transmission fluid level

[Kevcules]

91 chevy half ton -700R4 transmission

Why is it when I check my transmission fluid every other week,it always read different.(sometimes a litre or two high or low) I can drive to the same place two days in a row and come home to check the level and it shows different. I know the tranny should be hot when checking and it is , but how can this be happening? Also,how can you tell when you have too little or too much fluid,will it shift slow or come out of gear while driving???
Thanks

Kevin in Canada

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Kevcules

91 chevy half ton -700R4 transmission

Why is it when I check my transmission fluid every other week,it always read different.(sometimes a litre or two high or low) I can drive to the same place two days in a row and come home to check the level and it shows different. I know the tranny should be hot when checking and it is , but how can this be happening? Also,how can you tell when you have too little or too much fluid,will it shift slow or come out of gear while driving???
Thanks

Kevin in Canada

the fluid level is going to vary with the temperature...if its very cold out it will be at the bottom of the hash marks...if its 100 deg f out it should be at the top of the hash mark...this is measured after driving about 10to 15 miles and the temp guage has been in the normal range for a time....If you have a very large tranny cooler this will vary even more when the cold weather comes as the tranny will not get hot ,,,so the fluid will stay in the lower area on the stick....

when you have too much fluid ,,,,the fluid will bubble...this WILL damage the tranny so you never want to overfill the tranny...you will see this on the stick the bubbles...

when you check level always park the vehicle in the same spot on level ground...a slight change in grade will cause this to vary as well...

if your down about a quart it will start to slip and shift erratic..

do you have any leaks???

[Kevcules]

Thanks for the info...that does make sense. I do have a little seal leak at the driveshaft but nothing else. The level mark has been consistent lately. Thanks again

Kevin