c4 fill tube/dipstick mismatch

[schneire]

I think I might have a mismatched dip stick and tube, because I am overfilling the transmission and leaking out the vent.

I confirmed that I have the early dip stick D3BP-7A020-AA but can't confirm the tube.

Can anyone tell by the picture if its the long or short tube? Is there a way to measure it to tell?


https://www.dropbox.com/s/fguu8r1lfcki0gp/2016-08-14 13.55.46.jpg?dl=0

 

[Viperwolf1]

Looks like the short '73-'74 tube. That is the correct stick. Can you make some measurements of the dipstick length, top rivet to tip? Maybe also a measurement from end of tube to center tube on bottom? I have a spare around here somewhere I can verify.

 

[schneire]

Looks like the short '73-'74 tube. That is the correct stick. Can you make some measurements of the dipstick length, top rivet to tip? Maybe also a measurement from end of tube to center tube on bottom? I have a spare around here somewhere I can verify.

The stick measures 20 -1/8 from first rivot to tip
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3m8q86u7t0o27kc/2016-08-14 14.38.06.jpg?dl=0

The tube measures 24 inches hanging from the top straight(not following curves)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/l3vnq2z36lm4u2a/2016-08-14 14.39.35.jpg?dl=0

 

[Viperwolf1]

I'll get some measurements today.

 

[DirtDonk]

Other than the stick by itself, do you know how much fluid is being put into the transmission? Or are you just topping off at this point?

Phil, how many quarts does a Bronco C4 hold normally?

Paul

 

[schneire]

Other than the stick by itself, do you know how much fluid is being put into the transmission? Or are you just topping off at this point?

Phil, how many quarts does a Bronco C4 hold normally?

Paul

No I didn't keep track of the total fluid I put in it. When I drive for more than 10 minutes I get a slow drip that seems to be coming from the vent area of the intermediate housing. I noticed today it was a pint low according to the dipstick checked while running and hot.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Other than the stick by itself, do you know how much fluid is being put into the transmission? Or are you just topping off at this point?

Phil, how many quarts does a Bronco C4 hold normally?

Paul

Right around 10 qts when it's completely empty, as in fresh from rebuild. There will always be a qt or two left inside if you drain pan and converter.

 

[Viperwolf1]

I'll get some measurements today.

Bad news and good news. What I have is the '75-'77 dipstick and tube. On this one the tube is 26" as measured above. This makes the 24" measurement sound legitimate for the '73-'74 tube. I knew there was about a 2" difference in them. The '75-'77 dipstick measures 23 1/2" between tip and top rivet. I don't know if the distance above the top rivet is the same as the earlier dipstick.

 

[schneire]

Bad news and good news. What I have is the '75-'77 dipstick and tube. On this one the tube is 26" as measured above. This makes the 24" measurement sound legitimate for the '73-'74 tube. I knew there was about a 2" difference in them. The '75-'77 dipstick measures 23 1/2" between tip and top rivet. I don't know if the distance above the top rivet is the same as the earlier dipstick.

If the fluid is truly coming from the vent, then I suppose the only other option would be over heating? The transmission shifts fine and consistently, cold to warm. I don't have a temp sensor on the transmission. Is there a tell tale of a transmission being too hot.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Overheating or overfilled. Transmission fluid expands a lot when it gets hot. The full mark on the stick is the hot level. It should be lower when cooler. You need to check the level when it's as hot as it gets, after a long drive across town.

Look at the fluid. It should be bright red and smell like transmission fluid. If it's burnt it'll be darker and smell like hot brakes. Fluid gets burnt when there is some slippage happening in the clutches/bands. It may be so slight that you can't feel it, yet. What are you using for a cooler?

I did find some of my old pics of a '73 dipstick and tube. Your tube looks correct. Dipstick may be a little shorter. Looks like I measured from the top though.

 

[Rustytruck]

On my 1974 with the engine running and tranny fluid cold using valvoline type F tranny fluid, the fluid will be at the very tip of the dipstick. Slightly less than half way between the lowest hole on the dipstick and the very tip of the dipstick. Anymore than that with the early dipstick tube, dipstick and the stock c-4 deep sump pan once the fluid gets hot and at freeway speed it will vent fluid and you'll see splatter on the back of your tailgate. I have oversize tranny cooler so my fluid never full gets hot enough to show fluid up to the high mark.

 

[schneire]

On my 1974 with the engine running and tranny fluid cold using valvoline type F tranny fluid, the fluid will be at the very tip of the dipstick. Slightly less than half way between the lowest hole on the dipstick and the very tip of the dipstick. Anymore than that with the early dipstick tube, dipstick and the stock c-4 deep sump pan once the fluid gets hot and at freeway speed it will vent fluid and you'll see splatter on the back of your tailgate. I have oversize tranny cooler so my fluid never full gets hot enough to show fluid up to the high mark.

Looks like I was overfilling it. I drained about a quart out. Let it get good and hot, and it only showed a pint low. I am using a Wal-Mart brand transmission fluid. I wonder if the cheaper fluid expands more than the better quality fluids.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Type F is type F. It's all made to the same specs, probably in the same place.