Safe fluid level for 4L80E dry start up
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 518
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From: North Jersey
Safe fluid level for 4L80E dry start up Getting closer to starting this up.
What would be a good/safe starting point?
I did put some in the converter so I will check that and it would get subtracted from the total.
TCI says with a stock pan 7.7 and for a 9" converter 2.5 quarts.
Should I put 7 in then start checking it when I start it from there?
Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas.
What would be a good/safe starting point?
I did put some in the converter so I will check that and it would get subtracted from the total.
TCI says with a stock pan 7.7 and for a 9" converter 2.5 quarts.
Should I put 7 in then start checking it when I start it from there?
Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas.
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: Washington
I've done mine several times. Since the converter isn't full i put 8 quarts in the pan on an initial start and usually need another quart or two
Did you get the dip stick marked properly? It's best to check with the pan off and mark the stick 1/4 inch above the pan rail as the full location Most are not marked right or the tube fitment correct
Did you get the dip stick marked properly? It's best to check with the pan off and mark the stick 1/4 inch above the pan rail as the full location Most are not marked right or the tube fitment correct
On a dry, stock converter 80E, the GM book says 13.5 qts.
You can subtract due to the large stock conv. taking more.
I think I have been close to 12 qts with a 10" conv. They
want the correct amount, no less, so make sure your stick
is correct.
You can subtract due to the large stock conv. taking more.
I think I have been close to 12 qts with a 10" conv. They
want the correct amount, no less, so make sure your stick
is correct.
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey
I just dropped the pan and checked and made a new witnesses mark that was 3/16 above the hot mark on my all star dipstick. Just put 6 qts plus what I put in converter which is probably a qt. should I finish the gallon and that would be 2gal with the converter?
Don't put in more than your pan can hold. It makes a hell of a mess when you've got a 4 quart pan and a long one quart funnel and you realize the funnel is full and not going down. Not that I've ever done that. 
I usually put at least a 1/2 quart in the converter, and whatever the pan can hold plus maybe 1/2 quart. Then during start up pour more in as soon as you can get from the key to the funnel.
Since you have a good idea how much the total should be, divide it up but don't add it all until it's running.
I usually put at least a 1/2 quart in the converter, and whatever the pan can hold plus maybe 1/2 quart. Then during start up pour more in as soon as you can get from the key to the funnel.
Since you have a good idea how much the total should be, divide it up but don't add it all until it's running.
