Another 727 Trans Question - DIPSTICK

[roadrunner57]

Sooo, this is a first time fill for this trans and the engine has not been started. I filled the trans and the dipstick shows it is overfilled. Then I noticed fluid all over the floor. I replaced the bolts (another thread) and dried it good and it looks like the leak is from the dipstick tube. So after draining couple quarts and making a helluva mess, I pulled the dipstick and tube and noticed the dipstick only sticks out a quarter inch max. So that means that the fluid was in tube itself. Which brings me to the length.

How far should the dipstick stick out of the tube in the pan?

I am thinking that the dipstick should measure what is in the pan, not the tube??

 

[MoparLeo]

Ok, there is an O-ring sealing the dipstick tube and when you say you "filled" the transmission. How much fluid did you put in? First time as in "new/rebuilt" never been run transmission ? empty torque convertor ? The dipstick is useless measuring the fluid level unless the transmission fluid is at operating temperature. The car is on level ground and it is in "neutral" This is the proper procedure to check fluid level. Can't check it when it is not running. The transmission internals and torque convertor fill only when in neutral and running.
https://www.tciauto.com/fluid-capacity

 

[roadrunner57]

I put 8 quarts in, think the tork converter holds 5? I was under the impression the tork converter is/was empty but am thinking it wouldn’t fill until the engine is running. I do not know if it was rebuilt, definitely not new. The car has not been started since the engine was rebuilt. I figured it would hold 8, guess that was too much since it had to be in the tube. I did replace the seal but the length still concerns me. If it is too short, how can I accurately check for proper level?

yes, I know to check when engine is hot and trans in neutral. I just wanted to see if I had leaks before starting it and declaring victory.

 

[khryslerkid]

On a completely empty trans and torque converter it could take 9 to ten quarts to fill it.

You'll only get about 4 to 5 quarts in it before start up. You way overfilled it with 8 quarts.

Put in 4 and check dipstick. It could be halfway up the stick, that's ok. Start the engine with trans in neutral. Add another quart right away, maybe 2 quarts. Then keep checking while adding more. Shift the trans from drive to reverse then back to neutral. Only check the level in neutral, not park.

First time starting a newly rebuilt engine can be challenging, especially if you have to break in a new flat tappet cam. You'll need a helper to fill the trans while you run the engine setting the rpm to 2,000 for twenty minutes. Start adding the trans fluid immediately upon startup. The valve body will get sucked dry if you don't.

 

[khryslerkid]

How far should the dipstick stick out of the tube in the pan?

Only about a 1/4" to 3/8". The tube sticks into the trans about a inch. If fluid was coming out where the tube sits in the trans your O-ring isn't sealing. Using 8 quarts like you did it was probably coming out the top.

 

[roadrunner57]

Yeah I go a bit overboard at times I guess. I replaced the o ring today after removing a couple quarts and making a helluva mess. Maybe I should start asking questions before making messes!!! maybe I’ll get there one day. Thanks for ya’lls help.

 

[65 3 times]

That's how you learn. Don't quit. Dave

 

[MoparDanMan]

Sooo, this is a first time fill for this trans and the engine has not been started. I filled the trans and the dipstick shows it is overfilled. Then I noticed fluid all over the floor. I replaced the bolts (another thread) and dried it good and it looks like the leak is from the dipstick tube. So after draining couple quarts and making a helluva mess, I pulled the dipstick and tube and noticed the dipstick only sticks out a quarter inch max. So that means that the fluid was in tube itself. Which brings me to the length.

How far should the dipstick stick out of the tube in the pan?

I am thinking that the dipstick should measure what is in the pan, not the tube??

If you put all of the fluid in at once it is going to leak out of everywhere. The converter is dry and there is no way to get the fluid in it until you start the engine so the pump fills it. You also did not mention if the "O" ring was on the dipstick tube. You didn't say what year the transmission is or if it is a 727 or a 904.

 

[Rich97206]

I know this thread is a bit dusty, but I jacked my RV front right to try not to lose fluid since it is $9 a quart these days. Started to pull the fill tube and gushing, pushed it back in quick. I tried starting the engine and problem solved, no spillage. Swapped the o-ring and stopped the leak. Great ideas here, thanks everyone!

 

[dvw]

You are correct on a fresh build the fluid is very high. Well over the tube. However it shouldn't leak from anywhere. The high er areas need to be sealed as well.
After setting awhile the converter will drain down and raise the level again well over the shift seal, fill tube, etc.
Doug