Transmission Fluid: How much over is overfill?

[Lubener]

Are there any known issues if we are over by a quart? What are they?

Fluid can become aeriated and expelled out the vent. Aeriated fluid can cause slippage which is not a good thing.

 

[Opelman]

This is my first time hearing about a vaccum extractor. Would you by chance direct me to some resources that show how to do it? Paricularly in realtion to transmission fluid? Does the extractor extract from where the dipstick is located?

@Sprintcar26 got it. There are several brands of oil extractors on the market, hand pump, electric, and air operated. I have an old Harbor Freight air operated unit which works very well. Small plastic tube down the dipstick tube and oil is extracted, no fuss no muss.

 

[Astro14]

I also hear about sliipping gears and shifting problems. Those ole wives tales as well?

Those are absolutely true.

Overfilled transmissions cause the fluid to foam.

Foaming causes overheating and slipping, damaging clutches and parts. Foamy oil doesn’t lubricate well, and doesn’t allow proper hydraulic pressure in the transmission.

 

[Astro14]

I don't own a " vacuum extractor", so I'm not familiar with it. There are " oil extractors" I've read about on BITOG. Not sure if they are compatible with ATF. I'd assume a vacuum extractor would utilize the transmission's dipstick port, same as an oil extractor normally uses the engine's dipstick port, if the engine is equipped with a dipstick. Sorry, maybe someone else can direct you better -( .. Good luck. Would hate to see you dropping the pan again if you decide to remove fluid. Messy job.

I’ve got one. It’s about perfect for pulling a bit of fluid out of a transmission. Also great for changing oil.

One like this

https://www.skf.com/mityvac/product...pment-and-accessories/fluid-evacuators/mv7300

 

[grasscutter]

Why not measure with the dipstick and not have to worry about it? This is an honest question.

To be quite honest with you, I have a very hard time seeing the fluid on the dipstick. I have to look at the holes to see if they're covered up by the fluid and even then it's hard to tell. I've tried all kinds of light: Daylight, Flashlight, Headlight; still tough to see.

 

[Hall]

2- I may have overfilled the T.Fluid by half a quart or perhaps around a quart.

Why not measure with the dipstick and not have to worry about it? This is an honest question.

Until the OP checks the dipstick and CONFIRMS the level, people should stop trying to help him/her. They've been told multiple times, by multiple people, that it has a dipstick, yet they OP doesn't know the actual level.

 

[sarity945]

To be quite honest with you, I have a very hard time seeing the fluid on the dipstick. I have to look at the holes to see if they're covered up by the fluid and even then it's hard to tell. I've tried all kinds of light: Daylight, Flashlight, Headlight; still tough to see.

To add to what you have said, i am sure you've realized, the dipstick is an approximation. It does not give us, i.e. us earthlings, any information about the exact quantity or its measurable increments Perhaps it does to Venusians......but that's not us.

 

[repairman54]

To be quite honest with you, I have a very hard time seeing the fluid on the dipstick. I have to look at the holes to see if they're covered up by the fluid and even then it's hard to tell. I've tried all kinds of light: Daylight, Flashlight, Headlight; still tough to see.

Paint the end of the dipstick white. I did that on my standby generator as its oil stays really clean for a long time and it make is way easier to see it on the stick.

 

[iCurious]

I've heard too much transmission fluid causes all the exterior seals to blow out from being over pressurized starting with the pan gasket.

Wives tale?

Not exactly but it does causes aeration in some cases and you will see bubbles on the dipstick if available.

 

[Hall]

To add to what you have said, i am sure you've realized, the dipstick is an approximation.

I'll bet you that deep inside some engineering documentation at a Ford engine design center, there is specific data saying how much milliliters are in the transmission pan when the reading is at the low mark, middle of the marks, and at the high mark. Calling it an "approximation" is false. Fact is, a fluid level between "X" and "Y" is perfectly acceptable (or there wouldn't be range marks on the dipstick). You do realize that dipsticks are a specific length for a reason ?

 

[CleanSump]

Use the manufacturer's procedure. It works for everyone else.

 

[IndyIan]

To be quite honest with you, I have a very hard time seeing the fluid on the dipstick. I have to look at the holes to see if they're covered up by the fluid and even then it's hard to tell. I've tried all kinds of light: Daylight, Flashlight, Headlight; still tough to see.

Slide the edge of a paper towel down the stick until it gets wet. Sometimes you have to try a few times before you get a clear level.

 

[Hall]

Please don't message me again. Thank you.

You don't know how forums work, do you ?

But since i am talking to you i may as well admit i don't concern myself with dipsticks as much as you and your buddy Rand seem to.

What's the level show on the dipstick ? It's a simple question and it's the standard method of determining the level. Why you think it's not or you think you know better is laughable !

 

[zzyzzx]

Does the extractor extract from where the dipstick is located?

Yes. And you should own something that does extraction anyway (you will find other uses for it). For the amount that you need to extract even a MityVac would do, I should think.

For example, I have a riding lawn mower that's extremely messy to change the oil on. Once I figured out I could use my MityVac to get the oil out (yes 4oz at a time) and saw how it got pretty much everything and didn't make a mess, I could never do that any other way (on this mower). I also used a hand pump and a long tube to do transmission fluid several times on a car via the dipstick to get as much as I could out and change the transmission fluid that way as well.

 

[crashz]

I'll second the small Mity Vac idea. Between the small cup (~8 oz) and the mile of long tube you'll need to get to the fluid in the pan, you probably will be able to extract enough in one try.

There is a communication problem in this thread. The OP states his transmission is overfull by 1/2 to 1 qrt. He hasn't stated how he knows this, but I feel like he is assuming that everyone understands he knows this by reading the dipstick. OP - you are relatively new here, so here's a little explanation: BITOGers are mostly technically minded folks that like precise descriptions and as much relevant info as possible. Clear communication is paramount. We can only "see" what's written down here.

Another BITOG tip: we are overthinkers by nature. I've never used my MityVac for transmission extraction, but used it for other things and I've had the tubes come off the vac and cup repeatedly. I would hate to lose the tube in the dipstick tube, so make sure its secured with a clamp or something.