ATF Dipstick markings (full? too full?). Change fluid or not

[longwori]

Hi guys,

Today, for the first time ever I have taken a look at my engine.

I have only had her since September and she runs like a dream so there has never been a need for me to get under the seats but I just thought I should better find out how I get in there.

The first problem I had was that it has had a side conversion and I had very little space to play with under the drivers seat as it would not go very far back. I must make a prop to hold this up while I have my head stuck under there too!

Anyway, I am waffling. I took a look at the dipsticks while I was under there and saw that the ATF dipstick had two knotches and then a twist but no "F" or "L" that I noticed. So, what does all this mean? Is first knotch "L" and the second knotch "F" or does the twist have some bearing on it? The fluid looked nice and was way over both knotches but the engine was not running and I realise it should be running and warm to take the reading with so maybe the high level is not something to worry about?

I also am having no problems with the automatic gearbox but I have no way of knowing if it is due a change of fluid or not. It has done 67,000 miles though.

Should I leave it as is until I notice some Auto changing problems or change it now?

Cheers,

Ian

[francophile1947]

September - and you haven't checked your oil levels
If the ATF is bright red and doesn't smell burnt, it's probably OK. However, mine looked OK but, when I changed it, the gearchanges became a lot smoother. If you don't know when it was last done, I'd give it a go

[longwori]

Yeah, its the first time I have seen the engine!

Well, its not a VW camper so I really have had no need to find it before!

Any idea about the dipstick markings and what they represent?

Cheers,

Ian

[francophile1947]

Fairly sure the top mark (notch) is the full level. Get the oil hot and check with the engine running and gear selector in P or D - D apparently gives a better reading, but make sure the wheels are chocked

[Alacrity]

Top mark is full, engine running & the transmission hot. To be honest I am not 100% sure if the lower mark is a low mark or a cold tranny high mark. Check it after a 3-5 mile run with the engine running in park.

If you are not sure if it has had a transmission oil change then change it (or get it done) & also clean/replace the filter. DO NOT wait until you have problems or it will be too late & you will be looking at a big bill. That is like saying wait until the big ends start knocking before changing the engine oil.

[splitpin]

On mine the lower mark is for checking level cold, marked 20C, and the top one for checking when hot, marked 60C.

[Northern Bongolow]

On mine the lower mark is for checking level cold, marked 20C, and the top one for checking when hot, marked 60C.

and the twist in the stick is where the correct level should be when its not been run (overnight), and its cold, and not running.

[longwori]

Thats good news, it was up to the twist when I looked.

Ok, my mind is made up, I think I will bite the bullet and change it.

Cheers for the advice. I see there are a few guides on the forum for doing the change so hopefully I wont run into any problems.

Is it cheaper to buy ATF fluid online in general than from your local autofactors type place does anyone know?

Cheers,

Ian

[Doone]

Is it cheaper to buy ATF fluid online in general than from your local autofactors type place does anyone know?

That may depend on what your local autofactor charges. Wherever you buy it, see THIS LINK if you need advice on what to buy.

[longwori]

Bought some from Opie oils online. Went for the Millers Oils Millermatic ATF DM and also bought some engine oil at the same time: Motul 4000 Motion 10W-30.

Not sure whether to do a quick change with a pump to remove the old stuff or a full strip down. Can I assume as my Bongo has only done 67000, that the ATF will come out ok with a pump and not be sludge yet? I dont want to do a full strip down if it is unlikely to be full of gunge.

Cheers,

Ian

[Barrington]

Hi longwori can i ask how much you paid please, did you buy 10lt? many thanks Barrington pm me if you like cheers

[longwori]

No problem

5L of the 10W/30 for £21.29 + VAT
5L of the ATF for £19.14 + VAT

Delivery £4.96+VAT

Total £54.47.

I dont know if those prices are good but it was just more convenient and they will ship to my work address. I am also hoping 5L is enough of each to do the job.

Cheers,

Ian

[Barrington]

Thats a great help thank you Ian

No problem

5L of the 10W/30 for £21.29 + VAT
5L of the ATF for £19.14 + VAT

Delivery £4.96+VAT

Total £54.47.

I dont know if those prices are good but it was just more convenient and they will ship to my work address. I am also hoping 5L is enough of each to do the job.

Cheers,

Ian

[francophile1947]

No problem

5L of the 10W/30 for £21.29 + VAT
5L of the ATF for £19.14 + VAT

Delivery £4.96+VAT

Total £54.47.

I dont know if those prices are good but it was just more convenient and they will ship to my work address. I am also hoping 5L is enough of each to do the job.

Cheers,

Ian

Afraid not You'll need more engine oil.

[longwori]

Oh crap so I have not bought enough of either.

Thanks for letting me know anyway.