Modifying transmission dip stick

[ogdobber]

Yes, I leave the dipstick out and then re-install the filler cap when done. I leave the dipstick with the handle attached in my tool box now.
Yes, I wear a pair of mechanics gloves to remove and re-install the filler cap.

You need to take several readings with the dipstick and this mod allowed me to perform this easily and quickly.

Try and take this dipstick in and out several times with just your fingers, even with gloves on, and you will soon be giving a verbal whipping to the FoMoCo engineers.

This mod keeps the dipstick positioned perfectly so it does not fall over or tilt, which could give you a false reading on the hash mark.

---------- Post added at 11:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 AM ----------




I did not use a lift. I just threw a piece of carpet on the ground and crawled underneath to take readings.
Just insert dipstick, remove, take reading, wipe clean and repeat until you have a consistant reading.
I'm 5'7" and maneuver quite will under the raptor for this.
A lift is preferable but the trans fluid temp was dropping below 193F quickly.
So I had to act quickly and throw the carpet down and crawl underneath, remove filler cap and perform the reading.

---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------



???

Ruger.....Drill and tap the dipstick and attach a handle. Done.
Simple and effective.

When i say leather gloves i mean like this. They protect the heat very well, you could weld with them. I took my sweet time when i did it. Mechanix wear gloves are useless imo




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[R1jamn]

When i say leather gloves i mean like this. They protect the heat very well, you could weld with them. I took my sweet time when i did it. Mechanix wear gloves are useless imo




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I used the mechanics gloves to reach up and navigate the dipstick in and out of the filler hole. I found it to be a waste of time and energy as it was just to difficult and dangerous.

Leather will provide better protection.....Yes.
You will still feel the heat if you lay any part of your gloved hand on the cat. That leather will transfer the heat if left on the cat for too long.
Your hand will feel insulated then BAMM!!!! The heat is on you quick and you will peel the glove off in record time.

This mod elimates many of those issues.

 

[Ruger]

@R1jamn wrote: "A lift is preferable but the trans fluid temp was dropping below 193F quickly."

Transmission dipstick readings are done with the engine and transmission at operating temperature and with the engine running. How is it that the transmission fluid temperature was quickly dropping, R1jamn?

 

[R1jamn]

@R1jamn wrote: "A lift is preferable but the trans fluid temp was dropping below 193F quickly."

Transmission dipstick readings are done with the engine and transmission at operating temperature and with the engine running. How is it that the transmission fluid temperature was quickly dropping, R1jamn?

Ruger , the service manual specifically states to check the trans fluid level with the engine running and in Park with the trans fluid temp between 193F and 215F

I simply used the trans temp gauge on the info screen to monitor the trans fluid temp.
I would drive until the fluid temp on the info screen reached 197F to 199F then drive back to the area I had my tools set up (flat area) and check the fluid level.

As far as the temp of the trans fluid dropping, it would go down to 190F at idle quickly and lower if it idled longer.
I wasn't performing a test on how far the temp would drop though.

 

[whoisbigman]

I've always wondered... we check fluid with engine running and at temp so converter is full and fluid is in all its little places. When engine is off, fluid settles into pan. Yours, mine, everyone's settles into pan and contracts due to cooling. Why not just make the mark at the cool not running mark and make it easy?

 

[ogdobber]

I've always wondered... we check fluid with engine running and at temp so converter is full and fluid is in all its little places. When engine is off, fluid settles into pan. Yours, mine, everyone's settles into pan and contracts due to cooling. Why not just make the mark at the cool not running mark and make it easy?

Not running it will overflow when properly filled hot or cold


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[Ruger]

Not running it will overflow when properly filled hot or cold

Absolutely true.
(Don't ask me how I know.)

Which really, really makes me wonder (again) why Ford didn't provide a conventional transmission dipstick.

 

[Jimster58]

Look what I just found:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex6gXihMIPg&autoplay=1?rel=0

B&M just came out with a very nice locking transmission dipstick - video installation is demonstrated on a Gen1 Raptor. Best design I've found, so far, much better than the Performance Automatic version.

 

[Ruger]

It would be absolutely perfect if the mounting bracket was mounted somewhere on the engine. That way when the engine/transmission/dipstick would all move together when the engine and trans mounts flex under torque. There's GOT to be a way to do this right.

 

[Jimster58]

I would hope that they thought of this and accounted for it in the OAL of the tube/dipstick. I agree - affixed to the engine would be the ideal.