4r70w fluid levels with trans coolers

[Drtj]

I have a newly rebuilt 4r70w with the lines running to the radiator and then to an external cooler on the radiator. Google search for 4r70w fluid capacity ranges from 12 to 14 qts to fill. I presume the difference is in the lines and coolers that a vehicle uses. Yesterday I checked to make sure there was fluid on the dipstick for first start, added fluid with engine running, warm, rowed through the gears allowing to sit in gear for a minute. I then added fluid until the dipstick showed the correct level warm and running. When I turned off the truck and let it sit overnight the first thing today I checked the dipstick cold and found the level was 1 1/2" -2" above the full mark on my lokar dipstick. Since both coolers are higher than the trans, does gravity cause this/ is this normal? Also the last 2 quarts added were mercon lv not the mercon v like the previous (I believe) 12 quarts. Reading last night I saw they are not compatible. Is this a big problem? As you can tell I am not a true mechanic. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

[ba123]

Need to check while arm and running.

And if it's anything like my AOD was to fill, it's gonna take multiple times to get it right since gotta fill through the tiny dipstick while running and the fluid doesn't go down very easily. Also might take some time to get all the air out.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Convertor drain back. The convertor drains into the pan while parked overnight. Typical.
As mentioned, check while running. I know they always say check when warmed up, but there are cold fill marks as well. I generally just use those on a cold start.

The window for fill isn't just coolers. There are different sump pans (cars usually get a shorter, flat, pan for ground clearance. Trucks get a deeper sump with a hump in it for severe angle usage. And there are different convertors as well.

 

[Drtj]

Thank you Sir. You have helped me to make sure that I have got it functional. Will 2 qt mercon lv and 12 quarts mercon V be ok? I mean it won't gel or anything crazy I hope? Both types were motocraft orange bottle and I did not notice the difference until after I topped off. From my Google search for answers, I am not sure what incompatible means.

 

[Yeller]

You’ll be fine, they mix just fine.

 

[badandy73]

As far as capacity, I've got 15 qts. in mine with an external plate cooler and radiator circuit and running a Hughes locking dipstick. Reads right on the low side of the hatched zone on the dipstick once its good and hot, idling in P.

Thought that some of the later versions of the Dex/ Merc went to full synthetic, would think you'd want one or the other but probably not going to hurt anything.

 

[Drtj]

Over

 

[Drtj]

Showing above full when cold= torque converter drain and increased cooler fluid capacity. It is not a problem. Fluids will probably work OK with 12 and 2 qt V and Lv mix. Mine might require additional fluid as i put miles on, watch the dipstick. Thank you for your input.