AT Dipstick Reading Seems Odd - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BrierS · #16 08-06-2004, 09:17 AM

Interesting point about the running vs. just using park . . . I went back to both manuals and did find reference to driving for at least 10 minutes to bring the fluid up to normal operating temperature. The reason I found your point interesting is that I believe the most accurate reading (both sides of the stick being about the same) was when I had not driven the car but had it at normal operating temperature from idling in the driveway. I am going to check that again to see if it was just a fluke. For what it is worth, I'll post my unscientific findings.
Thanks.

95300YDT-A · #17 08-06-2004, 10:06 AM

Hello again,

Got the drivers manual on my side. Indeed, the manual states "let idling for one ore two minutes the engin and to check the oil level don't lock the locking lever on the dipstick...The reading will depend of the A/T oil temp...The marks on the dipstick are designed for an A/T oiltemp of 80°c...normal operating temp.
At a temp of 20° or 30°, the maximum reading will be 10 mm UNDER the minimum mark ( 12 mm for the 200T, 200TE/TD, 230 TE, 250 TD, 300TD ).
NEVER exceed the maximum".
The way I explained before I learned from my indy and it works allright...for me.
At 20°/30°c and engine NOT running, half of the oil in the torque converter will be in the belly of the A/T giving a reading FAR ABOVE maximum...
Don't want to trouble anybody...
Have much fun checking your oil level!

Danny

BrierS · #18 08-06-2004, 10:20 AM

Danny,
I have given-up on checking the oil levels. Just kidding. You are correct and it was after you had said it the first time that I actually got what I believe to be the true reading. It was at normal operating temperature then and I have always used that method. All set on that.

I have an invaluable neighbor (also an Indy after retiring as a master tech & service manager for our local Chev & Toy dealership) and he told me of an old trick they used to use. During the winter they would put the stick in the snow for a minute before checking their fluids. Said he wouldn't dare do it now but that it seemed to work. He loves to hear me tell of some of what I read on this forum.

Did you notice my posts regarding the latest bone headed thing I did? Using string trimmer line to ream the drain tubes on my 300TD. The two sunroof rear drains are only seen from the rear wheel well areas where they exit the car. The first one went okay but the second one resulted in getting the line lodged in some part (still haven't found it) of the sunroof mechanisim. Tighter than tight so I cannot pull it back out. Whatever it lodged in has one heck of a hold on it. I have never removed a sunroof but I am probably going to get a self-taught lesson in it within the next couple of days. I just shook my head when this happened.