TF-727 3 SPD pushing trans fluid out of dipstick

[Fixanything]

As per title,only seems to happen when started after a week or so, and if parked idling shortly after starting on a downward slope ! Can't be overful drives/changes fine and I have not put any in since owning the car (2 years), could it be underful ? Could this cause the symptoms ? Before anybody says; just check the level I have always found it notoriously difficult to tell with the dipstick as no matter how well you clean it when you pull it out after the oil line seems to be random (I check while idling in neutral etc...) any tips on how to check level reliably would be much appreciated. Also should there be any kind of a seal / o-ring on the filler hole or top of dipstick ?

Cheers
Mark T

[shovelheadrob]

Could be too low, this can cause aeration, which can cause a puke. Checking needs to be done warm, the below is copied from a Chrysler shop manual, it can be difficult to read the dipstick especially if it is an aftermarket chrome one, IIRC there is a seal inside the top of the dipstick that is there to keep out dirt.


"The fluid level should be checked every six months. This check should be made when engine temperature gauge indicates a normal warmed-up condition and transmission fluid is heated to its normal operating temperature. Check level with parking brake applied firmly and engine idling.

CAUTION:; Before removing level indicator, wipe off cap and top of filler tube to prevent accumulated dirt from dropping into transmssion filler tube.

After engine has idled for about two minutes, move gearshift lever slowly through all gear positions, pausing momentarily in each and ending with lever in "N" position.

When fluid is HOT, level should be at the FULL mark or slightly below, but never above the full mark to avoid foaming of the fluid. Fluid should be added or extracted, depending upon the reading, to restore level as specified."

[Fixanything]

Many thanks, I'll give it a go and advise what I find, is dexron IV the way to go these days ?

Cheers
Mark T

[shovelheadrob]

Depends on your viewpoint, some people reckon that using a modern detergent fluid in an old used trans can cause problems, a lot of people recommend using type F as it gives a better shift & less slippage, the original recommendation would have been Dexron 11, personally I would use F type but then my trans is built, full reverse pattern manual valve body uprated bits & pieces etc, not a lot of help am I?
I suppose that what I'm saying is that the level is more important than the type of fluid.

[Fixanything]

Checked per instructions, required ~3 pints Dex III to get it spot on, did not puke at any time during top up process, but then I did not let it immediately idle on downward slope, l also noticed that the rubber seal at the top of the dipstick was not being fully inserted in to the dipstick tube due to catching on the engine oil dipstick, some minor adjustments fixed this, much better fit now. No difference in functionality always worked as it should. I have a Transgo TF-1 shift kit to go in soon so will probably change fluid to Redline Type F at that time.

Thanks for the help
Mark T

[eliot]

Please be very carefull with the oil that overflows, I've seen a car burn to the ground as a result of trans fluid coming out of the dipstick onto the exhaust.

In this case he got water into the trans, which then boiled and came out the dipstick. They put the flames out the first time, when it came out again and caught for a 2nd time all the extinquishers were empty.

[Fixanything]

Be very difficult to get coolant/water in my transmission as the cooling is autonomous (ie not part of the engine cooling radiator) however, l do appriciate the concern and will keep a close eye on it. I guess its the same concern for any lubricant or fuel spillage, once the H2O/water has evaporated even engine coolent/antifreeze is highly flammable at exhaust manifold temperatures.

Cheers
Mark T