Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Reading Tranny fluid level (boy is the level hard to read or what)
| Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364861] |
Mon, 21 June 2021 01:50  |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
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Well after several attempts at determining my transmission fluid level today I had to sort of guess what it was as the fluid was practically invisible on my dipstick. I did the check by the book, hot, moving through gears, engine idling etc.
Maybe it's these old eyes but the level is damn hard to determine - thought about painting the business end of the dipstick white - anyone done that? Trying to check the tranny fluid level is a total PIA IMHO
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
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| Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364862 is a reply to message #364861] |
Mon, 21 June 2021 06:48  |
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RF_Burns
Messages: 2277
Registered: June 2008
Location: S. Ontario, Canada
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I agree with you Larry. We can put a man on the moon, but we can't design an accurate way to read transmission fluid!
Not only is it hard to see the contrast of the fluid against the stick, but the curve in the tube assures the fluid will get smeared along the stick! Then if you need to add some fluid, you have now covered the inside of the dipstick tube with fluid, so good luck reading that!
I drilled a couple of small holes at the Add and Full marks. If there is fluid in the Add hole, but not in the Full hole, then it is somewhere between Add and Full.
The usual response I get from Engineers is "works as designed!" To which I reply "But not designed to work"
Don't get me started on grease nipples (zerks).
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
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| [GMCnet] Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364863 is a reply to message #364862] |
Mon, 21 June 2021 06:55 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
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Are you referring to those greasy things that either won't stay connected
or won't disconnect?
Ken H.
On Mon, Jun 21, 2021 at 7:48 AM Bruce Hislop wrote:
...
Don't get me started on grease nipples (zerks).
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Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364865 is a reply to message #364863] |
Mon, 21 June 2021 08:37 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
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Ken Henderson wrote on Mon, 21 June 2021 07:55Are you referring to those greasy things that either won't stay connected or won't disconnect?
Ken H.
Ken,
This is why the LockNLube grease coupler was invented. Yes, they are expensive, but they work. If you look at the others that have arrived on the scene, you will know why you want the original for a GMC. Mine is on a Lincoln one handed grease gun (also not cheap) that I bought when the HF gun wouldn't lock back to reload. Together with the expensive Valvoine grease, I have the most expensive grease I have ever owned and if something happened, I would replace that exact kit tomorrow. Grease is cheaper than parts.
I also have caps on most of mine and none leak anymore.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364866 is a reply to message #364862] |
Mon, 21 June 2021 08:46 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
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RF_Burns wrote on Mon, 21 June 2021 07:48I agree with you Larry. We can put a man on the moon, but we can't design an accurate way to read transmission fluid!
Not only is it hard to see the contrast of the fluid against the stick, but the curve in the tube assures the fluid will get smeared along the stick! Then if you need to add some fluid, you have now covered the inside of the dipstick tube with fluid, so good luck reading that!
I drilled a couple of small holes at the Add and Full marks. If there is fluid in the Add hole, but not in the Full hole, then it is somewhere between Add and Full.
The usual response I get from Engineers is "works as designed!" To which I reply "But not designed to work"
Don't get me started on grease nipples (zerks).
Bruce,
A man last walked on the moon 40 years ago......
I can tell you why the OE engineers all say things like that....
They drive lease cars that they don't service.
When they do work on something like a "Level Indicator" (aka dipstick), they do it in a clean quiet lab with all new stuff. The best one (and you will like this) a lot of the test and mule vehicle are drive between heated garages and never with the driver wearing snow boots.
I found it helps if you make the surface of the stick rough by sanding it. Then the level is where it is shiny and it us usually pretty clear.
Matt - has to go out and put wheels on his 50yo Gravely.
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| [GMCnet] Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364868 is a reply to message #364866] |
Mon, 21 June 2021 09:22 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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One trick I learned, IF you have access to a bead blaster, is to bead blast
the business end of the dipstick. The fluid does a better job of showing up
on that surface. But the long narrow snaky tubes don't help one bit. But,
if a long, conviently placed dipstick is not accurate, does it matter if it
is easy to use? I think not.
