About ready to do second step of Transynd change over

[FIRE UP]

Gents,
A while ago I asked what the bennies of changing to a synthetic transmission fluid would be. Well, I was answered and, by a very reputable transmission fluid engineer. So, I went on the search for "Transynd". After trying many sources, local, on line, and more, I finally purchased two, 5 gallon containers of Transynd for $165.00 ea. TOTAL!

I then followed posts on the change over procedure. Again, he (the engineer) advised the previous method of:

1. Drain Dexron
2. Add Transynd
3. Drive 25,000 miles

was not needed. He stated:
1. Drain Dexron
2. Add Transynd
3. Drive for 30 minutes
4. Drain Transynd
5. Remove filters
6. Install new filters
7 Add Transynd

This method was an Allison approved method and Allison considers this method, "A complete change over".

So, before our trip to Quartzite AZ about two weeks ago, I drained the Dexron, and added 19 quarts of Transynd. Man, I almost cried. That Dexron coming out was as clear red as I've ever seen coming from a transmission pan. It looked like I was draining from a brand new container of it.

We drove to and from Quartzite, a total of about 400 plus miles, and I'm now going to do the second half of the change over. It's going to hurt even more this time because of the cost and low mileage on this high priced fluid. But, it's all for the good. This will make a $15,000 transmission run better, cooler, and the fluid change interval is extended way beyond the normal change intervals so, I'll suck it up, knowing I'm done with this for as long as we own the rig and it's got the best fluid I can put in it.

Thanks to all who've helped in my inquiries of this issue. Very much appreciated.
Scott

[hzjcm8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE UP Gents, A while ago I asked what the bennies of changing to a synthetic transmission fluid would be. Well, I was answered and, by a very reputable transmission fluid engineer. So, I went on the search for "Transynd". After trying many sources, local, on line, and more, I finally purchased two, 5 gallon containers of Transynd for $165.00 ea. TOTAL! I then followed posts on the change over procedure. Again, he (the engineer) advised the previous method of: 1. Drain Dexron 2. Add Transynd 3. Drive 25,000 miles was not needed. He stated: 1. Drain Dexron 2. Add Transynd 3. Drive for 30 minutes 4. Drain Transynd 5. Remove filters 6. Install new filters 7 Add Transynd This method was an Allison approved method and Allison considers this method, "A complete change over". So, before our trip to Quartzite AZ about two weeks ago, I drained the Dexron, and added 19 quarts of Transynd. Man, I almost cried. That Dexron coming out was as clear red as I've ever seen coming from a transmission pan. It looked like I was draining from a brand new container of it. We drove to and from Quartzite, a total of about 400 plus miles, and I'm now going to do the second half of the change over. It's going to hurt even more this time because of the cost and low mileage on this high priced fluid. But, it's all for the good. This will make a $15,000 transmission run better, cooler, and the fluid change interval is extended way beyond the normal change intervals so, I'll suck it up, knowing I'm done with this for as long as we own the rig and it's got the best fluid I can put in it. Thanks to all who've helped in my inquiries of this issue. Very much appreciated. Scott

You did the right thing Scott !!! Happy motoring !!!

Tom Johnson

[FIRE UP]

Tom,
Thanks for the encouragment. It was heart breaking to see that PERFECTLY CLEAR RED, 400 mile "Transynd" come spewing out of the drain hole on my trans. I just had to grin and bear it. Well, it's done, I'm now set for 100K miles. I'll survive the hit.
Scott

[H. Miller]

And at only $16.50 per gallon, it could have been a LOT worse!

[Mike Canter]

Send me the old 400 mile Transysnd and I will filter it and put it the racecar Lenco transmission. We change the fluid very often anyhow..

[edgray]

Quote:

Originally Posted by H. Miller And at only $16.50 per gallon, it could have been a LOT worse!

It was. I think you missed the part about "ea."

[1ciderdog]

Fireup, Why not put a year or two or a bunch of miles on the fluid you just put in? Certainly transynd is the way to go in the long run and I won't argue that about changing the fluids but the change you just made will mix with the "old" fluid so I guess I don't see a real strong reason to change it again so soon unless you really want the fluid to be mostly transynd now.
Safe Travels
Bob

[Pusherman]

Scott, I would not waste 19qts of TranSynd with only 400 miles on it. Yes it's true Allison states that 2 oil changes are required to get the benefits of 'full synthetic', but I would use the current TranSynd oil change for 12 months (which is the dino change interval) and then change it again to get the benefits of 100% synthetic, which includes longer change intervals.

Since you currently have at least 80% synthetic in it, and you admittedly changed what looked like pretty clean oil, I would have NO worries about driving it, and still get the other benefits of synthetic, which is cooler running temperatures and superior lubricity.

After the second change after 12 months, then go to the 3 year filter/4 year oil synthetic change interval as recommended by Allison.

Even Tom would agree with this.

