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J48™ FEB2017
SURFACE VEHICLE
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE Issued 1972-10
Reaffirmed 2007-04
Revised 2017-02

Superseding J48 APR2007

(R) Guidelines for Liquid Level Indicators

RATIONALE

This recommended practice has been revised using the updated SAE format as well as to update reference standards. Also
the priority of method for indicating liquid levels was changed to preferred methods of indicating liquid levels as the priority
of the method to be used can be dependent on type and location of the compartment being monitored.

1. SCOPE

This SAE Recommended Practice pertains to liquid level determination for any fluid compartment of off-road work machines
as defined in SAE J1116 and ISO 6165.

1.1 Purpose

SAE Recommended Practice to outline preferred methods of indicating liquid levels.

2. REFERENCES

2.1 Applicable Documents

The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the
latest issue of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE Publications

Available from SAE International, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, Tel: 877-606-7323 (inside USA
and Canada) or +1 724-776-4970 (outside USA), www.sae.org.

SAE J371 Drain, Fill, and Level Plugs for Off-Road, Self-Propelled Work Machines

SAE J531 Automotive Pipe, Filler, and Drain Plugs

SAE J532 Automotive Straight Thread Filler and Drain Plugs

SAE J614 Engine and Transmission Dipstick Marking

SAE J829 Fuel Tank Filler Cap and Cap Retainer

SAE J1116 Categories of Off-Road, Self-Propelled Work Machines

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SAE INTERNATIONAL J48™ FEB2017 Page 2 of 3

2.1.2 ISO Publications

Copies of these documents are available online at http://webstore.ansi.org/.

ISO 6165 Earthmoving machinery - Basic types – Identification and terms and definitions

ISO 6302 Earth-moving machinery - Drain, fill and level plugs

3. PREFERRED METHODS OF INDICATING

The following are preferred methods of indicating liquid levels in different fluid compartments. The appropriate method for
a given compartment should be determined based on the type and location of the compartment being monitored and the
required monitoring intervals.

3.1 Dipstick

3.2 Electrical indicator (gauge, display, etc.) using input from electronic switches/sensors

3.3 Mechanical indicators

3.4 Plug, cap, or cover

3.5 Sight gage

4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Indicator reading should be consistent with the fluid level in the compartment.

4.2 The indicator shall be read with the machine level, in the machine manufacturer's recommended parked position.

4.3 The indicator should be marked "FULL" and "ADD" (except fuel and diesel exhaust fluid indicators).

4.4 Fuel and diesel exhaust fluid indicators should show the fraction of container capacity remaining (in increments of
one-fourth container capacity).

4.5 The full level mark should be at a point at least 1/2 L above the add mark on compartments with less than 4 L capacity.
On large compartments, the full level mark should be a whole number of liters above the add mark.

4.6 Special instructions should be avoided; however, if necessary for checking liquid level, the instructions should be
located on or near the indicator.

4.7 Liquid level indicators should be mounted in a protected, easily accessible or visible location.

5. RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Dipstick

See SAE J614.

5.1.1 Where "CHECK ENGINE RUNNING" is used, the opposite side of the dipstick should show the starting range
"CHECK ENGINE STOPPED."

5.1.2 Where "CHECK HOT" is used, the opposite side of the dipstick should show the starting range "CHECK COLD."

5.1.3 The dipstick cap should prevent contaminant entry.

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5.1.4 The dipstick bayonet guide should be designed to prevent false readings due to interference, oil drippage, pressure,
or suction.

5.1.5 The dipstick should be restrained from vibrating or rattling in the bayonet guide.

5.1.6 The dipstick and guide should be rust resistant.

5.1.7 The dipstick should be removable without tools.

5.2 Mechanical or Electrical Gages

5.2.1 Use green for allowable ranges and red for add when colors are used.

5.2.2 The marking on the right side of the gage face represents full, the left side represents empty, or the top of gage
represents full, the bottom represents empty.

5.3 Plug, Cap, or Cover

See SAE J371, J531, J532, J829, and ISO 6302.

5.3.1 Liquid level checks by plug should be used only on machines with engine(s) stopped.

5.3.2 To avoid injury to fingers, if inserted, make hole sizes for level check plugs larger than 25 mm or smaller than
12 mm.

5.3.3 Level check caps on pressurized compartments shall provide a method to vent the compartment before the cap is
free to be removed.

5.3.4 Level check caps should be removable by hand (preferred) or by common hand tools.

5.4 Sight gages should use reflector backed level gage for readability.

6. NOTES

6.1 Revision Indicator

A change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating areas where technical revisions, not
editorial changes, have been made to the previous issue of this document. An (R) symbol to the left of the document title
indicates a complete revision of the document, including technical revisions. Change bars and (R) are not used in original
publications, nor in documents that contain editorial changes only.

PREPARED BY THE SAE MACHINE TECHNICAL STEERING COMMITTEE