Maybe a stupid question, but should there be fluid in the dipstick tube while the truck is cold and not running?

When I pulled the dipstick tube to gain access to my broken manifold studs (Grrrr) about half a quart of red stuff dumped out on the driveway. Oil dipsticks haven't done this in the past, so I was quite surprised when the tranny did this to me. I could swear my level was right in the hash marks on the stick when hot and running. Does fluid "back up" in to the pan and tube at rest?

Andy

 

Yes it can. The torque converter can partially drain when it's sitting, and that fluid goes into the pan, raising the level.

 

Well, since the truck hadn't run in about two weeks, it would have had plenty of time to do this. Thanks for the reply!

Andy