The replacement "O" ring is orange instead of the original black one. If you are not careful on the reinstall,you will cut a chunk out of the new one when reinstalling,the adapter housing could be bad too,did you look it over real good?
If the vent is plugged up,it could make it worse,it would probably push the dip stick up first though.Does the fluid run down the funnel normal when you added fluid or does it take a while and kind of "belch up" in the funnel when it goes down?
The kick down rod has nothing to do with the "case" pressure which is all we are talking about here.
This is a good pic of the internal seal and small clip that holds it.