reading transmission dipstick

I have a 94 Ski Nautique with a 1-1.23 transmission. Definitely past time to change the fluid. I couldn't determine if it was ATF or 20W oil, so I flushed it twice (running it between flushes). When I filled the transmission I couldn't see the actual fill level on my dipstick at all. Tried a flashlight. Tried a darker surrounding environment (crawled up under the dash to look at it). Damn. It is really hard to see the ATF level. I can see a drop form on the end of the dipstick when the level is about right. I tried wiping down the opening to the trans so there wouldn't be any ATF getting on the dipstick until it hit the level, but I still can't tell where the ATF starts on the dipstick. Looking at the dipstick it looks to have black anodizing on the rod, but only up at the top. The bottom section is just clean metal now. Maybe the level would be easier to see if the dipstick was dark? Is there a trick to this?

I marked my suction tube at the same length as the dipstick marks. Slid the tube into position and sucked out the "excess" ATF. I figure I'm pretty close to the proper level But would like to be sure.

With all of the stuff I've done to this boat it is kind of embarrassing to flail about trying to check the trans level.

Awesome. Thank you!

TRBenj wrote: Fill it up until it can't take any more. Excess fluid will come out the breather, supposedly... but I've never seen it happen. There is no other penalty for overfilling. Do NOT run it low.

Good to know - if memory serves that's usually not the case, with cars anyway.   I think just about everyone must have this issue, I'm glad I'm not the only one!