GMCer-Fire-Guide.pdf

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----

From: James Hupy

Johnny & all, Your suggestion to open the engine cover before you start up
the engine is a very good one. I have seen several engine fires that
started in the nesting materials recently vacated by birds, squirrels,
mice, rats, and other unwelcome visitors to our engines when they are left
idle . Sometimes for a very short time. Does not hurt to remove the air
cleaner and look in and under it as well.
Probably another argument for blocking the exhaust crossover as well.
Jim

[mike foster]

You're not a true leddite unless you ride a kick start only Harley, Norton or Triumph!

Johnny Bridges wrote on Thu, 13 February 2014 17:07

[Johnny Bridges]

Urinate on the trumpet.  My absolute fave scoot I ever owned was a '68 Victor Special.  They come no more luddite than that!

--johnny


________________________________
From: mike foster <mafo...@bellsouth.net>
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2014 2:46 PM

[mike foster]

If you want to bend tube and don't have the proper tool, do what we did with headers on a 351 Cleveland so we could put it in a 65 Mustang without cutting the spring towers...Close off one end, fill with sand, close off the other end, heat and bend. Works like a champ.


Johnny Bridges wrote on Wed, 12 February 2014 13:36

> OEM tube! :)