ZF oil level

[quality time]

Okay, before I go pumping oil out of my transmissions I thought I would get a few opinions. My ZF manual says to check the level with the engines running and I don't doubt that, however I have seen manuals with typos in them before. My problem is that when I check the level with the engine's off it is right between the lines on the dipstick. When I check it with them running it is way over full. I looked in the fill hole while they were running and there is oil spraying around so bad that I don't see anyway to get a good reading on the dipstick. Soooo, I assume that the previous owner has overfilled them. I know this is not good if it is the case. If this was the case though wouldn't the level go down when oil starts circulating? I also notice that when I pull the dipsticks I can hear hissing like a vacuum. I checked the breather and it doesn't seem to be clogged....help. :huh:

 

[Hampton]

I can't quote the manual, but I've always understood that you check the transmission level after running the engines, so they're warm. Remove the dipstick, wipe it dry (obviously), then re-insert it without screwing it on. Pull it out and read. That's what I remember. Hope it helps.

 

[quality time]

I'll sleep alot better if that's correct! I did read my manual again this weekend and it says "with engine running but in neutral".

 

[tc410]

We have the same engines and perhaps the same transmissions. My manual reads the same as Hampton's. Check the fluid after turning off the engine with the goal of performing the check before the oil drains back into the transmission from the oil cooler and lines. Important to note, as Hampton said, to not re-thread the dipstick during the check. Just insert the dipstick up to the threads.

 

[quality time]

Dom, Frank, anybody else have any thoughts?

My manual is on the boat but I will almost swear that it says with engine running but in neutral.

 

[osd9]

Aaron:

I check my trans oil as described by Hampton and Jeff above. I'll come clean and admit that I didn't read the manual on this, but do it that way because that is the way the Tech did it on my survey day.

Hurth's website doesn't offer any manuals online...at least that I could see....

http://zf-marine.com/ZFR/Transmissions/index.cfm?PID=AAA&DS=Description&GN=ZF_80_IV

You've got me thinking, so I'll be sure to read my manuals over the weekend....tonight if I get the chance....in the mean time...get some sleep.....:grin:

 

[quality time]

Thanks Dom, I wouldn't have questioned it but my father says they were checked the same way as my manual states on his Post.

 

[osd9]

OK....I just read the manual. It states that you should run the engine with the gear shifter in neutral for a short period of time in order to fill the oil cooler and lines with trans fluid and then to shut down. Soon after you shut down, you are to remove the stick, wipe it clear and then re-insert the stick (it has a an illustration) back in the trans but just enough for the threads to make contact with the housing....just as described above by Hampton....then re-pull the stick and the level should be in between the ticks....Sleep well my friend!

 

[quality time]

Thanks Dom! Maybe there's a page missing from my manual...:smt021