Topping up Auto Trans Fluid.

[SIMid]

I sound like a noob here, but scanning through the manual on the Auto Trans, it says "top up through the filler tube", but no diagram. Is this the tube where the auto dip stick resides in? The final Drive has a top up plug, but this one has thrown me off.

And I have had the D for only 2 days. *LOL*

[sean]

If we are talking about transmission fluid, yeah fill through the dipstick tube for the transmission.

[SIMid]

If we are talking about transmission fluid, yeah fill through the dipstick tube for the transmission.

Thanks for that.

Mines got a leak from the dipstick possibly. Toby repaired it for the previous owner Alex, but looks like it's back again. :(

[dhaney]

Thanks for that.

Mines got a leak from the dipstick possibly. Toby repaired it for the previous owner Alex, but looks like it's back again. :(

One of our club members has the same problem, let us know how you fix it, he's tried several things and so far each fix has been temporary.

Dan

[DMCMW Dave]

1 - make sure you have the right o-ring, not to big, not too small;
2 - Use a mirror after you install the tube to make sure that a chunk of the o-ring is not still hanging out of the joint;
3- use two o-rings AND a small film of "The Right Stuff" sealant (a very heavy RTV)
4 - make sure that the bracket that holds the dipstick in the trans is in place, AND the one that holds it to the engine. If either is missing the dipstick tube moves around and will start leaking.

[dhaney]

4 - make sure that the bracket that holds the dipstick in the trans is in place,

Dave you are a genius and you can solve a problem without even knowing the whole story...

I was just talking to the owner I mentioned above, he told me he was missing the bracket that holds it in the transmission. This car was a basket case and has only recently been made road worthy and actually has an Eagle Premier motor. So it doesn't surpize me that parts are missing.

I'll let him know about this and suggest he orders it from you, he also happens to owe me a fuel pump since I sold him my emergency spare at our last tech session, so I'll get him to add that to his order!

Dan

[DeLorean03]

You know, this brings up a good question:

We can all look in the workshop manual and find out "how much" transmission fluid we should put in the auto. But - how do we measure it. I know, I know - I have seen the dipstick where it says "hot", "warm", and "cold" - but man - THAT stick is worthless. If my memory is correct, the stick bends two different times just to get in the dipstick holder. I have had my auto transmission decently empty of all fluid (minus that which gets stuck in the torque converter), and my stick STILL is ambiguous - everything on the stick is red. There is no "dry area" on it.

With these experiences in hand, I am under the impression you start the car and let the cooling fans come on once. This gets the car to "hot" mode. Then that's when you check the dipstick. If it's dry, add more. Ok, fair enough. But now that you've added some - even if it's just a minute amount, that fluid runs down the dipstick holder and now the stick reads "hot" - even if you put a VERY tiny bit in I've noticed.

Bottom line: I feel that proper measurement of the amount of fluid in our auto trannys can be a bit "hit and miss" - thoughts anyone?

[DMCMW Dave]

I agree. I find that after putting fluid in it with the car running, if it idles for a few minutes you can get a good reading, maybe on only one side of the stick.

It is critical to get it right - too high and the trans will leak (more than usual:tongue_stick:). Too low and you'll feel it shift wierdly (flares) or slip.

[David T]

Should not have to rewrite the Workshop Manual for you. It is on G:04:02. It was important enough that they put it into the manual so it will be done correctly. You do have to wait some time after you add so you can "read" the dipstick. You read BOTH sides and look for a dry spot. Better to keep it on the high side. Remember to also check the final drive G:05:01. If it has never been done you should go over ALL of the external checks and adjustments. Best to actually drive the car and really get the torque converter hot. Besides the level you should also be examining the the condition of the fluid. If it is very dark and thick or it feels gritty on your fingers or smells burnt it needs to be replaced. Since you cannot drain it all out the best thing to do is to go to a transmission shop and have the tranny power flushed. A high mileage auto should also have it's filter cleaned or replaced. After any service it is always a good idea to check the line pressure. It gives some indication of the health of the internals.
David Teitelbaum

[Chris 16409]

1 - make sure you have the right o-ring, not to big, not too small;


My friend Ryan and I were able to use an otterstat seal to seal the automatic transmission dipstick. The seal is just the right size, and he hasn't had any leaks from the dipstick since. Those pesky automatic transmission lines seem to be a different story.

[dhaney]

My friend Ryan and I were able to use an otterstat seal to seal the automatic transmission dipstick. The seal is just the right size, and he hasn't had any leaks from the dipstick since. Those pesky automatic transmission lines seem to be a different story.

I replaced the lines and leak disappered... My transmission if going on more than a year with no leak...

The same can't be said for my final drive, I had the oil in it changed more than a year ago, I think for the first time ever, and the seal now has a slight leak. Its small though about 3 drops a week of oil.

DPI did the work and they hated how the final drive oil made his his entire shop stink. Yes, I plan on doing it regularly from this point forward.

Dan