Tranny fluid level when cold

[VA300SD]

Just noticed a puddle of tranny fluid under the 81 SD.....
It's been parked for several months I want to drive it again.

Anyhow, checked the fluid level before starting up the car and the level is.....about 6" above the full mark !!
I want to suck out some of the fluid with the Topsider but not sure how far the level should read when the car is sitting with the engine/tranny cold.

For my tranny (722.303) the manual says 5mm below the mark at 68F, but only after driving and working the gear shift level to the different positions.

I would rather not check the level after warming up the engine/tranny unless it is necessary to do so.

First of all, is it normal for the dipstick to read this high after the car sits for a while ?
If so, I would be more comfortable starting/driving the car so I can check the level with everything warmed up sufficiently.

Thanks for your help,

Alan

[Holson Adi]

I don't think the disptick reading is normal, the 5mm below the mark sounds good for a cold reference. I use that and it's always around there when it's cold (engine running)

I would start the car and suck out some of the ATF using the topsider until the level is where it should be at "shop temperature" as the user's manual calls it. (engine running, tranny in P)

Then I'd drive it around (highway, city, etc.) until the tranny is nice and warm (takes a while I think)

good luck!

[sclassforever]

Do a search on here. I seem to recall reading that after you leave them sit a few months the trans fluid from the torque convertor bleeds down and runs out. I had the puddle each winter from my 400SEL too. I would start it up and let the convertor fill up, let it warm up and check it.

[VA300SD]

Thanks for the reply, folks.

Talked to our diesel doctor and he told me it's normal after it sits for along period.
This prompted me to feel secure enough to take it out for a spin and check the level again and it is reading hair below the low mark with the engine/tranny warmed up.
The tranny is shifting and operating fine, so that's a good sign.
So...the level is consistant with the amount of leak I am seeing under the car.

Dropping off the car at 1 pm to get it checked over.
I have my fingers crossed that it's the pan gasket....

Thanks again !!

[sclassforever]

I dont think you have a leak. I am not sure where it runs out of (maybe a vent ?) when the convertor bleeds down, but I wouldnt worry about it. Its kind of a strange inherent design deal for mercedes I guess. N

[VA300SD]

RE - but I wouldnt worry about it

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Well, the shopowner gave me a ride home and took a look at the puddle.
He didn't think it was a big deal.

I did have to top off the tranny with 310 ml of Dexron, which is the amount between the low and full mark at operating temperature and I gave him this info.

Will get a verdict from him after he investigates.

[engatwork]

It will read high after sitting for awhile. If I am not mistaken the 5 mm below the low mark or something is where the level should be after it is started with the tranny cold. You need to run it out on the interstate (75+ mph) for at least 20 minutes to get it good and hot then check/set the level. The tranny will start acting up when the level gets too low (below the lower mark). I want to say that I seem to remember that it will start slipping during gear changes when it is too low but not sure. It has been awhile since I rode in one that was way low and that was after I had changed it and was in the process of getting the level back where it needed to be. Personally, I find getting the level where it needs to be one of the more pia type maintenance activities on these cars.

[VA300SD]

re - Personally, I find getting the level where it needs to be one of the more pia type maintenance activities on these cars.

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I couldn't agree more.
It is probably one of the easiest to accidently overfill, which is just as bad.

However, it is one of the few if not only tranny that provides a drain plug on the torque converter.

While I had it out earlier to warm things up (never left "S"), the tranny shifted fine. Just a hair bit of foaming from it being about 300 ml low.