Dumb question (after I dumped tranny fluid all over the floor)

[combatsp]

attempting my first engine build and swap. Everything is going fine. However, when the engine was out, I noticed a little tranny fluid was leaking from around the base of the dipstick. I figured I needed a new O ring. I pulled the dipstick tube from the tranny and fluid bubbled out all over the floor. Is that normal? lol. Next question is that the O ring didn't look that bad. Is that deceiving? Or is the pressure of the fluid going to push some out around the edge of the O ring? Initially the fluid wasn't dripping out but there was fluid around the base of the tube on the outside. Hope I didn't ramble on too much. Thanks guys.

 

[Cranky]

Most O-rings will have some seepage once they get old and dry. Shouldn't hurt to replace it and yes, a trans takes several quarts to work and the converter has a tendency to drain back into the pan. I can't remember what year they installed anti drain back in the trans but my 97 Dodge diesel will do it if it sits for a week or more. Had a 72 Challenger that would do that after a few days.......