[hzjcm8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pusherman Scott, I would not waste 19qts of TranSynd with only 400 miles on it. Yes it's true Allison states that 2 oil changes are required to get the benefits of 'full synthetic', but I would use the current TranSynd oil change for 12 months (which is the dino change interval) and then change it again to get the benefits of 100% synthetic, which includes longer change intervals. Since you currently have at least 80% synthetic in it, and you admittedly changed what looked like pretty clean oil, I would have NO worries about driving it, and still get the other benefits of synthetic, which is cooler running temperatures and superior lubricity. After the second change after 12 months, then go to the 3 year filter/4 year oil synthetic change interval as recommended by Allison. Even Tom would agree with this.

I do agree to a point. You could change it again right away or take advantage of the TranSynd for awhile and save up the money to change it again in a year. However, I think you'll see that I've consistently recommended changing it twice (all at the same time). My rationale for this is that the old fluid, that remains in the mix, just keeps getting older and more degraded with time. This degrades the entire mixture and you don't get the full benefit of TranSynd. Since no one can calculate the impact the mix has on transmission wear and tear, I think it's better to be conservative and change it all at once so you can minimize the effect of the old oil. Also, you only have to do it once and then you're good to go for such a long time that it seems to me better to grin and bare it, plop down the money, take the extra few minutes and just get it done. Then, you're free to focus on something else because your transmission fluid will not be an issue again probably for the life of the vehicle. Just change the filters every 75,000 miles (Allison 3000/4000MH) or every 50,000 miles (Allison 2000MH) and top it off. Fluid is good for 300,000 miles in the 3000/4000MH and 150,000 miles in the 2000MH. Do an oil analysis once a year to check for contamination (dirt, water, and/or glycol) and that will give you maximum protection and a "worry free" transmission.

PS: I got a new grand-daughter on Jan 20. Abigail Ree Johnson. I like this grandpa stuff. My wife is German so I'm called "Opa".

[FIRE UP]

To all,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I'm not made of money. Conserving and getting the most from the "first" part of the change makes very logical sense. I like making sense. As stated, even the Dexron that came out was crystal clear and smelled like I was draining it directly from the gallon containers you purchase it in. That was bad enough. Then, to drain the 400 mile Transynd drain was like watching money coming from a slot machine in Vegas, that I never experienced but, watched others who have.

I have no doubt that the "mix" would have worked quite well for a year or so without issue. Although we're retired and like to get out and travel, we don't put the miles on this rig that I'd surely like to in a given year. So, trying to "stretch" the first part change, for us, might have taken years. I've only been retired for 2.5 years so, we're presently at around 3-4K miles per year. Hopefully that will change, based on income, DIESEL prices, and other stuff.

But, I took the advice of Tom, and bit the bullet. I figure this trans to be around $10,000-$15,000.00 if it went south so, in my effort to preserve it so I can afford to use it, I decided to do as Tom said and do the "double" change in the short time interval. And, that was even using that first change only 400 miles, they'd have had to call 911 if I'd have watched only "30 minute", $165.00 fluid drain out.

The first drain, the Dexron, that as stated looked like it was just put in, was donated to Auto Zones used oil tank in their store. The second dump, (approximately 80% Transynd-20% Dexron) I gave to my son-in-law to use in his truck for the newly rebuilt trans he was installing that day. So at least the second dump did not go to the reclaim tank in Auto Zone.

For me, it's a serious piece of mind thing doing it the way I did. I wish I could do the same for the engine. Then, all I'd have to worry about is the small stuff, BRAKES, AIR SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, etc. Based on some of the posts that I've read on all RVs, certain models and makes, certain years, gas and diesel rigs, no matter the length, it appears that if you've got one that basically is problem free, you got a good one. Mine is very close to that. Sure, I've tackled little issues here and there but, for the most part, it's a JEWEL.

So, in order to preserve this JEWEL, I spend a bit extra on things like the Transynd change-out and enjoy the benefits. Thanks again to all and especially to Tom for your expertise in this matter.
Scott

[Pusherman]

Scott - I admire how you take care of your coach. I bet there's a lot of coaches out there where the transmission fluid was never changed.

Tom - thanks for your advice. I especially like your advice regarding having the TranSynd tested annually for any abnormal wear. Sage advice.

For me, I'd have problems throwing 19 qts of TranSynd away, especially at $10/qt or so. Scott was creative and recycled perfectly good synthetic (mix) oil for reuse. Congrats Scott.

Both approaches are sound and meets or exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations (Allison in this case), whether doing 2 fills immediately in succession, or within 12 months. Depends on your pain level regarding $'s.

[dragger]

Tom, I have a question for you that might also apply to some others about to do the change over to transynd. My thought was to use the first change of transynd for the power steering and fan system. My 98 American Eagle, I believe, calls for dexron III to be used for that system since it is time for that to be changed anyway. So question is, do you think this would work? or just bad idea,

Thanks Jeff

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by H. Miller And at only $16.50 per gallon, it could have been a LOT worse!

That's for sure since TranSynd is selling for about $34 a gallon here.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog Fireup, Why not put a year or two or a bunch of miles on the fluid you just put in? Certainly transynd is the way to go in the long run and I won't argue that about changing the fluids but the change you just made will mix with the "old" fluid so I guess I don't see a real strong reason to change it again so soon unless you really want the fluid to be mostly transynd now. Safe Travels Bob

That's exactly what I did, waited two years and did the second change.