Automatic Dipstick Reading
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 3
From: Palmyra NY
Automatic Dipstick Reading
I hope this is not going to sound stupid, but on my 80 Corvette I am having trouble seeing the oil level on my dipstick. When the engine is hot at idle when I pull it out I cannot see the oil mark. I know there's oil there but it does not leave a noticeable line. My front pump leaks a little so I want to make my level is always up. Any tricks to be able to read the level? I added some oil today and now not sure if I gave it enough or too much. Thanks. Don
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 480
Likes: 42
From: Los Angeles CA
I hope this is not going to sound stupid, but on my 80 Corvette I am having trouble seeing the oil level on my dipstick. When the engine is hot at idle when I pull it out I cannot see the oil mark. I know there's oil there but it does not leave a noticeable line. My front pump leaks a little so I want to make my level is always up. Any tricks to be able to read the level? I added some oil today and now not sure if I gave it enough or too much. Thanks. Don
Last edited by Frank_Nesta; May 4, 2015 at 12:12 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,278
Likes: 483
From: Salmon Arm, BC
If you wipe the dipstick really clean and dry, then reinsert and pull back out. Now angle the dipstick down and away from you, and face the sun.....the oil is will show glossy wet whereas the stick will be a flater shade. The real trick is to wipe the dipstick dry the first time around.
I sure hope I haven't been trolled.....
I sure hope I haven't been trolled.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,504
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From: Butler Pa
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,684
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
True, but if the OP checks the fluid with the engine off, he should see what it looks like on the dipstick. If he doesn't see it with the engine off, I'd suspect that the dipstick is either wrong or broken.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
It should be quite a bit high on the stick, when engine is OFF. You must be low on fluid. Put one quart of fluid in the fill tube, then warm engine and check again with transmission in "Drive" range. Fully warmed oil should be at the FULL mark.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 3
From: Palmyra NY
Thanks Guy's for your help. A friend of mine told me to drill small holes where the checkered area was. "That might help" he says. The oil will fill the holes and give you your level. This is my first time owning an automatic. I always drove standard shift. Why do you check transmission oil with engine running? Why don't they have you check it like you do with engine oil...engine off?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
It is checked hot and running because when running, the torque converter, valve bodies, and all components have sufficient fluid to work properly and you are checking the supply in the pan. When not running and cold the level may or may not be consistent from one shut down to another due to drain back from those areas of the tranny.
