ZF Gearbox fluid level?

[mole42]

I have a ZF 4HP22 automatic gearbox in my car. I think it might have a problem with the torque converter lockup but it might just be that the fluid level in the gearbox is wrong.

Can anyone with a similar gearbox help me out? If I pull the dip stick there's no fluid showing on it. When I put the stick back in and pull it immediately, it always shows a level about halfway between full cold and full hot. Is this correct, or should it show a fluid level when I first check?

Alternatively, could it have been fitted with a torque converter that doesn't have the lock feature?

I'm told that this is probably a Tate & Lewis conversion, but I have no proof and Clive Tate isn't answering emails at the moment.

[Jeff]

Clive takes a long time to answer e mails, he's better at answering the phone though.

Jeff.

[David Lloyd]

Hi
I have the same. I believe I was told that the fluid should be just at the end once it's warmed up. The dipstick has a white rubberised end... does yours ?
If so give Faversham's a call tomorrow as they fitted mine and know all about it. I'm sure they won't mind helping out.
David

[Staggard]

Or PM Russ (kryten) he has a ZF fitted.

[Arbman Al]

Or PM Russ (kryten) he has a ZF fitted.

Is that short for Zimmer Frame?

[Jeff]

[Staggard]

Is that short for Zimmer Frame?

I hope you dont have any trouble with that box he did.

[DJT]

If it is any help, I parked my car up a couple of hours ago after a run into town and back, so it was fully warmed up in the rush-hour traffic. Just checked the fluid levels before putting it away for the night and the ZF box oil level was right on the lower mark of 'HOT'. Mine behaves pretty much as described by others in your other thread. On light throttle it changes up smoothly and the TC locks up around 45-50mph. This lock-up speed is higher if more right foot is being used. The adjustment of the kick-down cable will affect the changes.

[mole42]

David lloyd - mine has a white plastic piece with the hot & cold marks on it attached to the end of the springy part.
DLT - is that the same as yours?

I'm just trying to work out why I get a different reading on subsequent dips!

[DJT]

Yes, mine has a white plastic piece on the end of the spring dipstick. The plastic section is grooved on both sides, with the HOT level on one side and the COLD level on the other. The dipstick has an orange handle.

DJT, not DLT

[mole42]

DJT, not DLT

Oops!

[David Lloyd]

I'm just trying to work out why I get a different reading on subsequent dips!

I think gettinga reading is a black art and you have to be quick once the engine has stopped before the oil is moved into another universe. The different readings may come from the oil whilst it is being sucked into a space and time worm hole!

Basically I think the first quick reading is the one to take. The auto box fluid moves pretty soon and the opportunity gone. Again speak to Faversham's and they can give you a quick answer.
David

[GTJones]

I have a ZF 4HP22 automatic gearbox in my car. I think it might have a problem with the torque converter lockup but it might just be that the fluid level in the gearbox is wrong.

Can anyone with a similar gearbox help me out? If I pull the dip stick there's no fluid showing on it. When I put the stick back in and pull it immediately, it always shows a level about halfway between full cold and full hot. Is this correct, or should it show a fluid level when I first check?

Alternatively, could it have been fitted with a torque converter that doesn't have the lock feature?

I'm told that this is probably a Tate & Lewis conversion, but I have no proof and Clive Tate isn't answering emails at the moment.

Hi
I have the ZF 4 Speed box (Orange head to dip stick).

With the engine running when i remove the dip stick there is no fluid, return it and remove again and it shows, as you say, around half way between Cold & Hot.

After a run it does move up slightly (Using the same double dip procedure) but not significant.

You should find it goes into lock up at around 50mph and you can tell by taking your foot of the accelerator and there should be no drop in rev's until the lock up disengages.

I would check your kick down cable to make sure it is set right.

Hope that helps

Gary

[Arbman Al]

On my Landy that is converted to auto with a ZF gearbox, the method of checking the level is with a cold engine. Start it up select the different gears to move the oil around and then with the engine ticking over check the level straight away.

[Stagsongas]

I have a ZF 4 fitted which I took from a Jaguar XJ40.

The XJ40 workshop manual is quite clear on fluid level checks, and to cut to the main points, the Engine should be running and gear selector in Park before checking the fluid, and that is good for a cold gearbox or one at normal operating temp. Only if the box is at a higher than normal temp. should it be left to cool, but still, the crucial part is to have the engine running and Park selected. If this isn't done, any level reading will be meaningless and inaccurate.

The same manual specifies Dextron II fluid for this gearbox should anyone not be aware.

Regards

Steve