adding a dipstick to a trans

i have an auto trans that the manufacturer thought it was a great design to not include a trans fluid dipstick or fill tube--just a plug on the side. checking the trans fluid alone makes a mess and you have to have the vehicle running to do so.

assuming i could find a spot, would welding a tube to the trans (which would allow me to fill the trans easier) be feasible?

of course i'd have to pull the trans--then drill--then weld--then clean out the metal shavings, then reassemble.

a lot of work, but might be worth it. allowing me to change the trans fluid more often.what do you think?

Seems like alot of work for no real reason.

I think if the trans is off anyway for a rebuild or something it would be a wise time to do it. I think even easier than that, though is using an NPT nipple and some clear plastic tubing. Just take the plug out and replace it with a barbed nipple of the same size. Then you could put some 1/2" clear vinyl tubing on the nipple with a clamp and run the hose up to the engine bay. Cork it off somehow when you're not using it so dust and stuff doesn't get in.

Then you could just check the level by just keeping the fluid visible in the tubing.

Seems like alot of work for no real reason.

my SUV doesn't have any real way to check the trans fluid with out climbing under the truck. its a sealed trans ala GM...great designers that they are...

I think if the trans is off anyway for a rebuild or something it would be a wise time to do it. I think even easier than that, though is using an NPT nipple and some clear plastic tubing. Just take the plug out and replace it with a barbed nipple of the same size. Then you could put some 1/2" clear vinyl tubing on the nipple with a clamp and run the hose up to the engine bay. Cork it off somehow when you're not using it so dust and stuff doesn't get in.

Then you could just check the level by just keeping the fluid visible in the tubing.
i like your idea. now to find a high temp tubing that would work in the heat.

I think most clear vinyl tubing is good to around 400 degrees at like 50psi, so just dont route it close to any exhaust or anything and I dont think you would have a big problem. You could do the same thing with some differnt tubing that has a higher temp rating and run your dipstick though it.

thought it was a honda there for a sec.there good for that to

my SUV doesn't have any real way to check the trans fluid with out climbing under the truck. its a sealed trans ala GM...great designers that they are...


it is a great idea, because you dont even need to check your tranny fluid, if it is sealed, it wolnt leak out.

just becuase it sealed--doesn't mean you don't need to check your trans fluid. sealed trans are crap--i want a way to check and refill my trans fluid every 30000 miles.

and GM, don't give me the excuse that the fluid is good for 100000 miles--bah, what about the metal particals flowing through and killing the trans...

I think someones sarcasm meter is broken :icon16:

no reason why you coulnt' add a dipstick, but how you will know what is full, what is low, and what is inbetween.....good luck on that. But some measuring device is better than no measuring device. Don't forget temp though. That is crucial in measure systems with newer trannies.