Community Forums

Phantomiz · 10-26-2008, 07:47 PM

Hi,

I'm having the hardest time checking the transmission fluid level on level ground.

I have no problem getting a good reading when the fluid is cold, but when it is hot, I can't find it on the dip stick anywhere. When cold, my level is slightly higher by 1/4" above the hash marks indicating an excess of fluid.

Is checking the transmission fluid level when it is cold a good representation of what the transmission level should be at? If not, anyone have any tips/tricks to get a good reading on the dipstick when it's hot?

Thank in advance
PhanTomiZ

Phantomiz · 10-26-2008, 07:47 PM

Hi,

I'm having the hardest time checking the transmission fluid level on level ground.

I have no problem getting a good reading when the fluid is cold, but when it is hot, I can't find it on the dip stick anywhere. When cold, my level is slightly higher by 1/4" above the hash marks indicating an excess of fluid.

Is checking the transmission fluid level when it is cold a good representation of what the transmission level should be at? If not, anyone have any tips/tricks to get a good reading on the dipstick when it's hot?

Thank in advance
PhanTomiZ

Max Hubrich · 10-27-2008, 01:51 AM

Phan,

Sounds like you need to add fluid. Do you see any red/pink fluid underneath the rig?

I would warm up the fluid by driving the rig 15 miles--or so. Then on level ground, THE ENGINE RUNNING, remove the dip stick, clean it, and check it again. Then if it is still not reading, add a pint at a time-- OF THE CORRECT FLUID-- until it reads correctly-- Mid way between the lines. Look at both sides of the dip stick. This is how the Allison folks will do it and what I would do if it was mine.

If you overfill it, it is an easy fix-to correct. Let it cool for a while, get underneath it, remove the transmission pan plug and let some drain out. I see you are in Canada, the fluid will probably not get too hot this time of year-- these transmissions run extremely cool compared to other ones. Beware-- you will need a transmission funnel and it is a slow process of adding fluid. If not, you'll get more on the ground than in the transmission.

Good luck, let us know how it works out,

DriVer · 10-27-2008, 03:59 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Max Hubrich: </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Max, Exactly!

Phantomiz · 10-27-2008, 08:45 PM

Thanks for your input.

I know that my level is too high when it is cold, but is it still a good indication of fluid level or does one have to make sure the fluid is warm/hot to get an accurate check. As I said, I'm having a very difficult time getting a good level reading when the fluid is warm/hot...

Thanks
PhanTomiZ

Max Hubrich · 10-28-2008, 02:45 AM

What????

Omey-- Can you help this fellow in Toronto, please

DriVer · 10-28-2008, 03:08 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Phantomiz:
.. I'm having a very difficult time getting a good level reading when the fluid is warm/hot...
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>Phantomize, The next time you get gasoline, your engine/transmission should be warm enough to check plus most service station have level fueling pads.

DriVer · 10-28-2008, 03:11 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Max Hubrich:
What???? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Max, I was commenting on the accuracy of your answer.

PS: Love my new door bolt!

DriVer · 10-28-2008, 04:24 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Phantomiz:
I know that my level is too high when it is cold, but is it still a good indication of fluid level or does one have to make sure the fluid is warm/hot to get an accurate check. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Phantomiz, If you would please refer to your owners manual to confirm the following, "All transmissions (Allison or GM) require that they be checked after having achieved their operational temperature, in park and on a level surface."

A cold check only assures that there is fluid showing on the dip stick. This in of itself doesn't mean that the transmission is properly filled within its operational range. That can only be determined after the transmission has achieved it operational temperature range. That said I would not want to start an engine where no fluid is visible on the dip stick.

Clay L · 10-28-2008, 05:44 AM

He is saying that it's too high when cold.
I think that it will only get higher when it's hot. I would drain out some when cold and then check it when hot.

DriVer · 10-28-2008, 06:11 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Clay L:
He is saying that it's too high when cold.
I think that it will only get higher when it's hot. I would drain out some when cold and then check it when hot. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Clay, If you go and check the transmission dip stick on your motorhome right now, cold, you will see that the fluid level is higher than it should be. That's the way it should be.

When the tranny is heated and charged with fluid the level on the stick will go down.

John-D · 10-28-2008, 06:12 AM

One nice thing about motor homes is you need not be on level ground to check fluid levels.

You can use the jacks to make the frame level

DriVer · 10-28-2008, 06:15 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by John-D:
You can use the jacks to make the frame level </div></BLOCKQUOTE>That's true howeveer some folks will need a step ladder to get at the tranny dip stick!

rgrstndgby · 10-28-2008, 01:23 PM

Phantomize, are you doing the checking with the engine running?. If not ( and you definatly should be ) its possible that your transmission is leaking at the converter seal, draining a quantity of fluid back into the transmission, thus showing a "overfill" on the stick. When the engine is started, that fluid is pumped back into the converter, making the transmission low enough on fluid to not "read" on the stick.. If you are checking it running, and its too full when cold, it will certainly be 'very" overfull when hot, as trans fluid really expands when hot... *
* a little OT, but I'm told by a Honda zone service rep, that the possiblility of a bad converter seal allowing drainback, and "overfill" of the tranny, thus causing the fluid to foam and not lube well, is the reason for the 3 minutes every 8 hr. run time. Don't know if its true, but that is what he told me..rgr...