Community Forums

travel · 04-05-2006, 04:15 PM

How can you tell what the temp in your Allison tranny is if you do not have a gauge on it? This is with normal or moderate driving in the summer. No steep hills in the equation.

fixed the title typo

travel · 04-05-2006, 04:15 PM

How can you tell what the temp in your Allison tranny is if you do not have a gauge on it? This is with normal or moderate driving in the summer. No steep hills in the equation.

fixed the title typo

DriVer · 04-05-2006, 06:37 PM

If this is any help may I submit the following:

Transmission malfunction can be traced to an incorrect fluid level or improper reading of the
dipstick. A fluid level that is too high or too low can cause overheating and clutch plate
damage. Fluid level should be at the "FULL HOT" mark with transmission fluid at normal
operating temperature of 180 degrees F. The normal operating temperature is obtained only
after at least 15 miles of highway-type driving.

If you are operating your transmission within the profile that you provided I see no reason for the Allison to be running any more than the normal operating temperature.

Some members here have opted for transmission gauges so you may want to continue checking the threads here for that content.

edgray · 04-05-2006, 06:51 PM

TRAVEL: HERE is a link to a thread running a while back. Be sure and read on to the posts on page 2, also. ED

travel · 04-05-2006, 07:50 PM

edgray-Thanks for the link! Copied some of the comments to my file for future reading.Safe traveling!

j griff · 08-16-2007, 07:33 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DriVer:
If this is any help may I submit the following:

Transmission malfunction can be traced to an incorrect fluid level or improper reading of the
dipstick. A fluid level that is too high or too low can cause overheating and clutch plate
damage. Fluid level should be at the "FULL HOT" mark with transmission fluid at normal
operating temperature of 180 degrees F. The normal operating temperature is obtained only
after at least 15 miles of highway-type driving.
QUOTE]

Driver - or others - How precise is the Allison dipstick measurement. I had my 5000 mile filter change by an authorized Allison Service Center and I notice the fluid is about 1/4 inch above the "full" hatch marks. Have driven several thousand miles since with no problem; however in the most recent trip in 100 degree weather the aux fans came on more than usual. Cause for concern ??

Tom N · 08-16-2007, 12:31 PM

Are you checking the level with the engine running??

-Tom

j griff · 08-16-2007, 06:40 PM

Yes - I'm following the procedures as detailed in the Workhorse Gas Motor Home Chassis Guide - i.e, checking after at least 15 miles of highway driving (in my latest check it was 60 miles);coach level; running through the gears with 3 seconds in each; then place in park and check. The fluid is about 1/4 inch above the "full hot" hatch mark.

Gene Rondenet · 08-16-2007, 08:28 PM

I also had my transmission filter changed at 5000 miles at an authorized Workhorse dealer and since then the cooling fans seem to run a lot more often. On I-5 in the CA central valley (very flat section) with an air temperature in the low 90's the fans run every few minutes.

dieselclacker · 08-17-2007, 08:23 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Gene Rondenet:
I also had my transmission filter changed at 5000 miles at an authorized Workhorse dealer and since then the cooling fans seem to run a lot more often. On I-5 in the CA central valley (very flat section) with an air temperature in the low 90's the fans run every few minutes. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Try turning off the dash air, I think you will find the they are what is causing the electric fans to come on. I have 2004 Allegro and travel Interstate 5 quite often, and have expierienced the same fan operation as you.

Dieselclacker

Gene Rondenet · 08-17-2007, 09:13 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by dieselclacker:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Gene Rondenet:
I also had my transmission filter changed at 5000 miles at an authorized Workhorse dealer and since then the cooling fans seem to run a lot more often. On I-5 in the CA central valley (very flat section) with an air temperature in the low 90's the fans run every few minutes. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Try turning off the dash air, I think you will find the they are what is causing the electric fans to come on. I have 2004 Allegro and travel Interstate 5 quite often, and have expierienced the same fan operation as you.

Dieselclacker </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I generally don't use the dash air until it gets over 100 and the coach air can't keep up.

DriVer · 08-17-2007, 11:19 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Gene Rondenet:
I generally don't use the dash air until it gets over 100 and the coach air can't keep up. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Funny you mention that because I use the opposite strategy. The 8.1L engine is tested and rated with the use of its air conditioning compressor.

When it gets too hot in the coach I will turn on my coach A/C. This is typically when the outside temperature is over 95+ degrees as indicated on the dash.

Gene Rondenet · 08-17-2007, 11:44 AM

Actually, my response was a little too simple. I generally start with the dash vent, then as the temperature goes up I change to dash AC, then Max AC, then Coach AC exclusively, then both AC's. When I'm in the central valley of CA I have usually moved into the Coach AC "phase".

j griff · 08-17-2007, 12:32 PM

I guess the lack of a specific reply to dipstick level means either we don't know if there is any latitude -- or to be safe, make sure it is within the hatched area.