In realistic terms, it does not hurt to open that hatch up once in a
while, if nothing else to check for critter nests built under your air
cleaner, packed against the exhaust crossover passage that you were going
to block off soon. Nothing like the aroma of roasted baby critters wafting
gently through your cab.
Plus, that straight in dipstick is a whole lot more accurate than that
long snake is.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Mon, Jun 21, 2021, 6:47 AM Matt Colie wrote:
> RF_Burns wrote on Mon, 21 June 2021 07:48
>> I agree with you Larry. We can put a man on the moon, but we can't
> design an accurate way to read transmission fluid!
>>
>> Not only is it hard to see the contrast of the fluid against the stick,
> but the curve in the tube assures the fluid will get smeared along the
>> stick! Then if you need to add some fluid, you have now covered the
> inside of the dipstick tube with fluid, so good luck reading that!
>>
>> I drilled a couple of small holes at the Add and Full marks. If there
> is fluid in the Add hole, but not in the Full hole, then it is somewhere
>> between Add and Full.
>>
>> The usual response I get from Engineers is "works as designed!" To
> which I reply "But not designed to work"
>>
>> Don't get me started on grease nipples (zerks).
>
> Bruce,
> A man last walked on the moon 40 years ago......
>
> I can tell you why the OE engineers all say things like that....
> They drive lease cars that they don't service.
> When they do work on something like a "Level Indicator" (aka dipstick),
> they do it in a clean quiet lab with all new stuff. The best one (and you
> will like this) a lot of the test and mule vehicle are drive between
> heated garages and never with the driver wearing snow boots.
>
> I found it helps if you make the surface of the stick rough by sanding
> it. Then the level is where it is shiny and it us usually pretty clear.
>
> Matt - has to go out and put wheels on his 50yo Gravely.
>
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL,
> GMCES
> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum
> Brakes with Applied Control Arms
> SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
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| Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364871 is a reply to message #364861] |
Mon, 21 June 2021 10:35 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
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I don't have the long snake, just the short tube under the lid.
My daily driver is an old Jaguar and even though it is a British engineered car they had the presence of mind to add a 4" WHITE plastic tip to the trans dipstick which makes the contrast of light pink fluid easy to see.
So, as painting the grease laden metal dipstick doesn't sound too successful I have decided to re-engineer the goddamn thing.
Today's project will be shrink wrapping the dipstick end with white plastic shrinky-dink tubing. We'll see how that does. It certainly can't be any worse.
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
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| Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364881 is a reply to message #364861] |
Mon, 21 June 2021 19:41 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
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Well the white stuff I had on hand was too skinny but I had yellow which was just as good. The max - min notches/marks under the shrink tubing were easy to spot so I recut them into the tubing. The fluid level now shows up clearly against the bright yellow sleeve. Another thing fixed!
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
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| Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364890 is a reply to message #364888] |
Tue, 22 June 2021 10:53 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
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Larry wrote on Tue, 22 June 2021 05:40What brand trans fluid are you using? Is it clear in color or pink out of the bottle? Just wondering....
Motomaster ATF (Canadian tire) Dexron 111/Mercon fluid, same stuff I use in the Jag. Light pink.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-dexron-iii-mercon-automatic-transmission-fluid-0281502p.html
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
[Updated on: Tue, 22 June 2021 10:54] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364899 is a reply to message #364890] |
Tue, 22 June 2021 14:59 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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boybach wrote on Tue, 22 June 2021 10:53Larry wrote on Tue, 22 June 2021 05:40What brand trans fluid are you using? Is it clear in color or pink out of the bottle? Just wondering....
