Allison fluid capacity

[larry koenn]

1998 Monaco Executive, just changed fluid and filters in 3000 Allison, 4 inch tank using 6 inch filters.

As far as I know it was full when I started. I drained 6 gallons out and now have put back in 6 gallons. Trans sensor on gear shift pad says it's still 6 quarts low after a test drive. Can't see fluid level on dip stick, fluid is so new it's very hard to see.

Anyone know what the capasity is suppose to be, I really don't want to over fill it.

Thanks
Larry

[Mr_D]

Doesn't sound like the trans was full when you started and you didn't check it first.
The total capacity can be different due to different fluid capacity in the cooler and lines.
Use the dipstick to get close then finish with the shift pad measurement.

[Skip426]

Capacity would vary slightly depending on the trans aux coolers installed.

But, if you're doing the level check according to the instructions for the key pad level check , I'd say you need to add fluid . BUT, I'd go with two quarts then repeat the drive till fluid up to temp and re-check with key pad method.

[bobcovey]

Larry,

The transmission manual is very explicit about how to run the key pad check. On our coach the reading can erroneously show 7 qts low if the temp procedure isn't followed exactly.

Cheers,

[flamebuster]

This is just my opinion but the amount of coolers and lines is irrelevant because they are already full of oil and all you are draining is the oil pan and trans. filters, not the whole system.. The Allison manual and the sheet with the filters says a 3000MH model with hi cap. filters should take 19 qts. Maybe you have a 4000MH it would be the same filters but take 39 qts..
When I changed mine I just drained the oil and added 19 qts. and it shows the level ok. If you are upgrading to the synthetic oil then a double oil change is needed to get the all the oil changed out.( Meaning the oil left in coolers, lines and torque converter that can't be drained.) to reach higher change interval.

[larry koenn]

Now I'm confused, I Checked the fluid level using the trans pad during last trip a month ago, it said level was ok. I drained out exactly 6 gallons, I put in exactly 6 gallons. I'm going to try checking with dip stick while cold in the morning, maybe i can see fluid better when cold. I'm only using Transynd, this is third change using Transynd with 260,000 miles on this coach.

I remember only refilling with 6 gallons the two previous times, so I suspect the trans pad is glitching on me now.

Today I drove the coach over twenty miles and trans temp was at normal mid temp level on the guage, trans pad went thru 8 check count down and said low by 5 quarts, so I added the 6th gallon and drove home. Then I rechecked using trans pad several times and it showed low by 6 quarts. I carefully checked and there is no leak. I think the pad check is failing and will try to get a reading with the dip stick.

[barmcd]

Mine took exactly 20 quarts when I changed to Transynd.

[larry koenn]

Thanks Dennis, 5 gallons was pretty much what I was thinking, but I did take out 6 gallons. Now I'm lead to believe that I could have got some of the torque convertor fluid as the coach had been setting for a couple of weeks before I drained the fluid and it could have drained into the pan while setting.

After putting in 6 gallons and checking it cold this morning I was able to see fluid almost up to the cold mark on the stick. We are hitting the road this weekend so I hope somewhere between California and Alaska my pad will start working again.

Larry

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by larry koenn

We are hitting the road this weekend so I hope somewhere between California and Alaska my pad will start working again.

Larry

Don't be in too big a hurry to head north , still winter up in northern BC, AB and overnight snow on mountain passes in southern BC.
Just had a message from Hinton AB and currently snowing there.

EDIT: Vancouver weather just on, and to date , Vancouver BC has had 2 1/2 times the monthly average of rain for the area and that's all coming down as snow in areas above 3,500'.

[larry koenn]

We've made twenty round trips so far, hope to to about ten more. I work as camp host and need to be there in two weeks. I worked 20 years in Prudhoe Bay on the north slope of Alaska and have driven on ice and snow a couple of times. The plan is always to leave a little early and have time to wait out really bad conditions if necessary. Have had to it a few times.

Larry

[Skip426]

Stay safe ; food and fuel (diesel and propane for an unexpected stop)

Before my coach broke down in OR last month; ( still there waiting for parts) we were planing to do the Yukon this year , not looking great at the moment.

[TonyMac]

My book for my 2006 Allison 3000 says 29 qts for initial fill, and 19 qts for refill. But I'd go by the touchpad. Did you drain it cold?

[larry koenn]

Yes Tony, had not ran engine for two weeks.