Let Me Know if You Have Allison Transmission Fluid Questions

Tom,

This question was posted on the Foretravel Motorhome technical website. Your insight would be appreciated.

Brett



http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=12914.msg69111;topicseen#new:

Use of SAE 15W40 motor oil in Allison HT746
« on: Today at 03:49:28 PM »

I just got some quotes on 34 quarts of Dexron III ATF for a transmission fluid change. I didn't like what I heard. I looked up what Allsion specs and it appears if I read it correctly that I can use SAE 15W40 motor oil instead of ATF at 1/4 of the cost. Has anyone done this successfully? Do you have any comments?
http://www.allisontransmission.com/documents/product/13-TR-90,%20Rev%20E.pdf

Re: This SIL replaces 13-TR-90, Rev. D. 13-TR-90, Rev. E
Please discard your copy of 13-TR-90, Rev. D. March, 2001
This SIL includes information about Allison Product Code(s):
oil recommendations, oil specifications and Page 1 of 4
Allison/Castrol TranSynd™ 1.

The guy is coming tomorrow to do the oil change so a quick answer would be appreciated.

Pass42 wrote:
Tom - awesome help!!!! I have a 1988 MH with a Cummins 5.9 and a 4 year old factory rebuilt AT545....Only has about 6k miles on it.... I have no ideal which fluid is in it, as the replacement was done by previous, now deceased owner... Your thoughts, please........

Pass42,

Sorry, I thought I answered this one but maybe not. I would take a sample from the transmission and send it in for analysis.

If the analysis shows that a transmission fluid change is needed, then I'd recommend you switch to TranSynd or another TES-295 fluid for the long run since it will extend the life of the AT545 transmission.

Tom - awesome help!!!! I have a 1988 MH with a Cummins 5.9 and a 4 year old factory rebuilt AT545....Only has about 6k miles on it.... I have no ideal which fluid is in it, as the replacement was done by previous, now deceased owner... Your thoughts, please........

On a recent trip home from Florida, my Transmission temp light flashed on for about 3 seconds and then went off. However, being a $10k item to replace, I took this light very seriously. In reading this thread, I decided to send my Tranny oil out to Tom @ JG Lubricants. After the test was ready, I immediately received an email and call from Tom to explain the results, which by the way are impossible for a regular person to read on their own. Tom was extremely helpful in explaining everything and assisting me in the next steps of action.

In doing this tranny fluid testing though, I have to now ask, why don't everyone get all their fluids tested before changing them? Am i missing something? A $25 test can save you hundreds of dollars as your fluids may be perfect and not need to be touched. And considering today's gas prices and economy, any way to save a few bucks is helpful. I am no greenie or anything but, testing does save alot of fluids that may not need to be wasted. So, with all that said, what is the reason people don't get their fluids tested and instead just change them out yearly or at a certain mileage point?

I have changed 3 or 4 1000's and just about always it takes 12 and part of 13.

J Walker wrote:

hottubkid wrote:
Am I right that if I change the filter and fluid I will need nine quarts for the 1000 transmission?

On my 1000 Allison I put in 12 quarts after I drain the pan and replace the filter. Tom can jump in and comment.

I think Hottubkid is correct. Look on the products page for Allison transmission. You should be able to find the sump capacity for the 1000 Series.

hottubkid wrote:
Am I right that if I change the filter and fluid I will need nine quarts for the 1000 transmission?

Mine took 9 1/2 qts at the WH service center.:)

Thanks

hottubkid wrote:
Am I right that if I change the filter and fluid I will need nine quarts for the 1000 transmission?

On my 1000 Allison I put in 12 quarts after I drain the pan and replace the filter. Tom can jump in and comment.

Am I right that if I change the filter and fluid I will need nine quarts for the 1000 transmission?