05-07-2010, 03:27 PM
Rusty4L80E Odd Fluid Level Issue
I checked the fluid with the engine off, and it's barely on the dipstick (at the right level for hot - when I measured); running in "Park", the dipstick tube is half-full of fluid. I have the Mag-Hytec pan, so there's plenty of fluid (I think). Temps appear to be normal (~180°), but slightly warmer than I'm used to - but ambient temps are higher, too. The transmission operates normally.
Any ideas?
Rusty
"StaRV II"'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP
Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
05-07-2010, 04:18 PM
Bill N.Y.You're right, that seems very odd. Seeing that you're Rusty, and you probably changed the trans-pan yourself, the obvious questions will go unasked.
Hum, Well then... I have no questions or suggestions. Will watch for an education though.
It's times like these that my lack of knowledge on the smaller diesel vehicles, and automatic transmissions in general, become obvious.
05-07-2010, 04:34 PM
MWrenchI had several vehicle, bot diesel and gas power with the 4L80E trans. I could never get a good reading on the dip stick.
What I finally did was to make up a small tube that was the length of the dip stick, from the seated position of the top of the stick to the full mark. I would over fill the trans slightly and then while hot and in neutral, push the tube into the dip stick pipe and with a suction device draw out all the fluid that would come out. As the tube was exactly the same length and the end of the tube would be right where the full mark is on the dip stick, I knew that the fluid level would be correct after this procedure.
I use this trick on many vehicles where I could never get a good reading where there was sufficient turbulence which would always throw fluid up on the stick or the fluid was so clean I could not see it on the stick.
Hope this helps.
05-07-2010, 04:37 PM
DougZCan you put it in drive, have someone stand on the brake, and then check the level? If I remember right, it should go down when in drive. I can't remember what car it was, but one of the old timers had to be checked in drive, not park.
05-07-2010, 04:53 PM
Rustyquote:
Seeing that you're Rusty, and you probably changed the trans-pan yourself, the obvious questions will go unasked.
I changed the pan in '06; the transmission was rebuilt locally with HD parts in '08.
quote:
Can you put it in drive, have someone stand on the brake, and then check the level? If I remember right, it should go down when in drive. I can't remember what car it was, but one of the old timers had to be checked in drive, not park.
I'll try that at the Milford GTG.
Rusty
"StaRV II"'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP
Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
05-07-2010, 05:06 PM
bill hquote:
Originally posted by MWrench:
I had several vehicle, bot diesel and gas power with the 4L80E trans. I could never get a good reading on the dip stick.
What I finally did was to make up a small tube that was the length of the dip stick, from the seated position of the top of the stick to the full mark. I would over fill the trans slightly and then while hot and in neutral, push the tube into the dip stick pipe and with a suction device draw out all the fluid that would come out. As the tube was exactly the same length and the end of the tube would be right where the full mark is on the dip stick, I knew that the fluid level would be correct after this procedure.
I use this trick on many vehicles where I could never get a good reading where there was sufficient turbulence which would always throw fluid up on the stick or the fluid was so clean I could not see it on the stick.
Hope this helps.
I use a variation of that on our pickup with the 4L80E. I also have a clear vinyl tube with a clip that positions it at the full mark. I suck on the tube while Susan pours fluid in with a small funnel which also has a tube. When I see red fluid come up the tube, I stop sucking and she stops filling. We do this warmed up. (The truck).
I have considered doing it single-handedly, but my multitasking abilities have deteriorated. I might stop sucking and keep pouring, or, worse yet, stop pouring and keep sucking.
quote:
Originally posted by DougZ:
......one of the old timers had to be checked in drive, not park.
Borg Warner 8 series, for one. And you had to be quick.