Motomaster ATF (Canadian tire) Dexron 111/Mercon fluid, same stuff I use in the Jag. Light pink.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-dexron-iii-mercon-automatic-transmission-fluid-0281502p.html
Larry
OK, I see what may be the problem. If you look at the specs on this, it's max operating temp is 70* C or 158*F. Minimum operating temp is -20*C or -4*F. Both are really out of the operating range for our application. While I can't note it in the spec description, it appears to be a Dino fluid and not a synthetic. IMO, for our application we should probably be using a synthetic like Mobile 1 or one of the Amsoil products. Both are a deep red in color. The light pink is not dark enough to show on your stick. Just my opinion, but if it were mine, I'd switch to one of the synthetics. Cost is double, but better protection.
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364912 is a reply to message #364910] |
Tue, 22 June 2021 20:51 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
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RF_Burns wrote on Tue, 22 June 2021 17:23
Matt:
The space race to the moon was in the '60's, same time as the TH425 was being developed.
So fairly recent then? AFAIK the 455 motor dates back to the late 1940's [like me] 
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
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| [GMCnet] Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364915 is a reply to message #364861] |
Tue, 22 June 2021 23:20 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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My math was a bit fuzzy there. I have 60 years experience with Olds, not
70.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Tue, Jun 22, 2021, 9:13 PM James Hupy wrote:
> But, the 455 was engineered at least ten years previously to when it came
> as equipment in the Toronado. The first overhead valve V-8 in Oldsmobile,
> the Rocket 303 cubic inch first appeared in the 1949 model year, the same
> year that Cadillac changed from huge displacement valve in block design.
> The overhead valve engines were 331 Cubic inches.
> I had a 1938 Olds vith a in-line flathead 6 cylinder engine. I pulled
> that 6 out, and bolted in a 303 V-8. Later, I added 3 ea. 2 barrel carbs,
> and solid lifters with adjustable pushrods which promptly flattened the
> lobes on the hydraulic lifter camshaft. So, I called Ed Iskendarian and he
> set me up with a good 3/4 race solid lifters cam, new lifters, and
> adjustable needle bearing rocker arms. That really woke that Oldsmobile up.
> And started a long relationship with Iskendarian.
> So, my personal relationship with Olds engines goes back to 1949. I
> was 19 years old at the time. I went through 303's, 354's etc. Clear up to
> present day. I have a 455 and a 403 in my shop right now on engine stands.
> So that is 70 years of Oldsmobiles in my experience bank. They are good
> engines stock, and can be made into great engines.
> Personally, I prefer the 403 to the 455 due to the fact that the 403
> is Oversquare and the 455 is Undersquare. The 403 likes to Rev up, the 455
> is not so happy above 3000 RPM's
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Tue, Jun 22, 2021, 8:37 PM Matt Colie wrote:
>
>> RF_Burns wrote on Tue, 22 June 2021 20:23
>>>
>>> Matt:
>>> The space race to the moon was in the '60's, same time as the TH425 was
>> being developed.
>>
>> Bruce,
>>
>> The last man to walk on the moon did it in December 1972. TZE was in
>> production.
>>
>> Matt
>> --
>> Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL,
>> GMCES
>> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum
>> Brakes with Applied Control Arms
>> SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>
>
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| [GMCnet] Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364916 is a reply to message #364913] |
Tue, 22 June 2021 23:13 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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But, the 455 was engineered at least ten years previously to when it came
as equipment in the Toronado. The first overhead valve V-8 in Oldsmobile,
the Rocket 303 cubic inch first appeared in the 1949 model year, the same
year that Cadillac changed from huge displacement valve in block design.
The overhead valve engines were 331 Cubic inches.
I had a 1938 Olds vith a in-line flathead 6 cylinder engine. I pulled
that 6 out, and bolted in a 303 V-8. Later, I added 3 ea. 2 barrel carbs,
and solid lifters with adjustable pushrods which promptly flattened the
lobes on the hydraulic lifter camshaft. So, I called Ed Iskendarian and he
set me up with a good 3/4 race solid lifters cam, new lifters, and
adjustable needle bearing rocker arms. That really woke that Oldsmobile up.
