Transmission Fluid Level After Cooler Install

[cbr900boy]

Hey guys, just installed my B&M 70268 tranny cooler IN-LINE with my radiator and have a question in regards to the proper fluid level. Since installing the cooler and extra hoses it obviously leaves more room to add extra fluid. I added about an extra 3/4 of a quart. Now mind you I know the proper procedure for an accurate reading is when the engine in running and the tranny is at the normal operating range. So I added the fluids within the proper HOT range. Now here is the real question, when the fluid is cold the level is a little passed the top of the HOT range. I know this is due to all the extra fluid draining back into the pan. Is this still considered being "overfilled" or am I good?

 

[mtbtim]

I responded and then reread your post.

So, you're saying with the engine running, level ground, transmission in park, and the ATF is completely cold you're showing over the top Hot mark?

 

[cbr900boy]

I responded and then reread your post.

So, you're saying with the engine running, level ground, transmission in park, and the ATF is completely cold you're showing over the top Hot mark?

No the engine is not running and my rigs been sitting overnight. When I check the stick its over the top Hot mark.

 

[mtbtim]

No the engine is not running and my rigs been sitting overnight. When I check the stick its over the top Hot mark.

Dude, you already said it, so why are you checking the transmission level with the rig not running? You can ONLY check for an accurate level with the engine running. I always base the fine tuning of the level when the trans is at operating temperature (158-176) and not when it's cold. I take it for around a 10 mile drive to get the trans temp up, stop the rig on level ground, shift the trans through all the gears and finally back to park, and then check to see if level is in the hot range. If not, I add accordingly.

If you don't have a way to monitor your trans temp, just make sure you drive it a decent distance like I do with mine so you'll be somewhere in the ballpark of the operating temperature. If you're under or over a little on the level, it's not a big deal. You just don't want to be way over or way under.

 

[cbr900boy]

Dude, you already said it, so why are you checking the transmission level with the rig not running? You can ONLY check for an accurate level with the engine running. I always base the fine tuning of the level when the trans is at operating temperature (158-176) and not when it's cold. I take it for around a 10 mile drive to get the trans temp up, stop the rig on level ground, shift the trans through all the gears and finally back to park, and then check to see if level is in the hot range. If not, I add accordingly.

If you don't have a way to monitor your trans temp, just make sure you drive it a decent distance like I do with mine so you'll be somewhere in the ballpark of the operating temperature. If you're under or over a little on the level, it's not a big deal. You just don't want to be way over or way under.

So youre basically saying the cold marks on the stick are now useless. Ive always filled accordingly in the past while the engine was running and tranny up to normal temp but when cold the level was always within the correct range as well. Now with the new cooler and extra fluid the cold range is way off. Hope this makes sense.

 

[mtbtim]

So youre basically saying the cold marks on the stick are now useless. Ive always filled accordingly in the past while the engine was running and tranny up to normal temp but when cold the level was always within the correct range as well. Now with the new cooler and extra fluid the cold range is way off. Hope this makes sense.

No, that's not what I'm saying. Whether you're checking your level when the trans fluid is cold or hot, the engine has to be running. Checking it with the engine off is a waste of time because you can't get an accurate reading.

You should still be able to get an accurate cold reading because the fluid you added was to fill the external cooler and extra feet of hose. Cold doesn't mean with the engine off. You still have the engine running but the trans fluid is cold, like after sitting all night. Make sense?

 

[cbr900boy]

No, that's not what I'm saying. Whether you're checking your level when the trans fluid is cold or hot, the engine has to be running. Checking it with the engine off is a waste of time because you can't get an accurate reading.

You should still be able to get an accurate cold reading because the fluid you added was to fill the external cooler and extra feet of hose. Cold doesn't mean with the engine off. You still have the engine running but the trans fluid is cold, like after sitting all night. Make sense?

Got it! I was under the assumption cold meant cold with engine off. I will definilty do another reading. You da man Tim. Thanks.

 

[alumarine]

And checking cold is not accurate. It just gets you in the ballpark.
The best way is when it's up to operating temp.

 

[mtbtim]

And checking cold is not accurate. It just gets you in the ballpark.
The best way is when it's up to operating temp.

Yes, also what he said. Many members have found the cold level reading off after filling it to the hot range at operating temperature. Like I said earlier, I always base the fine tuning of my trans level when it's at operating temperature, not when it's cold and I suggest you do the same.