Dipstick & transmission flush RESOLVED

[4uall]

It may be due to the fact that I am tired however, I have not been able to locate my transmission fluid dip stick. Does it even exist? I am looking to do a tranny flush this weekend. Have the Seafoam, Pennzoil, funnel etc just need to find the dipstick!!!! Photos are always welcome. 1980 Fiat Spider Manual transmission FI

[NJFIAT1981]

BAD NEWS. YOU MUST DRAIN THE TRANSMISSION FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. YOUR TRANSMISSION HAS A DRAIN AND FILL PLUG. MAKE SURE YOU CAN REMOVE THE FILLER PLUG BEFORE YOU DRAIN THE TRANSMISSION. MAKE SURE YOU USE THE CORRECT GL TRANSMISSIOM OIL. I WOULD SUGGEST PURCHASING A REPAIR MANUAL BEFORE YOU START. READ OVER THE INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO BEGINING THE WORK. GOOD LUCK!

[whiterabbit]

You are going to need a large allen wrench. 17mm I think? And a oil pump to refill the tranny, because you can't tip the oil bottle up to just pour it in. I used a hose attached to the bottle and squeezed it in.
While you're under there check for leaks. The speedo cable nut is always loose and leaking.

[4uall]

Thank you both. Now I can get my sanity back. I had read about the procedure and equipment required. Just hoping I could fill from the dip. Fingers crossed for this afternoon.

[azruss]

the plug in the bottom is an allen. i think it is the same size as the oil drain plug. 12mm i think. you will see a bolt plug in the side of the tranny on the exhaust side. this is your fill hole and you fill to the level of that hole. this is a slow messy process. i've tried the tube and sqeeze technique and it isnt a great solution. i've also made a trough to go in the hole and poured it in. works about as good. I have also tried one of those pump type oil cans. as i remember, it didnt work much better than the other solutions. this is a manual transmission...no dip stick

[rlux4]

The method for filling I use is a helper with a funnel and a long clear plastic tube. I get under the car and watch while the helper pours the tranny fluid down, when the fluid reaches the correct level I plug the end of the tubing and button up the tranny. I considered the one man operation with a pump and decided the easiest and least messy option was my choice. Plus I had a teen-age son mooching off of us at home, so I put him to work as the helper. Cheaper than buying the pump.
Ron

[johndemar]

The method for filling I use is a helper with a funnel and a long clear plastic tube. I get under the car and watch while the helper pours the tranny fluid down, when the fluid reaches the correct level I plug the end of the tubing and button up the tranny. I considered the one man operation with a pump and decided the easiest and least messy option was my choice. Plus I had a teen-age son mooching off of us at home, so I put him to work as the helper. Cheaper than buying the pump.
Ron

I've found Ron's technique work's best for me as well. Although I still haven't come up with a solution to get the mooching son out of the house yet.

[majicwrench]

And why are you flushing transmission?? Not required, not gonna improve anything

[4uall]

@ Ron sadly my son is almost four however, if he wants to eventually inherit this car he will need to help out in the future. For now he is awesome at fetching tools and holding lights

@ majicwrench I have been led to believe that you should change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. My car has 94,000 km and I have no idea when it was last done. Just being cautious and would like the car to last another 31 years.

[rlux4]

Quite the coincedence johndemar, my son, now 21, is back at home. Since he supposedly had left, we'd moved and downsized into a two bedroom (our 17 y.o. college going daughter is still here) so he's sleeping on the floor in the laundry room.
Ron

[ventura ace]

[quote="4uall@ majicwrench I have been led to believe that you should change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. My car has 94,000 km and I have no idea when it was last done. Just being cautious and would like the car to last another 31 years.[/quote]

I think what majicwrench meant was there isn't a benefit from using a flushing solvent. Just drain thoroughly and refill. That's probably what you were referring to, anyway, but the term "flush" was used, which implies more than just draiining.

I agree that changing old tired fluid is a good idea.

Alvon

[vandor]

Jay,

The fill plug is on the passenger side, and you need a 17mm wrench to remove it.
DO NOT remove the large allen head plug above it! It plugs a hole where an emissions switch used to reside. I've had several customers remove that and not be able to put it back.

[whiterabbit]

Ha! Knew there was a 17mm involved in there somewhere.
Oh, when mine moved out I changed the locks,wouldn't answer the door, and screened my calls!

[4uall]

Well the weekend has come and gone. My wife had gone out and sadly had her keys to the Jeep She was parked infront of the garage Okay, so this weekend looks good. Will keep you posted. Thanks in advance for the advice.

[zachmac]

The method for filling I use is a helper with a funnel and a long clear plastic tube. I get under the car and watch while the helper pours the tranny fluid down, when the fluid reaches the correct level I plug the end of the tubing and button up the tranny. I considered the one man operation with a pump and decided the easiest and least messy option was my choice. Plus I had a teen-age son mooching off of us at home, so I put him to work as the helper. Cheaper than buying the pump.
Ron

While this would work. But why not just drain from the bottom, replace the drain plug, remove the shifter knob, the boot and surrounding wood and unbolt the shift mechanism. Poor a premeasured 1.75 qts in from the top and call it a day?