MD3060 Serial Number Not Found

GrandpaLarry · 05-04-2010, 11:35 AM

I have a 1998 HR Endeavor with a Cummins 5.9L ISB and an Allison MD3060 transmission on a Freightliner chassis.

I contacted HR to see if they could give me the engine and transmission serial numbers...they directed me to Freightliner.

Freightliner sent me the serial numbers but when I go to the Allison web site to get specs on the transmission the serial number is not found.

I called Allison's TAC support line and the gentleman told me the serial number wasn't valid.

The serial number I received from Freightliner is 29526536. Allison said their serial numbers begin with "64", "65", "66", and possibly "99" and that they all have ten digits.

Has anyone else run into this type of problem? What I am trying to determine is the capacity of the transmission. I'm planning on switching from petro-based fluid to TranSynd and would like to have an idea how much the fluid will cost. (number of gallons capacity x cost per gallon)

The Freightliner shop I called wouldn't even give me an estimate on cost due to the possible variations in total fluid capacity from sump depth, filter types, hose routing etc. Is this a normal response?

Thanks for any feedback.

Steve Ownby · 05-04-2010, 02:45 PM

Sounds like freightliner dropped the ball with the Allison serial #. I would go back to them & see if they can look up the build sheet for your chassis. I suspect that when this was transcribed into an electronic form someone picked up the wrong info. They should be able to recover the real #. There is also a name plate on the side of the transmission. A strong light & good eyes could read the #.

Steve O

allisontec · 05-04-2010, 07:14 PM

The number you have is the assembly number of the transmission.You have a MD 3060 series with a 2 inch sump. Transynd retails for $35.50 at a Allison distributer,the filter kit p/n is 29548987 retails for about $72.00. Your trans will take close to 4 gallons ,put three in it ,start it up and adjust to the cold run mark until you can bring it up to operating temp.You will need to put about 5k on the fluid then change again to get 100% concetration on your fluid.You trans is supposed to have an oil level sensor so you can check your fluid level with your keypad shifter.

GrandpaLarry · 05-04-2010, 08:14 PM

The number you have is the assembly number of the transmission.You have a MD 3060 series with a 2 inch sump. Transynd retails for $35.50 at a Allison distributer,the filter kit p/n is 29548987 retails for about $72.00. Your trans will take close to 4 gallons ,put three in it ,start it up and adjust to the cold run mark until you can bring it up to operating temp.You will need to put about 5k on the fluid then change again to get 100% concetration on your fluid.You trans is supposed to have an oil level sensor so you can check your fluid level with your keypad shifter.

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Allisontec. Thanks for the information. I do have one more question I hope you can answer.

One person mentioned that there is a risk when you switch from petro-based fluid to TranSynd that the higher level of detergent and different base of the synthetic fluid could cause failure/leaking of the transmission seals. Is this truly a possibility and something I should take into consideration?

allisontec · 05-05-2010, 05:18 AM

Transynd will never cause failure or leaking seals.There is an issue with the new Dexron VI(6) fluid that General Motors developed for 07 and up automatics.This is not approved by Allison,in fact Allison had to change their seals in S&G kits to be compatible with the D6 fluid as test showed degrading of seals in Allison trannys. If you visit allisontransmission.com you can click on service and then fluids you can find a list of approved fluids by Allison. There is nothing wrong with using Dexron III the only issue is they don't make Dexron III anymore,you will have to look at the container to see if it has the Allison Approved label or says it can replace DexronIII,not Dexron6.

GrandpaLarry · 05-05-2010, 06:24 PM

Thanks Allisontec.

I was wondering if it is possible to determine the transmission serial number from the the assembly number (29526536)?

allisontec · 05-05-2010, 06:49 PM

No ,sorry ,the only way to get the s/n is off of the ID tag on the trans.Maybe a small possibility the factory sticker may still be on it,usually on the top of the converter housing.I doub't it is still there.If this is a freightliner chassis they should have a build sheet on it or at least be able to access it with a vin #,if you can find someone with enough intelligence. Good Luck