checking transmission fluid

[macready]

i have a '85 911 and my shifting is not too good in 1st and 2nd gear. by process of elimination, im first going to check my transmission fluid level just to make sure its full. what is the best and easiest way to check the fluid. is there a way to get to the transmission filler plug by moving one of the back seats or do you have to go under the car?

if you can go through the interior of the car to get at the filler plug does anyone have any tips or directions as to how to do this the proper way?

or

if you have to just go under the car, how do you get under the car while keeping the car level so the fluid is level when you check it?


thanks...for any info!

[jason2guy]

its all done from underneath. i would suggest just changing the fluid to swepco, instead of just checking it. then at least you know whats inside of there. i would start there

[VincentVega]

Yep, all from underneath. 4 jackstand will keep it nice and level. It doesnt have to be perfectly level, just get it close. 2 thumbs up for Swepco.

[macready]

thanks for the info....and do you guys use a hand-operated oil pump when replacing the transmission fluid? is this the only way to get the fluid in the case?

[Randy Webb]

what size allen wrench do yo need for the 1970-71 tranny drain plugs?

[Schrup]

According to our host it's 17mm.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911E/POR_911E_tranny_pg3.htm#item13
But on the PET it looks like an external hex nut maybe 17mm

[astark]

macready--

Make sure you loosten the fill plug before draining tranny fluid. Don't want to drain and not be able to refill.

You have a 915 tranny. I just replaced the bushings and shift coupler--made a world of difference. Trans shifts much better now. There are good threads on this site (including some I started). Let me know if you feel you need to tackle the bushing replacement, I can give you some tips that may save time.

Alan

[ChrisBennet]

I doubt your fluid level is at fault unless you have a noticable leak. 1st and 2nd are the first gears to wear out usually.
-Chris

[HarryD]

Originally posted by macready
thanks for the info....and do you guys use a hand-operated oil pump when replacing the transmission fluid? is this the only way to get the fluid in the case?

Hi,

I changed my fluid recently. Being a tightwad, I used a funnel and 3 feet of 3/4" tubing. I warmed the new oil in a pan of warm water for a bit to help it flow. stuck the open end of the tube in the fill hole, and held the funnel higher than the car. I added some oil and continued to do so until it overflowed out the fill hole.

I pump would be easier, but it did not take very long with the funnel.

[qikcpa]

I went to autozone and for $3 they have a transmission filler hose which screws onto the swepco (or any other) gallon. It even has a handy twist function to to start & stop the flow. Added about two feet of additional tubing (from home depot) and just set the swepco container on the rear wheel. Punch a tiny hole in the gallon container for easier flow (above the oil level of course).

[HarryD]

Originally posted by qikcpa
I went to autozone and for $3 they have a transmission filler hose which screws onto the swepco (or any other) gallon. It even has a handy twist function to to start & stop the flow. Added about two feet of additional tubing (from home depot) and just set the swepco container on the rear wheel. Punch a tiny hole in the gallon container for easier flow (above the oil level of course).

Pretty cool but the only dark side I see to that is that after I put my 3 quarts of SWEPCO into the tranny, I have one qt in an unsealed container.

[ChrisBennet]

Or you could just make a pump using a juice bottle, some tubing and compressed air. See my post in this thread.
-Chris

[HarryD]

I made a little DIY for this job. It includes a picture of how I filled my Transmission.

You can see it here (http://members.rennlist.com/harryd/Trannyoil-Change.htm). Very similiar to the one in 101 Projects.