Allison 3060 dipstick--difficult to read?

[Vanwill]

I've read several thread concerning fluid levels in the Allison transmissions. Mine is MD 3060 in a 1993 Monaco Dynasty with 8.3 turbo-Cummins. I have built more different kinds of engines than I can remember, more small-block Chevys than I can count, a diesel tractor, a few Harleys and a couple of passenger automatic transmissions. I am a highly skilled machinist. I say all that to point out that I'm no stranger to any kind of machinery in preface to what I'm about to ask. Before leaving on my first trip in this coach, I checked the hot fluid level in the trans--several times. I checked several times because it was exceedingly difficult to even decide if the dipstick was touching any fluid whatsoever. I finally decided it must be a little low, so I added fluid, still not sure exactly what the level was. Trans performed perfectly on the trip. Checked it again when I returned. After multiple checks, I determined it was still low. Suffice it to say that in exasperation, I'm finally draining the fluid and refilling to Allison specs, which appears to be about 17 qts after draining (several quarts more total after rebuild when completely dry). My questions:
1) Has anyone experienced this much difficulty getting a reading on the dipstick? After adding oil, the dipstick tube, which is bent like a pretzel with a near 4-foot dipstick is so coated that the dipstick drags up oil all over its length and is impossible to read.
2) I've read about the fluid level being checked by an OLS (oil level sensor) in the tranny IF IT IS SO EQUIPPED. I'm not sure mine is equipped with that, and when I attempt the "at the pushbutton" OLS method, I can only get a "d - 1" or "d - 2" reading and cannot get it to read anything else. The trans ECU was replaced by the previous owner about six months ago at an Allison service center, and the bill reads that it was "reprogrammed", which still does not mean that it has the OLS. Anyone know if that year and model tranny had that feature? There is no mention of it in my 1992 Allison manual that came with the coach.
3) My dipstick tube is bent like a pretzel, but it could easily have come right straight up vertically out of the tranny pan and been only about 18" long, which I'm considering doing. If I did so, I would need to know how DEEP the oil level should be from the bottom of the pan when hot, to be absolutely certain of my results when I recalibrate the dipstick. Anyone know how DEEP the oil in the pan would be when it is hot?

I'm a bit embarrassed by being what seems like anal about something as simple as fluid levels, but reading this dipstick is virtually impossible.

Thanks,
Van W.

[st687]

I never use the dip stick, I use the touch pad, it is more accurate.

[JBDISCOVERY]

I am also interested in comments regarding oil level in the Allison MD 3060 trans. I am able to get a resonable fix on the trans oil level with the long dip stick. However, I can not get a reading using the touch pad. What I see is the O7 code for low trans temperature which stops getting any meaningful level or other codes.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
JB

[KIX]

Van.....have you tried calling Alllison or an Allison shop? Maybe you can go here
Allison Transmission and then click on "MyAllison" and perhaps there will be some tech specs you can research.

[Vanwill]

Quote:

Originally Posted by st687 I never use the dip stick, I use the touch pad, it is more accurate.

See 2) in my post. Thanks anyway.

[Steve Ownby]

Hey Van,

I don't think you are anal at all. It's smart to know your equipment and all the maintenance drills associated with it. Where is your tranny dip stick located? Is it at the rear or under the bedroom hatch? If at the rear, that is a dip stick that Monaco as the chassis builder installed. Sometimes there is a 2nd, Allison provided dipstick that comes straight up out of the transmission and is short & straight. It's accessable from the bedroom hatch. I have found Allison's customer service techs to be very helpful and I would not hesitate to call them & run your problem by them.

If you have not changed the fluid yet, I suggest changing to Transynd when you do. It's pricey but worth it for the extended service interval.

[Vanwill]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX Van.....have you tried calling Alllison or an Allison shop? Maybe you can go here Allison Transmission and then click on "MyAllison" and perhaps there will be some tech specs you can research.

Thanks. I'll try to find the serial number on the trans tomorrow.

[Mr_D]

I don't think a '93 trans had the internal level indicator. I know our '00 did though as does our '02. Just not sure when they started adding them. Even then it might not have been standard.

[Vanwill]

Thanks, Steve. My dipstick is under the bed (this is side radiator model), but instead of coming straight up as it COULDin this coach, it bends far toward the rear, making the dipstick tube much, much longer than necessary. I'll follow another member's advice and get the serial number to go online and see what's there. With that serial number, perhaps someone at Allison can help me. I would LOVE to be able to check the fluid level from the console! I'll solve the problem one way or another--I even considered using gun blue to change the color of the last few inches of the dipstick, thinking that might help, but if I find I don't have the oil level sensor in the tranny, I'll probably re-route the dipstick tube. I still can't believe *I* can't read a dipstick! LOL

And yes, I plan to change filters and change the fluid to some approved synthetic, if not Transynd. I've had great luck over the last fifteen years using synthetic fluids since they first came out and were rare. Sold two 300,000+ mile cars that used no oil. Both were on synthetic all or most of their lives.

Thanks to all who responded.

[Mekanic]

If the dipstick is regular steel stickthe bottom end in some liquid toilet bowl cleaner for 30 mins to tun it darker and to remove and shine. Then take some sand paper like 600 and bring back the brightness somewhat and the lines and any lines stamped into the dipstick will stand out better as well.

[KIX]

Van.......I've roughed up the "back" side of a dip stick with emery cloth to make it easier to read. It wasn't on an Allison but it worked for me.

[targaboat]

I have a back ground in transmission design. And yes, dip sticks are the most inaccurate devices in our vehicles. Many variables can affect the results. It also is a fact that the internal level indicators will not give a reading until the engine oil temperature is up to a predetermined temperature. I once had a unit which would only get warm enough to measure oil level in ambient temperatures below 60F. As for your unit if it has a read out, it could have the internal sensor.

The best way to determine the full level is to fill the system with the amount of oil specified in the available service information and then mark your new stick accordingly. It also entirely possible that the coach mfr could been in error with the original stick markings. And there are really too many different pan designs our there so I would never trust any answers you get from sources which are nearly twenty years old.

PM or email me if would like any more of my thoughts. This two finger typing gets old.

[dieselbeaver]

IF your transmission has the fluid level sensor installed, it will only work with the transmission at operating temp. Other wise your get the "temp out of range" code. Test drive it till your trans temp gauge reads 180 degrees then park and try again.