Dexron VI in hydraulic fluid tank

[deandec]

I am about to change the fluid in my hydraulic fluid system (power steering and radiator fan).

The rig came with Dexron III. GM stopped licensing the Dex III in 2006.

Has anyone used the Dexron VI as a replacement fluid and had any subsequent problems?

[bneukam]

I used Chevron MD 3. They sell it in a 5 gal bucket which makes it pretty easy to pump in the container. 52.00 with a military discount.

[Mr_D]

I wouldn't use Dexron VI as a replacement in my CC.

[dons2346]

This is a good question. There is a fluids engineer that posts on the forum and I think this question should be posed to him

[deandec]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I wouldn't use Dexron VI as a replacement in my CC.

What is your fluid of choice for the Hydraulic Pump?

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by deandec

What is your fluid of choice for the Hydraulic Pump?

I'd stick with any of the replacements for Dex III rather than going to Dex VI. TranSynd or other TES-295 approved fluid would be OK I think.

But, to be sure I'd contact Tom Johnson at JG Lubricants, he wrote the specs for Allison and is an expert on Dex III and it's replacements.

[CountryFit]

"GM specifically recommends against using Dexron VI in non-GM made vehicles that used Dexron III as original equipment. "

https://www.cartechbooks.com/techtips/autotransfluid

I have seen versions of Dexron III available in Autozone, Oreilly's and Walmart, such as Valvoline DEX-MERC. Using those specifically tailored to replace Dexron III is a safer approach, I think.

[dons2346]

I know Allison has stated to do not use the Dex VI in the 3000 series transmissions. Something about having the clutch assemblies come apart.

[vito.a]

My owners manual also says to use Dexron III for the hydraulic system. It says if the temp is below 0 degrees F, then to use Pennzoil Artic Blue hydraulic fluid.

In the transmission section it cautions against mixing Dexron III with Allison Transynd:
CAUTION Do not mix Dexron III® transmission fluid with TranSyndTM Synthetic transmission fluid.

I'm interested in what others have to say as changing the hydraulic fluid is on my list. My system takes 50-55 quarts.

[bneukam]

Chevron MD3 is designed for all use in Ford/ Chevy pre 2006 transmission.
It’s also recommended for Allison C-4 fluids.
It offers fast circulation during cold weather.
With that being said, after 35k miles the fluid I took out didn’t look all that bad.
Brett

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by vito.a

My owners manual also says to use Dexron III for the hydraulic system. It says if the temp is below 0 degrees F, then to use Pennzoil Artic Blue hydraulic fluid.

In the transmission section it cautions against mixing Dexron III with Allison Transynd:
CAUTION Do not mix Dexron III® transmission fluid with TranSyndTM Synthetic transmission fluid.

I'm interested in what others have to say as changing the hydraulic fluid is on my list. My system takes 50-55 quarts.

Allison itself says they can be mixed but must be changed at the Dex III intervals rather than the longer TES-295 intervals.

[deandec]

Perhaps we need to stay focused......

This is not a transmission that needs transynd with all the Allison specifications.

I am asking about a 1995 power steering and radiator fan hydraulic fluid which originally was Dexron III

(I likely would not use Transynd for this purpose.)

Dexron VI is represented to be backwards compatible with Dexron III

Has anyone used Dexron VI with negative result?

[IASM]

I have an 08 and the manual states dexron 3 .I assume when these rigs are put together pump.motors.valves and hoses are all considered when specifying fluids. V1 was being used starting in 06 i believe so country coach was still using 3.
I am going to change mine next service and will be staying with the dexron3 spec.
Mine takes 30 gallons.
Rod
08 magna

[mike brez]

Originally Posted by IASM

I have an 08 and the manual states dexron 3 .I assume when these rigs are put together pump.motors.valves and hoses are all considered when specifying fluids. V1 was being used starting in 06 i believe so country coach was still using 3.
I am going to change mine next service and will be staying with the dexron3 spec.
Mine takes 30 gallons.
Rod
08 magna

30 gallons holy crap.