This is similar to what I was told by the factory reps - due to the variables in the cooler/hose installation the levels are defined when they are full during operation. This is what I did - topped off accordingly (engine/tranny hot, tranny was in gear for a bit, measure within a few moments of shutdown before it drains back). Later, after all is settled/cool, I checked and marked the dipstick for 'cold full'. Now I can check it cold without fumes and sweat. If you do not keep it truly full, the shifter shaft on the top of the tranny might run dry and bind (some lessons are hard learned! ;-)). Jim In a message dated 10/18/2009 12:00:26 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, trawlers-and-trawlering-request@lists.samurai.com writes: I checked the fluid level with warmed up engines and idleing and made sure it was on the full mark. Then the next day I marked the dipstick with everything cold.