Hello everyone-

My '87 245 with an auto trans has been kind of shifting hard into reverse and drive lately. I generally keep close tabs on the fluid level which leads me to my question. I have a couple of slow leaks, I have to check it frequently. When I usually check the fluid level, for some reason the dip stick is usually bone dry, then when I check it again, the whole plastic part is completly covered in fluid. I took this as a sign that the level is OK. Lately I think I've been getting more accurate reading because the level seems to consistantly read a little below Minimum, then after I double or even quadruple check, the whole plastic part is completly covered in fluid. Man, this is driving me crazy. I just don't trust the dip stick anymore, but how else can I check the fluid level. I hate to wait until rough shifts tell me it's starving, you know what I mean? I know that the tube is kinked, so this probably has something to do with it (thanks previous owner). Any suggestions would really help!