Procedure for filling auto box

[APS]

Hi guys I have just replaced some seals, filter and the sump gasket on my bw65 auto gearbox after losing all of the atf during the winter. Hopefully I have now fixed the leaks.

Question, is there a process I should follow in refilling the auto box. I assumed that it was completely empty after removing the sump cover and will need the full 5.4 litres of atf to fill.

I have only managed to get 4 litres in so far and the atf is brimmed to the top of the fill / dipstick tube.

Should I be running the engine to get the right amount of atf in ?

If I do run the engine will I get a whole load of atf in the engine bay from the full tube or will it get sucked into the box ?

In case anyone asks the breather tube is clear as it has been burping at me while filling.

could there be air locks, perhaps to the oil cooler which I have also replaced.

TIA Alan

[jbuckl]

The converter will hold about a litre or so.
I like to check level when hot & having been driven, if possible in drive…safety paramount though.

[APS]

ok thanks but I really wanted to know about when filling when the box is empty. I thought best not to run engine when the box is dry. Though guess now that I have a few litres in that I should be able to run engine without worry of causing any damage.

[APS]

should I now be worried if I have over filled the box ?

[wilf]

I would put in the nominal fill amount less two ltires, then start the engine, move between all the gears a few times, and see what's on the dipstick.

[jbuckl]

Usually if it’s really overfilled, it just wees itself

[KOY 23]

Just like us owners

[jbuckl]

He he,
But slightly more seriously, the anti drain back valves are mostly not sealing any more…. So that’s why a running in drive level check gives the most accurate reading.
Really needs two people to do it safely though.

[APS]

Thanks wilf. Think tomorrow I will start again by draining the box and follow your advice by partially refilling and then running the engine and topping up slowly until on the dipstick before going out for a drive.....if not raining ... and top up when hot and been through all the gears.