And started a long relationship with Iskendarian.
So, my personal relationship with Olds engines goes back to 1949. I
was 19 years old at the time. I went through 303's, 354's etc. Clear up to
present day. I have a 455 and a 403 in my shop right now on engine stands.
So that is 70 years of Oldsmobiles in my experience bank. They are good
engines stock, and can be made into great engines.
Personally, I prefer the 403 to the 455 due to the fact that the 403
is Oversquare and the 455 is Undersquare. The 403 likes to Rev up, the 455
is not so happy above 3000 RPM's
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Tue, Jun 22, 2021, 8:37 PM Matt Colie wrote:
> RF_Burns wrote on Tue, 22 June 2021 20:23
>>
>> Matt:
>> The space race to the moon was in the '60's, same time as the TH425 was
> being developed.
>
> Bruce,
>
> The last man to walk on the moon did it in December 1972. TZE was in
> production.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL,
> GMCES
> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum
> Brakes with Applied Control Arms
> SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
_______________________________________________
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| [GMCnet] Re: Reading Tranny fluid level [message #364917 is a reply to message #364915] |
Wed, 23 June 2021 01:08 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Jim,
I, too, am having trouble with your math: "...back to 1949. I
was 19 years old at the time.". Seems to me that would make your birth
date in 1930, 7 years before mine. Since I'm 84, that makes you 91 -- and
here I thought you were one of those "Young Whippersnappers" (=Younger
than me, like most folks!)
Ken H.
On Wed, Jun 23, 2021 at 12:21 AM James Hupy wrote:
> My math was a bit fuzzy there. I have 60 years experience with Olds, not
> 70.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Tue, Jun 22, 2021, 9:13 PM James Hupy wrote:
>
>> But, the 455 was engineered at least ten years previously to when it came
>> as equipment in the Toronado. The first overhead valve V-8 in Oldsmobile,
>> the Rocket 303 cubic inch first appeared in the 1949 model year, the same
>> year that Cadillac changed from huge displacement valve in block design.
>> The overhead valve engines were 331 Cubic inches.
>> I had a 1938 Olds vith a in-line flathead 6 cylinder engine. I
> pulled
>> that 6 out, and bolted in a 303 V-8. Later, I added 3 ea. 2 barrel carbs,
>> and solid lifters with adjustable pushrods which promptly flattened the
>> lobes on the hydraulic lifter camshaft. So, I called Ed Iskendarian and
> he
>> set me up with a good 3/4 race solid lifters cam, new lifters, and
>> adjustable needle bearing rocker arms. That really woke that Oldsmobile
> up.
>> And started a long relationship with Iskendarian.
>> So, my personal relationship with Olds engines goes back to 1949. I
>> was 19 years old at the time. I went through 303's, 354's etc. Clear up
> to
>> present day. I have a 455 and a 403 in my shop right now on engine
> stands.
>> So that is 70 years of Oldsmobiles in my experience bank. They are good
>> engines stock, and can be made into great engines.
>> Personally, I prefer the 403 to the 455 due to the fact that the 403
>> is Oversquare and the 455 is Undersquare. The 403 likes to Rev up, the
> 455
>> is not so happy above 3000 RPM's
>> Jim Hupy
>> Salem, Oregon
>>
>> On Tue, Jun 22, 2021, 8:37 PM Matt Colie wrote:
>>
>>> RF_Burns wrote on Tue, 22 June 2021 20:23
>>>>
>>>> Matt:
>>>> The space race to the moon was in the '60's, same time as the TH425
> was
>>> being developed.
>>>
>>> Bruce,
>>>
>>> The last man to walk on the moon did it in December 1972. TZE was in
>>> production.
>>>
>>> Matt
>>> --
>>> Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL,
>>> GMCES
>>> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum
>>> Brakes with Applied Control Arms
>>> SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>>
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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