Best way to fill Tranny from dipstick tube?

[weaseltraps]

I've searched and seen the gravity method using some tubing. I am wondering if there is an easier way? Thin funnel directly into tube or funnel attached to hose?

I'm fairly new here having just gotten my 80 last month. I've been going through all the PM and just have a tranny drain and fill left. Today I made a nice mess of the garage doing the differentials and transfer case drain and refills. Plugs, wires, rotor and cap done. Oil and filter done. Brakes done. Scion T1806 stereo install done. 6.5" speakers up front done. 285/75/16 A/T tires installed. I can tell the front axle needs service sooner rather than later but other than that and a few cosmetic issues I am really enjoying the 80. Next on the list will be a new front bumper.

The guy I sold my last car to is a detailer and we bartered a full detail as part of the purchase price. I will post some pics when I get the car detailed (likely the only time it will ever happen). Thanks for this forum. It's been an immense resource in learning about the 80, maintenance and figuring things out.

1996 Factory Locked
Moonlight Pearl
145K
PO was an attorney who commuted in the car
No rust
$6500 (I know it's high but for my area SF Bay Area it was not a bad deal after looking at many over a few months).

 

[jvazquez53]

Long thin funnel.

 

[86tuning]

Use a transmission filling funnel. They look like this:

Pour in the required amount of Dexron III trans oil and be happy. Hint: put in the same amount that came out. Then idle the engine for 10 minutes, put it thru all the gears, and re-check your fluid level and temperature.

 

[3sacrwd]

Congrats, I used a long thin funnel. Pour SLOWLY, or you risk making an even bigger mess.

 

[Opie]

Any random funnel. Just make sure the engine is running when you check the fluid level.

 

[george_tlc]

I just take one of the gear oil plastic bottles (the ones with the long tapered body). Cut off the 'bottom' of the bottle, clean it out and you have a funnel that can sit in the dipstick opening.

After completion, I just stuff a couple of paper towels that were used to clean up the inevitable drips into the 'funnel' to keep it clean for next transmission fillup.

cheers,
george.

 

[arndog123]

Congrats, I used a long thin funnel. Pour SLOWLY, or you risk making an even bigger mess.

x2. I usually stick a thin screwdriver between the funnel and dipstick hole which lets air escape allowing you to be able to pour more fluid in. At least I think it does.

 

[CJF]

Long ago, every filling station used to have those funnels sitting by the pumps.

 

[Enginerd]

I just did this a couple weeks ago and used one of these. Worked great, and allowed me to measure how much I added. I just cut the plastic tube in half and stuffed 1/2" of it down into the dipstick tube. Fit like a glove and worked great. Only issue I had was the tranny fluid thickening up as I went (it was about 20 degrees in my garage). As I brought each gallon out from the house, I stuck it in front of a 500W halogen lamp to keep it warm. Before that, it was draining really slow.

 

[Elijah]

I've searched and seen the gravity method using some tubing. I am wondering if there is an easier way? Thin funnel directly into tube or funnel attached to hose?

I'm fairly new here having just gotten my 80 last month. I've been going through all the PM and just have a tranny drain and fill left. Today I made a nice mess of the garage doing the differentials and transfer case drain and refills. Plugs, wires, rotor and cap done. Oil and filter done. Brakes done. Scion T1806 stereo install done. 6.5" speakers up front done. 285/75/16 A/T tires installed. I can tell the front axle needs service sooner rather than later but other than that and a few cosmetic issues I am really enjoying the 80. Next on the list will be a new front bumper.

The guy I sold my last car to is a detailer and we bartered a full detail as part of the purchase price. I will post some pics when I get the car detailed (likely the only time it will ever happen). Thanks for this forum. It's been an immense resource in learning about the 80, maintenance and figuring things out.

1996 Factory Locked
Moonlight Pearl
145K
PO was an attorney who commuted in the car
No rust
$6500 (I know it's high but for my area SF Bay Area it was not a bad deal after looking at many over a few months).

Doesn't seem like a high price. Seems pretty fair, especially that color, those miles, locked, and no rust.

 

[fsung]

I just did this a couple weeks ago and used one of these. Worked great, and allowed me to measure how much I added. I just cut the plastic tube in half and stuffed 1/2" of it down into the dipstick tube. Fit like a glove and worked great. Only issue I had was the tranny fluid thickening up as I went (it was about 20 degrees in my garage). As I brought each gallon out from the house, I stuck it in front of a 500W halogen lamp to keep it warm. Before that, it was draining really slow.

The one in the above link works great. I got mine from walmart.

 

[86tuning]

x2. I usually stick a thin screwdriver between the funnel and dipstick hole which lets air escape allowing you to be able to pour more fluid in. At least I think it does.

The transmission has an air vent that should do the same thing.

 

[weaseltraps]

Thanks for all the replies! I need to drop off all of the used oil tomorrow at Kragen. I'll look for one of those funnel/tube combos when I am there. When I get home I will drain, measure and replace the transmission fluid then idle and measure level.

It's been fun but I'm not much of a mechanic and it usually takes me at least 2X the book hours to do a job (if not more). I much more proficient at bicycles. It does not help that I haven't purchased a jack and stands for such a heavy car. My stuff is all for my miata autoX/commuter car. But, luckily I am only 5'6" so other than some neck cramping I can actually get to all these PM items with the car on the ground! I just do a lot of scooting and sliding b/c the creeper takes up valuable inches.

When I recover in a few pay periods from the 80 purchase and the holidays I will donate! I think my miata.net dues are about due as well.

Happy New Year everyone! Drive safe out there on NYE and early on NYD.

 

[Jacket]

Steal the turkey baster from your kitchen and pull the rubber head off - shazam!