Tranny Fluid Change

[Full-Timers]

What is the best method to refill the transmission after a drain?

[Arch Hoagland]

The only way I know is through the dipstick hole. That's on an Allison 1000.

I built a funnel with some PVC pipe added on and attach it with a pipe cleaner on the firewall so it's easier to pour the fluid in SLOWLY.

The angle of the dipstick shaft is such that it takes a while for the fluid to go down into the transmission.

I buy my transmission fluid in quart containers as a gallon container would be almost impossible to pour from inside the engine compartment.

[Mabry]

I used a 5 gal. bucket to drain the fluid into, then marked the bucket for measuring. put the same amount on new fluid in the bucket, then used a pump up gallon garden sprayer to put the fluid in thru the dip stick hole. went pretty fast being under pressure.....take the wand off tho. hope this helps.
Mabry

[Full-Timers]

I found one of these at walmart. It screws right on to the bottle and has flo control. I will probably need to find a longer tubing but am going to give it a try.

[Full-Timers]

The wind finally died down today so I did the tranny fluid change. I first marked a 5 gallon bucket at the 1 gallon, 2 gallon, 2 gallon + 1 quart, 2 gallon + 2 quart, 2 gallon + 3 quart, and 3 gallon mark. I purchased 3 gallons of PB Autrans Syn 295. Finally I slid the bucket under the tranny and pulled the plug. 1 gallon, 2 gallons, 3 gallons (oh no!). Imagine my anxiety when it went past the 3 gallon mark with no sign of slowing down. After pulling the pan and draining the screw on filter I measured 3 gallons 3 quarts and 3 cups. Off to the store I went for another gallon.
Well all went fine. There was absolutely no metal in the bottom of the pan. Some fuzz on the magnet in the pan and filter. I was thinking I should replace the main filter since it was right there after pulling the pan but didn’t want to run back to the store. Would probably have to order one anyway. Also I figured since the fluid was so clean and the main change is only recommended during a rebuild, I didn’t worry much about it. The filler I bought worked out well. I placed a tarp under the motorhome just in case but didn’t spill a drop. Torque specs on the pan bolts are 18-21. I torqued them to 18. The drain bolt is 22-30. I torqued it to 25 which sure seemed tight. Next I started it up and ran through the gears leaving it in drive and reverse for about 2 minutes each then put it in park and checked the level. Lastly I shut it down and checked for leaks, none found.

[Full-Timers]

What holds the main filter in an Allison transmission?
The reason I ask is because when I did a fluid change I removed the pan and the filter appeared as though it was about to fall out. It seemed the only thing holding it in was maybe an o ring and the filter just kind of rests in the bottom of the pan.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

The only way I know is through the dipstick hole. That's on an Allison 1000.

Same with our 3000 MH trans.

[DriVer]

√√√

[DriVer]

Originally Posted by Full-Timers

Next I started it up and ran through the gears leaving it in drive and reverse for about 2 minutes each then put it in park and checked the level. Lastly I shut it down and checked for leaks, none found.

There is no recommendation to replace the internal filter other than during a transmission overhaul. We have spoken about this in the past and often however if that's what you need to do then it's OK by me.

I'm just changing fluids and external filters; 98,000 miles indicated. Runs great!

[Tony in SC]

Originally Posted by Full-Timers

What holds the main filter in an Allison transmission?
The reason I ask is because when I did a fluid change I removed the pan and the filter appeared as though it was about to fall out. It seemed the only thing holding it in was maybe an o ring and the filter just kind of rests in the bottom of the pan.

The filter neck slides into a rubber gromet and the bottom of the filter rest on the pan. Don't forget to switch the magnet on the spin on filter when you change it. Tony

[Full-Timers]

Originally Posted by Tony in SC

The filter neck slides into a rubber gromet and the bottom of the filter rest on the pan. Don't forget to switch the magnet on the spin on filter when you change it. Tony

Thanks Tony
I was wondering if anyone was going to answer my question.
What you described is exactly how mine is. I feel better now. Now I won’t have to pull the pan again to get another look at it. I did clean and replace the spin on filter magnet and cleaned the one in the bottom of the pan too. Looks like I am ready to go.

Thanks again

[Floridakamper]

When I had my fluid changed at the local Allison dealer they used a 5 gal bucket and a small pump they said was purchased at Harbor Freight.

[Quinten]

Ok; after checking with the local dealer on a transmission service on my Allison 1000, I have decided I would rather crawl under my rig than pay the price they are asking. I could use some tips here from very basic to any subltle things some of you may have learned. I would really appreciate the help here. I'm beginnng to think I'm getting too old to do this type of work, but who knows.

Thanks

[Quinten]

Is a torque wrench a must here?