When to read the dipstick?

[JnGOnTheGo]

I checked my transmission fluid after driving about a hundred miles home. Pulled into driveway (which is level), placed the transmission in neutral, checked the fluid level and it was below the HOT marks. So I added a few onces, approx 6 to 8). Brought the level up to the top of the HOT mark.

Looked under the coach after a couple of days an noticed fluid on the ground. Appears to have come from the transmission.

Did I check and add incorrectly?

Do I need to be concerned about the burp of fluid?

[GaryKD]

Hi Jim,
You don't say where you are located. The transmission should have been at operating temp. However, if you are in a really cold place, it may not have been up to operating temp. Based on your OP, you checked the fluid correctly. Check your owners manual to be sure.

In this situation, I'm not one to get worried about a single incident. The amount of fluid added was a lot, for a transmission.

Is there a cold mark on the dip stick? If so take a reading when the transmission is cold.

The next time it is convenient, take another reading when the transmission is hot. Any device that uses fluids and has a wide range of temps, will need to get to its' own level. This may or may not be in the correct range of the dip stick.

If I was you, I'd watch the dip stick and the ground under the coach. If the dip stick reading returns to where is was when you decided to add fluid, continue to watch it. This may be where the transmission likes its' fluid level.

[JnGOnTheGo]

Thanks for the comments,

Yes the engine/transmission was hot (just completed a 100 mile trip) when I pulled into the driveway here in Florida. Was in the 70's.

What concerned me was the fluid was well below the HOT mark. I would say about a third of the way down from the HOT mark (or 2/3 way up from the COLD mark).

I will get out and check it again. Just wondering if I am going to cause damage if the transmission is a little overfilled.

[historyljc]

Jim,
Why don't you check it from the shifter. That's the more accurate way.

[Route 66]

I believe Allison recommends using the shifter pad instead of the dipstick.

[JnGOnTheGo]

Checking from the shifter is not an option on GAS coaches.

[Route 66]

I stand corrected.

[Tom N]

Quote:

Originally posted by JnGOnTheGo: Checking from the shifter is not an option on GAS coaches.

Unless it's a GAS coach with an Allison shift pad, of which they are many.

-Tom

[historyljc]

I'm glad there is no test on this. But I sure am learning a lot about the different ways these things are put together. Thanks all for the clarifications.

[tmitchell]

Did you let it idle for about 5 minutes before you checked the level?
When I check the transmission fluid in my DSDP, with the shifter pad, (which I realize is a different setup then you have) It starts off showing that I am several quarts low, then slowly counts down until I get the OK symbol.
My point being, it takes a few minutes before the fluid settles, to get an accurate level reading.
Tom

[JnGOnTheGo]

No I didn't let it set for 5 mins at idle.

I will the next time.

Now I have to see if I can loosen the plug and let some of the fluid drain because I believe now it is overfilled some.

Thanks for the suggestion tmitchell.