Question on transmission fluid level

[Bakes5]

So I went to change my transmission fluid (Indmar V) and the dipstick said it was way high. Thing is, this is how it came from the factory. Prior owner had not changed any fluids or done the 20 hr service yet (hrs are in the low 20s)

Easily an inch or 2 above the full line. So I took out a quart and a half of fluid. Checked the dipstick and it was dry. I put in a quart and it's still easily 3/4 inch to an inch above the line. Fluid is cold

So, that said, should I take out some fluid until it is just at the full line? The dipstick has a pretty short distance from add to full ( about 1/2 inch). Boat is pretty level sitting in my garage.

[chpthril]

I bet if you floated the boat, you would get a different reading.

[Bakes5]

I'm thinking the same thing. I think I will bring the funnel, fluid, extraction pump and a container to the lake and see where it ends up.

[h2osk8er00]

From my experience you have to drive around on the water and warm up the boat. Then come to a stop. Shut her off.. And check the fluid. Mine is always high on dry land.

[Bakes5]

Weird. Ok. In that case, I'm gonna put the extra 1/2 quart in to replace exactly what I took out. If it's high after a little driving around, I'll extract some.

[cbath]

Download the owners manual from the tige website. To check the fluid you have to shift into and out of forward and reverse and then check the level within a certain time frame. It suggest scribing or marking a line for cold fill on the dipstick after verifying proper level..


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[JCP]

Make sure that you are checking level before threading in the dipstick.

[Bakes5]

Wow...glad I asked. Way more complicated than I thought. I think the key for future changes is going to be scribing that cold fluid level line.

[JCP]

This is from my 2015 Z3 manual: CAUTION-transmission fluid will drain back into the transmission from the cooler and connecting lines after engine shutdown. Fluid level must be checked immediately after shutdown or reading will not be accurate and the transmission could be operating with insufficient fluid.
With engine at operating temp, place control in neutral and shut down engine. Remove dipstick, wipe and reinsert (do not screw in) check level.

These instructions are for Indmar V

[IDBoating]

On the PCM transmission, you are to start the engine, shift forward and reverse, then check the level with the engine still running (and thus turning the input shaft).