Brian,
the whole open area in the transmission will physically only hold about 2 1/2 quarts.? since your leak is probably at the torque converter seal, air is getting in where the oil is leaking out.? This lets the torque converter drain down into the trans case, which it normally doesn't accomplish for some time.? The torque converter holds about 2 1/2 quarts so about half of that could find it's way back to the trans case fairly quickly! Given the above scenario is true, you could actually be aggravating (feeding) the leak by filling the trans to the full mark, which doesn't leave enough space??for the oil to drain down.? The level in the trans case would?get high enough that it leaks out the tq seal, even with the engine off!? Is that the case?? Does the oil continue to drip, long after the engine is shut off? I am sorry to answer your question with more questions, but here is one more.? Have you checked the vacuum line to the transmission modulator for signs of oil?? a cracked modulator diaphragm can let trans fluid get sucked into the engine, agravating your fluid loss. Marshall (RIP) has many times said to never fill in the oil to more than halfway between the add and the full lines.? He was mainly talking about engine oil, but I have seen automatic transmissions, filled to the correct hot level, blow oil out the vent on a hard run up a long hill, or more likely, due to aeration of the fluid, caused by something as simple as a loose filter.? We are, after all, dealing? with a well used transmission, and quirky things can happen. I would start by never adding more than 1/2 quart when the dipstick gets down to the add mark.? Lucas makes an additive for automatics which may swell that leaking seal.?? Try to observe the drip rate with fluid at different levels, with the engine off. Finally, never park with the front of the car down hill! Jim in Phoenx -----Original Message----- From: Zoltan Finks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Mercedes Discussion List <mercedes@okiebenz.com> Sent: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 5:46 am Subject: [MBZ] ATF Level Question Just checked the ATF earlier this evening on the 87 190D and found once again that the stick is dry. I assure you this pains me. But I'm learning just how often I have to add fluid to the leaky tranny. Heaven forefend the wife would ever check it. And I pulled the dipstick again a few minutes ago with engine off and cooled down. I found that the fluid level is just a bit above the full line. This all makes sense, but it reminded me of when I was dealing with the seller out in California. He, a plastic surgeon (so not a totally stupid man) was so sure that the trans fluid should be checked with the engine off. And when I showed him that the dipstick was dry with engine running, he said "yes, that's how it should be. When you shut it off and check it, the level is right." I proceeded to show him in the manual where it states that the trans fluid should be checked with engine running and trans in "park". Question is: If the fluid level is just above the full line (the highest of the two marks on the dipstick) with the engine off and cool, how low is the transmission on fluid? The reason I ask this is that it is very difficult to achieve a clear reading on that dipstick. One side will have something approaching a clear reading, and the other side will have fluid running half way up the stick. I suppose checking the dipstick after adding fluid contributes to this problem, but even when I don't do that, it's still really hard to get a clear reading. Thanks, Brian 87 190D 83 240D _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
