Do I have the wrong tranny dipstick?

[strelnik]

As I continue to have free time, I devote it to my 126, a 1990 350SDL.

In doing the routine maintenance for the W126 trans, I discover I can't remove the tranny dipstick.

I double-check and discover that the dipstick is missing the black tang on the one in the photo below, which I grabbed from one of whunter's other posts.

When I go to the Pelican parts site to order a new dipstick for a W126, I see a completely different animal.

SO:

Is the Pelican site using a generic photo? or Do I have the wrong dipstick?

If you have a w126, especially a 350SD or 350SDL, please chime in. I need to make sure I didn't get the wrong thing.

It looks like I'm going to need a new one anyway, since it is missing the black plastic part.

I figure that, to remove the trans dipstick, you flip up the black piece and pull it out, right?

Thanks!

[vstech]

the pictured dipstick is correct for your car. (and practically every MB up to the W210...)
not sure what you found on Pelican's site, but there is a generic replacement dipstick available, mostly for the w210's and up, but likely applicable to other years.

[CarpeDiem51392]

You can't remove the dipstick? With the black hinge missing it should just pull out.
Not to hijack but does anyone have a tip on checking fluid level? My dipstick just comes up soaked everytime...

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by CarpeDiem51392

You can't remove the dipstick? With the black hinge missing it should just pull out.
Not to hijack but does anyone have a tip on checking fluid level? My dipstick just comes up soaked everytime...

I think a piece of the black hinge is inside but the lever portion on the outside broke off.

Who's got a dipstick to sell me?
Hell, I might buy two, just to have a spare.

[Assault]

Originally Posted by CarpeDiem51392

You can't remove the dipstick? With the black hinge missing it should just pull out.
Not to hijack but does anyone have a tip on checking fluid level? My dipstick just comes up soaked everytime...

This maybe exactly what you are looking for:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/350240-speedo-cable-disconnected-transmission-fluid-leak.html

2nd post

[Zulfiqar]

Originally Posted by CarpeDiem51392

You can't remove the dipstick? With the black hinge missing it should just pull out.
Not to hijack but does anyone have a tip on checking fluid level? My dipstick just comes up soaked everytime...

The level check on the dipstick is very "nuts" as I would like to put it. The hot reading is only good when the transmission fluid is almost burning hot.

The dead cold fill level is quite a few mm below the cold mark. for my E300D with the "weak" 722.4 transmission - the point is 11mm below the cold mark which makes it right about where the dipstick curls. For your 722.3 (stronger) transmission the mark is 7mm below the cold point.

When filled at these points the hot fluid check comes out perfect.

[engatwork]

Has anyone other than myself ever wondered why they just don't have a cold reading with the engine off mark? Does the various ambient temperatures throughout the world effect atf fluid level enough to prevent them from being able to do this?

[CarpeDiem51392]

Originally Posted by strelnik

I think a piece of the black hinge is inside but the lever portion on the outside broke off.

Who's got a dipstick to sell me?
Hell, I might buy two, just to have a spare.

Oh sorry to hear that. You could try popping it out with a screwdriver... idk lol don't drop anything down in there obviously.

Everytime I try to take a reading hot or cold there is fluid to a good 2" above the two marking lines. I just assumed this was a quirk of these dipsticks, or I was picking up fluid out of the dipstick tube.... Maybe it's actually overfull? I have added extra fluid a couple times because it leaks a little. Maybe I should drain some out?? Can everyone else with this style dipstick "read" it easily?

[vtmbz]

It was always my understanding that trannys dont want dipsticks....