Dolly Spint Auto /Practical Classics rebuild '95

[Mike Stevens]

You raise a very interesting point which I don't know the answer to. My thoughts were that if the gearbox had been drained and then re-filled but the engine not run at all after that, then I suspect the oil level would higher than if it had been run - even if sometime before. I've only ever had 1 auto big saloon (a late 2500'S' estate) with a BW65 but I can't remember the relative levels after filling and then after running the engine.

I think I'd have a good read of a suitable workshop manual (possibly for anything using a BW65, such as a late 2000?). This should give some clues about re-filling the auto box and the subsequent starting of the engine. That ought to help - a bit!

Cheers,
Mike.

[johnnydog]

When my Stag auto box level was checked before I started it after a long period of activity, the level was noticeably higher - so much so that it concerned me. It's about 8 years ago now since I sold it so this is just from memory (which goes hazy as we all get older!!!!!), but I seem to recollect it was as high as an inch above the top mark. It dropped down to to its correct level when warm and after leaving it ticking over in P as the manual states. I think it is best as well to select all gears slowly before letting it tick over prior to checking to ensure the ATF has circulated fully.
The handbook does state that if you check it when cold the level will be approx 3/8" lower than when warm.

[Forkie]

I don't know why but there is always a great satisifaction this end when I stump you Mike !!!! What I will try to do is post up a pic of the box level on the stick as it is. All I can say re running - the vendor advertised it as a 'non runner due to overheating issues.There is no mix with oil with water. I could only run it for 30 seconds and it sounds fine. Been off the road for 4 years '.....

[harvey]

When my Stag auto box level was checked before I started it after a long period of activity, the level was noticeably higher - so much so that it concerned me. It's about 8 years ago now since I sold it so this is just from memory (which goes hazy as we all get older!!!!!), but I seem to recollect it was as high as an inch above the top mark. It dropped down to to its correct level when warm and after leaving it ticking over in P as the manual states. I think it is best as well to select all gears slowly before letting it tick over prior to checking to ensure the ATF has circulated fully.
The handbook does state that if you check it when cold the level will be approx 3/8" lower than when warm.

The level was high after the long period not being used because all the fluid in the top half of the converter had drained back into the box itself, artificially raising the level. It's a common problem, but as soon as the engine runs the converter refills and the level drops again.

[Forkie]

So we managed to take some pics of the auto box level on the dipstick - lighting not the best in the garage where it is sat , hence a few pics including one with a digit highlighting the level. Hopefully it can be seen that it is waaayy past the 'kink' in the stick, which means waaaayyyy past the COLD level !!!!!. So do I drain some before starting - or not

[Forkie]

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[Forkie]

[johnnydog]

Harvey confirms what I stated in my earlier posts - the ATF was draining out of the torque converter due to it standing idle for long periods. I can't now recollect in my case what I determined as ''long periods' but it was weeks / months rather than days.
I personally would start it up with the higher level, then check it when it has got warm as per the manual. It won't do it any harm, as ticking over will not increase the pressure to a point that oil is forced out past any seals. If the level is ok when checked, you have your answer. If it is still very high, then drain some out and re check the level. If it is ok, then I would leave it for as long as you can to see if it it rises significantly. I wouldn't drive it on the road until you are certain the level is somewhere near as the increased oil pressure from being too full when driving may force oil past seals ( just like an engine or manual gearbox). If you are happy the level is ok when warm whilst ticking over as per the manual, and its not leaking onto the floor after standing idle, I think I'd live with it. Or use it more so it doesn't drain back over time!!

[Forkie]

That is basically what I was looking for - confirmation that I should not cause any damage just starting it up /leaving it stationary to get to temperature to ascertain the correct level. I have very little knowledge of auto's. Or Sprints for that matter !!!! Although I have always been aware of the 'delicate' nature of the Sprint engine, since he has brought this I have been doing more research on his behalf and I must say it does not inspire me to buy a non - runner The 2000 engine is hard as nails by comparrison
As a P.S. - i only clicked this evening (penny drop kind of thing ) - the Sprint has a (shot looking
) toilet brush oil cooler fitted - i assume this would also drain back , giving an even higher reading ?


I am stuck at the minute between a rock and a hard place as they say. He seems to have lost all interest in the car already so i am trying to find out things on his behalf so i do appreciate the help from you guys so far. He hasn't even joined the Dolly forum yet hence why im asking here as i want to get this thing running at least to try and find out what is wrong with it. Im going over on Sunday with intention of starting it for the first time - plan is to remove rocker cover, just to see if it is just as clean beyond the oil filler neck. Remove plugs - again just to see what's what. If that all checks out - drop the engine oil , clean but of unknown age or grade - refresh. Re-plumb in the rad and missing hoses.Remove coil lead and wind over on new battery to get oil pressure up before initial start. ( Carbs are low on oil,these will also be topped up beforehand).Go for a start and take it from there...

[johnnydog]

The 2000 range uses the same design of ''toilet brush' transmission oil cooler - located in front of the coolant radiator.