C4 overfilled - need help
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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C4 overfilled - need help
I finally got everything together and running (302/C4) and wanted to take it around the block. My truck's got a rebuild C4 and I filled it with ATF and ran it for a minute hen checked it and it was low. No problem right? I did this over and over untill it stayed at the full mark on the dipstick. Then I took it around the block and couldn't get it to shift into 3rd without it reving up and then dropping into gear. I checked it again and it said it was low so I put another quart in it and ran it around the block again. Not it looks like it's overfilled. What did I do wrong? Do I check he ATF level with it running? Should I drain it down some now?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 556
Likes: 1
From: Prescott, AZ
ATF fluid should be checked with the engine running and at normal operating temperature. Very little fluid is needed between the low and high marks of the dipstick. Overfilling can cause damage.
You should be able to drain some fluid from the dipstick tube by using a rubber/plastic hose and pumping or siphoning it out. After removing fluid, check using the above procedure.
You should be able to drain some fluid from the dipstick tube by using a rubber/plastic hose and pumping or siphoning it out. After removing fluid, check using the above procedure.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 313
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ATF fluid should be checked with the engine running and at normal operating temperature. Very little fluid is needed between the low and high marks of the dipstick. Overfilling can cause damage.
You should be able to drain some fluid from the dipstick tube by using a rubber/plastic hose and pumping or siphoning it out. After removing fluid, check using the above procedure.
You should be able to drain some fluid from the dipstick tube by using a rubber/plastic hose and pumping or siphoning it out. After removing fluid, check using the above procedure.
Thanks. I'll check that tomorrow. Do I need to have it in park/drive ?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
Ok my turn 
Engine running, fluid warm (if possible...... not as accurate cold but will get it in the safe to drive to warm up the fluid zone), with foot on brake run slowly thru the gears then put gear selector in park, and check level, adjust as necessary.
Yes over full can be bad.... may cause leaks or the fluid may foam up or probably other bad things
Engine running, fluid warm (if possible...... not as accurate cold but will get it in the safe to drive to warm up the fluid zone), with foot on brake run slowly thru the gears then put gear selector in park, and check level, adjust as necessary.
Yes over full can be bad.... may cause leaks or the fluid may foam up or probably other bad things
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
Did you prefill the torque converter after the rebuild. Chances are that as it ran the first little bit, the fluid finally started filling the torque converter and thus the case appeared to be low.
To check the fluid level, you need to warm it up (and make sure the transmission fluid is warm - best time is after a drive.
1. Make sure the truck is standing level.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake
3. Start the engine and run at 1200 rpm until the truck is at normal operating temperature (warm);
4. Slow the engine to normal idle rpm;
5. Shift the shift lever through all positions and return to "PARK." Do not turn off the engine;
6. Clean all dirt and grease from around dipstick tube area;
7. Pull the dipstick out of the tube, wipe it clean and push it back in the tube - be certain it is properly and completely seated.
8. Pull the dipstick out again and measure the fluid level. Add if necessary. DO NOT OVERFILL.
9. Replace the dip stick in the tube making sure it is completely seated.
Edit note: Sparky was typing while I was typing - and he beat me!
Adding a quart at a time is too much. Add it in half pints and recheck it. I'm sure Charlie Led will be along in a minute to answer your original question - tee hee.
I would be VERY tempted to let it sit tonight, then start it and warm it up tomorrow sitting in the driveway with it in drive for about 3 to 5 minutes, then recheck the fluid level again - before I do ANYTHING. Make sure the truck is level when you check it.
To check the fluid level, you need to warm it up (and make sure the transmission fluid is warm - best time is after a drive.
1. Make sure the truck is standing level.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake
3. Start the engine and run at 1200 rpm until the truck is at normal operating temperature (warm);
4. Slow the engine to normal idle rpm;
5. Shift the shift lever through all positions and return to "PARK." Do not turn off the engine;
6. Clean all dirt and grease from around dipstick tube area;
7. Pull the dipstick out of the tube, wipe it clean and push it back in the tube - be certain it is properly and completely seated.
8. Pull the dipstick out again and measure the fluid level. Add if necessary. DO NOT OVERFILL.
9. Replace the dip stick in the tube making sure it is completely seated.
Edit note: Sparky was typing while I was typing - and he beat me!
Adding a quart at a time is too much. Add it in half pints and recheck it. I'm sure Charlie Led will be along in a minute to answer your original question - tee hee.
I would be VERY tempted to let it sit tonight, then start it and warm it up tomorrow sitting in the driveway with it in drive for about 3 to 5 minutes, then recheck the fluid level again - before I do ANYTHING. Make sure the truck is level when you check it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
To answer your original question, "what did I do wrong", you more than likely were adding fluid to fill the new torque convertor. The front pump does not engage until the trans is put in gear so therefore you weren't pumping fluid throughout the entire system, including the cooling lines. Now that you are overfull you can follow the other good advice given to correct this issue.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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Thanks for the info/advice. This engine swap is teaching me a lot. Thanks to everyone that responded. Another newbie just put another newbie mistake notch in his belt. 
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
And all the oldbies have the same notch in their belts too - it was just a long time ago! We all learned by making the same mistakes you have (and will btw), and got the same word from the superoldbies.
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