Hi folks - this place is incredible, and often over my head.

I'm a new owner of a 1982 300sd and a complete newbie in terms of car maintenance, but real interested in learning (i've now fixed my fuel sender, fixed my non-op FL and RW windows, replaced my trans. vacuum valves, changed fuel filters, changed oil and trans. filter/fluid).

I replaced my trans. filter and fluid last week, accidentally overfilled - and then drained off to the appropriate level.

The level read correctly the next day too (car idling at 80c temp.), but when I checked it this afternoon, it's a good inch over the max line.

What gives? I'm assuming that I should drain this extra too, but was wondering if i'm taking crazy pills, or if this happens to other people and can be logically explained?

I'm sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere. I searched and read a lot, but didn't see this issue raised

With engine fully warmed up...trans' oil level should be at, or just below upper mark on stick. Cold, it will often be 1/4 inch or more below lower mark.
You need to check the level quickly....or splash will make it look higher.
I always check it in 'D'.....but N is okay.

There is a possibility the oil cooler in the radiator has developed a leak and trans' is filling with coolant...however, the fluid usually turns strawberry pink when this happens and there is oil in the coolant bottle.....hope this is not what you have.

__________________
[http://languageandgrammar.com/2008/01/14/youve-got-problems-not-issues/ ]

"A liberal is someone who feels they owe a great debt to their fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."

Also ensure that the car is on perfectly level ground when you check. A slight inclination may change the fluid level reading slightly.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

The transmission flund should be checkeck after the car is driven at least 20 miles. The fluid on the stick should feel hot. If checked before the trans is hot use the bottom add line as the full line to get close. Then double check after hot to verify level. If you overfill the trans and run the car you could aireate the oil and possibly create havock inside the trans. If the level gets to where it starts to contact the moving trans parts when running down the road air will start to enter the fluid. The air then plays havock with a hydraulic system not designed to run on an oil/air mixture. Do you're self a favor and drain the extra fluid off. John

To further refine the cold check measurement. Cold, the fluid level will be 10mm below the low mark. That will give you a good working gauge, best to check HOT and on a level surface. You need to drive at least 15 miles to warm the fluid sufficiently.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Thanks for the help folks, I'm pretty sure it was the level ground that was getting me.

I warmed up the car with a few errands, and brought it back to a level surface - checked the level, drained a bit out the bottom, and everything seems to be good.

Thanks again,
Dave