Community Forums

Sky_Boss · 04-29-2015, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hzjcm8

Steve,
The transmission and fluid are still in good shape. No maintenance required. My suggestion is that you sample the fluid before you plan to change filters and use the Ultimate Test Kit so we can measure Particle Counts and ISO Cleanliness Code. That will tell us for sure whether or not the filters really need to be changed at that time.

This brings up a couple questions:

I replaced my filters about a year ago. Is there any reason I need to use the ultimate test kit for tranny analysis or can I wait for the test prior to the year filter change and decide from that?

I'm still a little gun shy to rely totally on the testing results to determine when to make fluid changes because of my extended service contract. In your experience, is that an unfounded fear?

Does the ultimate testing kit really apply to the normal use by RVers?

Depending on your answers I might decide to return the advanced 3 pack for oil for the ultimate. I have a scheduled service in about a month.

hzjcm8 · 04-29-2015, 05:24 PM

No need to use the ultimate test kits to check the fluid. Just purchase a single ultimate kit when it's time to change the filters. The advanced kit will give you adequate protection on fluid and transmission. condition. There's nothing to fear about doing the oil analysis during the extended contract. Allison recommends it as the best way to determine the fluid change interval.

anotherone · 04-30-2015, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hzjcm8

Let me know the diagnosis.

Basically the diagnosis is none. No codes , fluid was perfect and shifted like a dream to the tech. I requested he do a computer reset and picked it up towing my truck home ; about 60 miles. It shifted flawlessly , up and down in some stop and go also on I75. He said when it does it again bring it to any allison shop for a demo.

Mr_D · 05-02-2015, 08:41 PM

We just had the ISX rebuilt and I was checking the trans fluid in the 4000. On the dip stick it looks greenish in color and some green around the red color on a paper towel. Would that happen if someone put engine oil in the trans? On our previous 3000 the fluid always looked reddish, both on the stick and on a paper towel.

hzjcm8 · 05-03-2015, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

We just had the ISX rebuilt and I was checking the trans fluid in the 4000. On the dip stick it looks greenish in color and some green around the red color on a paper towel. Would that happen if someone put engine oil in the trans? On our previous 3000 the fluid always looked reddish, both on the stick and on a paper towel.

Mr_D,
Are you running TranSynd in your Allison 4000 Series? It can appear as a gold or greenish color sometimes under the right light. We were never sure of the exact cause but I've seen it several times over the years. However, oil analysis never revealed any change in fluid properties. In my mind, the color is not that important.

I suppose it could be engine oil contamination if someone wasn't careful and put the engine oil in the transmission fill tube. You could check it through an oil sample and analysis to find out for sure. If transmission fluid were to be contaminated by engine oil, we would see a viscosity increase, oxidation by FTIR would decrease and the zinc, phosphorus and calcium additive levels would increase dramatically. The end result would be a reduction in the life of the transmission fluid.

Old Scout · 05-03-2015, 04:46 PM

Tom, I would like to add my thanks to the long list of RVs who are using your analysis protocol to monitor tranny fluid condition. Per your advice, I swapped out the two filters this weekend and to my surprise, only lost maybe 1 to 1 1/2 quarts of fluid. Just topped off with new TranSyn and am good until next year. Because I assumed I was going to just change fluid at the 4 year point, I did let the filters go 3.5 years [about 40k miles] but dont see any real issues with letting it go a bit longer...Thanks again.....

bamagal · 05-04-2015, 10:43 AM

Tom;
Valvoline has a Synthetic T fluid that says TES 389 approved. But I can't find it listed on the Allison Website. That list is dated 2011, I think. Is it O.K. to use in our 1000? Not concerned about extended drain intervals, as we'll not drive it an additional 150K, probably only 50K! (We do not tow, either)

Mr_D · 05-04-2015, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hzjcm8

Mr_D,
Are you running TranSynd in your Allison 4000 Series? It can appear as a gold or greenish color sometimes under the right light. We were never sure of the exact cause but I've seen it several times over the years. However, oil analysis never revealed any change in fluid properties. In my mind, the color is not that important.

I suppose it could be engine oil contamination if someone wasn't careful and put the engine oil in the transmission fill tube. You could check it through an oil sample and analysis to find out for sure. If transmission fluid were to be contaminated by engine oil, we would see a viscosity increase, oxidation by FTIR would decrease and the zinc, phosphorus and calcium additive levels would increase dramatically. The end result would be a reduction in the life of the transmission fluid.

TranSynd? That's one of the questions. We bought the MH in mid Feb. and drove it 2,600 miles before the engine blew. Only has 45,000 miles on it now and an unknown service history. The previous owner owned a trucking firm so I suspect it was taken care of correctly but don't know for sure. Guess I'm going to have to get the Advanced kit and send a sample in to know for sure.

gemert · 05-09-2015, 10:10 PM

I have an allison 4000mh in my 03 Beaver Patriot Thunder. I have owned it for a year so I took it in for all fluids and filters to be changed. I found out that the mechanic put Amsoil ATF torque drive tes-295 compliant fluid in the transmission. Will this fluid cause problems in the next year or so? It cost a bunch and I would rather not change it out unless I have to. Thank you for your help.

Mr_D · 05-09-2015, 10:48 PM

Amsoil is NOT an approved fluid for the Allison as they've never had it tested and certified. Who says it's "compliant"? Not Allison.
Seems Amsoil plays very loose with their "compliance" claims.
I'd would never have left the shop with that fluid.

gemert · 05-10-2015, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Amsoil is NOT an approved fluid for the Allison as they've never had it tested and certified. Who says it's "compliant"? Not Allison.
Seems Amsoil plays very loose with their "compliance" claims.
I'd would never have left the shop with that fluid.

Thanks for reply. Unfortunately I am very new to this and just didn't realize until someone else pointed it out. My question is: is it necessary to spend the money to switch it over. Please answer like it is your money and not mine! That's why I picked the Mr. Transynd forum to ask. Thanks again.

Scottybdivin · 05-10-2015, 08:18 AM

I recently had the Advanced test ran on my 4000. Interesting that it states model is "missing information" because I know I wrote it on the form. I did not know the FILTER TYPE or the LUBRICANT TIME of the oil, since I just got the RV. If I am interpreting it correctly, I don't need to do anything at this time.

DAJO · 05-10-2015, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

I recently had the Advanced test ran on my 4000. Interesting that it states model is "missing information" because I know I wrote it on the form. I did not know the FILTER TYPE or the LUBRICANT TIME of the oil, since I just got the RV. If I am interpreting it correctly, I don't need to do anything at this time.

Now that you mention missing model number my report also had model and they said no model. I also listed how many miles the oil had on it, when it was installed and type of fluid and still they said on report that it was used fluid and not new like stated. I went to the trouble of telling them all the details I could think of and they did not look at any of it. Tom did call me and say we are good to go and retest next year. Send an email to Jg and ask for and interpretation of results.

Steve Ownby · 05-10-2015, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemert

Thanks for reply. Unfortunately I am very new to this and just didn't realize until someone else pointed it out. My question is: is it necessary to spend the money to switch it over. Please answer like it is your money and not mine! That's why I picked the Mr. Transynd forum to ask. Thanks again.

If it were my money, I would send a sample to JG a year from now and either replace it or not based on the results of that test.

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07