Pulling trani dipstick question

Tedsoldbus · January 14, 2022, 03:04:02 PM

I have been told to pull trani dipstick when the engine is hot. I have always pulled it when I shut it down for the day and wipe two or three times. At my mechanic shop recently he pulled it and wiped it twice while it was running. He said that gives the most accurate reading. I am sure it is routine for him but is that what you gents do?
My 6V9 has 3 fan belts going to alternators and one going to the gear box that drives the radiator fan. When the engine is running there are belts going everywhere on both sides of the engine box. I open the doors to look for obvious leaks, but put my hand in there with 5 belts going? I'm not that brave and I like all ten fingers.
So....is checking trani level "hot" ok right after I shut down or should the engine be running?

chessie4905 · January 14, 2022, 03:29:51 PM

Don't know how those idiots got away with the design with all those belts and no covers for protection. GM's didn't use belts. Maybe they had better engineers then

buswarrior · January 14, 2022, 04:02:05 PM

Transmission is checked running.

Two hands, one on the butt end, the other shorted up to put the stick in the hole.

The belts only bite if you let that stick waver around. After all, they run in a very controlled space, they can't reach you, you can only reach them...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Lin · January 14, 2022, 06:14:27 PM

If you think the current situation is too risky, maybe you can extend the dipstick tube and dipstick. I think we did something like that.

Tedsoldbus · January 14, 2022, 07:11:59 PM

Rats. I trust Buswarrior but it is not the answer I hoped for.
So....think carefully, make sure I am caffeinated, pull the dipstick handle and step back like I saw the guy do, and back in slowly. My 6V92 is mounted straight and I have 3 belts spinning to the right and one to the left. They are all exposed. I guess I better cut my long hair and wear tight sleeves. Fortunately I still have a military haircut and some of the salty guys are rolling their eyes, but it is spooky reaching my hand in there when it is all running. Lots of horsepower going on, No room for error. I will learn it with great caution...
Thanks guys

Nova Eona · January 14, 2022, 07:40:11 PM

Alternately, and I speak without experience with the bus model of course, but perhaps you could fabricate a belt guard? Might not have been put in there originally, but no reason you can't add one for peace of mind.

Personally, one of my favorite things about my engine is that it has no belts at all - my old RV used to squeak like mad after a few hours no matter what I did, I enjoy the comparative silence.

lostagain · January 14, 2022, 07:42:34 PM

I check the oil cold, in the morning, before starting.

lostagain · January 14, 2022, 07:43:55 PM

Oh sorry! I was thinking about engine oil. Tranny hot and running for sure.

chessie4905 · January 15, 2022, 05:01:57 AM

Check it hot and running, note, and then check overnight cold. Maybe check a couple of rides to verify cold level. Personally, if I had a coach with belts, I would fabricate belt shields. The factory design is close to criminal. How did they escape OSHA? There is a whole section on machine guarding.

luvrbus · January 15, 2022, 06:10:26 AM

There is a fluid level plug on the side of the Allison to check the accuracy of the dip stick,I have installed pull valves for a few people that didn't like all the belts or moved the dip sticks to a side door,one I installed a low-level warning light on the dash.If you have no leak you don't check that often anyways on the V730 you keep a eye on those

dtcerrato · January 15, 2022, 06:51:49 AM

I agree with Chessie on exposed belts - it's a mouse trap and an accident waiting to happen. But then there are all the hot stuff to get burnt on. The antique design of the transverse 671 is the safest (& slowest lol) & easiest to service of all the engine house designs IMO

Tedsoldbus · January 15, 2022, 07:26:57 AM

I stared at it this morning. Realized it is in a pretty good spot to pull when running if I pay attention. Realized when I have pulled it not running I don't really get near the belts since the dipstick is up high. An OSHA dream for sure for the guys that write violations, but perhaps there was not much OSHA in 1980.
In my early 20's I was impatient and less attentive. I was flying little jets for the Marine Corps. When I was doing the walk around pre flight, if guys next to me were already firing up their engines, I NEVER forgot to stay away from their intakes.
I will just treat this dipstick thing as another thing that will really eat me if I get stupid.
Thanks guys.

Van · January 15, 2022, 07:28:32 AM

Quote from: Tedsoldbus on January 14, 2022, 07:11:59 PM
Rats. I trust Buswarrior but it is not the answer I hoped for.
So....think carefully, make sure I am caffeinated, pull the dipstick handle and step back like I saw the guy do, and back in slowly. My 6V92 is mounted straight and I have 3 belts spinning to the right and one to the left. They are all exposed. I guess I better cut my long hair and wear tight sleeves. Fortunately I still have a military haircut and some of the salty guys are rolling their eyes, but it is spooky reaching my hand in there when it is all running. Lots of horsepower going on, No room for error. I will learn it with great caution...
Thanks guys

Ted, maybe remove the belt before playin with your dipstick? I dunno... I'm just here for the free coffee n' doughnuts.

luvrbus · January 15, 2022, 07:51:26 AM

The Prevost probably had shields and guards in the past mine did

Jim Blackwood · January 16, 2022, 07:20:49 AM

Quote from: Van on January 15, 2022, 07:28:32 AM
Ted, maybe remove the belt before playin with your dipstick?