ATF/ Gearbox oil

[TEZ217]

Hi, just checked the A.T. F. while the engine was running, handbrake on and went through each gear position once or twice put it back in P position and checked level maybe was a little low, went through gear positions again stopped this time on D position it seemed lower again, question is having read previous threads on this subject what is the best position in order to check your ATF level ?
Also realise required oil is dextron 3 but is any make suitable for this, thinking of doing a complete oil change with the help of a pump (thanks to Nibs offer to loan me one) and wondered if any make was preffered ? saw one 5 lt carton that said meets the requirements of dextron 3 (made by Comma) should I avoid for the sake of an extra few quid and buy the likes of castrol etc? not an easy task as being a Geordie saving money in is my Genes !! (Thats where the savings will end up anyway but the spelling is different)

[francophile1947]

Check it in D with engine running and ATF hot.
I used the Comma equivalent and it has been fine

[missfixit70]

If you're going to change it, I'd drop the sump & clean the filter, doesn't take long & it can be surprising how cruddy it gets in there - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=30096

[Fordfreda]

Hello

I think you have everything right except that you should be checking the fluid level in P and not D. I think checking in D is potentially dangerous and not recommended.

[TEZ217]

WELL WELL WELL
This is why I asked this particular question as it seems we have and still offer up a difference of opinion here, nothing wrong with differing opinions but whats the majority say? We have Francophile saying do it in D and Fordfreda saying do it in P as it could be potentialy dangerous !!!
WHAT SAY THE REST OF YA ?

[francophile1947]

My answer was based on what dandywarhol said "if you're getting irregular readings then dip it with the engine running in "D" with the handbrake on hard. This will lower the idling speed and give less splash. " and he knows about auto boxes

[TEZ217]

Think your right there francophile, Ive read many of his postings and replies and he knows his stuff!!
Was just trying to get some other responses to this question, I did actually get a different reading when in D and the dip stick did seem easier to read.

[missfixit70]

I think the difference is minimal between the level in P or D, but it can be easier to see the level in D, I find it easier seeing the level in D & have been doing so for the last couple of years, but at least 2 auto box specialists recommend doing it in P, When I asked at Dunnings in Weymouth, all the guys said P not D.
I'm getting splinters in my arris sitting on the fence & do both now to make sure

[Northern Bongolow]

i use the following with brill results
millars atf millarmatic um better than dex 111
dont use millarmatic un thats equivalent to dex 11

[waycar8]

i use the following with brill results
millars atf millarmatic um better than dex 111
dont use millarmatic un thats equivalent to dex 11

Are you sure its not Millermatic ATF DM Ady?, cant find the UM on there site?

it has the equivelent to dextron III but the DM say's equivilent to dextron IIIH why is an improved dextron 3.


having found this http://www.aa1car.com/library/atf.htm it says that dextron 3 was replaced by the improved dextron 3h in 2003, and that the Dexron VI now replaces Dexron III and II, and can be used in GM or import transmissions that formerly specified Dexron III or II.

[Northern Bongolow]

sorry for my mistake wayne,it is infact DM as you say.
we recently sold our oil buisness to millars and have some good contacts there,spoke to a chap called Matt,he said this dm is far supirior to dex 111 and he strongly recomended it.there are 2 bongos running on it at the moment and both have seen good improvement on already good performance,faster warm up and really smooth changes,
hope this helps.

[Alacrity]

Millermatic ATF DM is good stuff - we use hundreds of gallons of the stuff here each year.

Check the level in PARK. Advice from a transmission rebuilder.

Here endeth the lesson . . .

[TEZ217]

Thanks to all for some excellent replies and advice, very grateful indeed.

[mikeonb4c]

Reading this thread with interest as going to do mine soon. I'm going to have a search but if anyone reads this and can advise on what quantity I need I'd be most grateful cos the workshop manual doesn't seem to say (hey its only a workshop manual )

Also, since measuring the level sounds a bit tricky, any advice on how to fill it so as not to overfill (for example, is there an amount that you can safely put in before having ot proceed with caution so as not to overfill?)

Finally, if reusing the old gasket, is there a gasket sealant that can be safely used or is that dodgy given you don't want any getting in the ATF?

thanks chums

[mikeonb4c]

Reading this thread with interest as going to do mine soon. I'm going to have a search but if anyone reads this and can advise on what quantity I need I'd be most grateful cos the workshop manual doesn't seem to say (hey its only a workshop manual )

Also, since measuring the level sounds a bit tricky, any advice on how to fill it so as not to overfill (for example, is there an amount that you can safely put in before having ot proceed with caution so as not to overfill?)

Finally, if reusing the old gasket, is there a gasket sealant that can be safely used or is that dodgy given you don't want any getting in the ATF?

thanks chums

Scrap that request - just found Kirsty's excellent and definitive thread on the subject and have emailed a link to Adrian in Bury cos I'm too old and chicken to do this job myself - I need treats (well, a ramp), though I'll try and do some of the grease monkey work for him