Transmission overfilled

oldpa · 07-04-2009, 02:22 PM

I checked my transmission fluid today for the first time since we left home and found there is way to much fluid in the transmission.
With the motor home cold from sitting overnight the dip stick reads about ¼ “ over the full hot mark and 1 ¼” over the full cold mark.
We had the fluid changed before leaving home in Homestead, FL and we are now in Durango, CO., so that’s about 2200 miles running overfilled

I had the work done at a Workhorse service dealer who has done work for me before so I did not check behind them. But should have.

Is there a easy way for me to remove some of the fluid at a campground or should I take it to a shop?

2003 Winnebago Sightseer
P-32, 8.1 engine

Thanks Guys.

oemtech · 07-04-2009, 02:48 PM

Get a pan and pull the plug and drain some out.... it's messy but it works

DriVer · 07-04-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Get a pan and pull the plug and drain some out.... it's messy but it works

Exactly! I would encourage you to do it sooner than later if you have an 1" & 1/4" over the fill mark.

Remember; The fluid should be checked (** while idling) in PARK after the vehicle has achieved operational temperature and is on a level surface.

TOMFEN · 07-04-2009, 04:55 PM

Are you checking it with the engine running or shut off? I just went out and checked mine, cold with the engine not running the transmission fluid level is about 2" above the upper hot level mark. Started the engine, let it idle for a couple of minutes, shifted it through the gears with a three second pause in each gear and rechecked it with the engine idling in park and the fluid level was about 3/4" below the hot mark.

My MH had been setting for about a week without being started, if yours had been setting overnight and wasn't running I would say that the level was about right. If you have already drained some fluid out, start the engine and let it get to operating temp and see where your fluid level is. It should be below the lower HOT level mark.

In any case, if you have drained any fluid out do not drive it until you are certain that it was actually overfilled.

Tom

Full-Timers · 07-05-2009, 02:43 PM

Yes! DO NOT DRAIN ANY FLUID OR DRIVE THE MOTORHOME until you follow TOFEN’s post above. Sounds like you are checking it cold with the engine shut off. THIS IS NOT THE PROPER WAY TO CHECK IT.

I think you will find it is OK.

oldpa · 07-05-2009, 07:36 PM

Thanks for all the help, We pull out tomorrow for a 30 mile run and I’ll check the fluid when we get there.

One thing though, why did GM put a full cold mark at the very end of the dip stick?

Greg

EngineerMike · 07-05-2009, 08:25 PM

The cold mark is only good for a quick check when the vehicle is run regularly. If oil has just been changed there will be passages that need to be filled for a proper reading, and if the vehicle has sat a long time the same could be true- that parts that are ordinarily filled when reading have drained back.

TOMFEN · 07-05-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldpa

Thanks for all the help, We pull out tomorrow for a 30 mile run and I’ll check the fluid when we get there.

One thing though, why did GM put a full cold mark at the very end of the dip stick?

Greg

Greg, Make sure you check it with the engine running and the transmission in park.

Tom

al koffman · 07-05-2009, 10:06 PM

I was under the impression that if the transmission was overfilled and not be very much, that it would blow out and run down the side of the transmission. That does not to appear to have happend.