Former Allison Transmission Fluids Engineer

[DriVer]

Originally Posted by hzjcm8

If you want the most from TranSynd, and you currently don't have it in the transmission, then you'd want to drain the old fluid, change the filter, install TranSynd, drive it around for 1/2 hour or so, drain it again and then reinstall TranSynd. Then, you'll have the full benefit and probably be "fill for life". You'll just want to do a yearly fluid analysis to make sure it doesn't get contaminated in any way.

hcjcm8, This is what I have been suggesting to owners all along. The sooner the better!

[RAGster]

Mr. TransSynd,

I have a 1986 Bluebird Wanderlodge with the Allison MT654-CR transmission. I have heard that switching an older transmission from Dexron III to Transynd can result in seals leaking. Have you heard of any instances of leaks after switching to Transynd?

Thanks,

Glenn

[hzjcm8]

Originally Posted by RAGster

Mr. TransSynd,

I have a 1986 Bluebird Wanderlodge with the Allison MT654-CR transmission. I have heard that switching an older transmission from Dexron III to Transynd can result in seals leaking. Have you heard of any instances of leaks after switching to Transynd?

Thanks,

Glenn

Glenn,

You should be OK with TranSynd. I have not heard of seal leakage like you mention. TranSynd ran all the same tests (plus more) for seals that DEXRON-III and DEXRON-VI fluids ran. So, they are chemically seal compatible.

The Wanderlodge is pretty cool !!!

[RAGster]

Thanks!

[92hummer]

Your answer is exactly what I was looking for. I didn't know if it would be prudent for me to "mix" TranSynd and Dexron. Glad to know it won't destroy the transmission.
Thanks! Gary

[greystroke]

Tom,

I have an MD3060 that I am sure has the Dexron so I want to change to Tran synd. (I will let Blackstone test it to be sure) I finally found an Allison procedure for changing fluids and it does not mention how to get the fluid out of the Torque Converter. Is there a way to do this?? For example, on my Ford Truck tranny I turn the TC until the TC drain plug is visible. Remove the plug and drain. When re-filling you have to start the engine and cycle through the gears to push the new fluid through the TC before putting it under load. Is there a way to do this with the MD3060.
Thanks Tom, glad your here!

[hzjcm8]

Greystroke,

You'll need to do a double drain and fill. Allison does not have a drain plug on the torque converter. So, drain it, change the filters and fill it with TranSynd. Then, drive it around for 1/2 hour or so and then drain it a second time and fill it again with TranSynd. You'll need between five and ten gallons to do this but then you're good for 300,000 miles unless it gets contaminated in some way (water, coolant, dirt, etc.). I'd check it once a year with oil analysis.

[greystroke]

Thanks for the answer. I suspected there was no way to drain the TC. I will give JG a call and see what I need kit wise. First I need to find out what type is in there. I have no idea. Also the analysis should show the condition of the internals of the transmission. I really need some baseline info on this old gal. It does work great and gives me fantastic economy. I would like to keep it that way.

[FDchief]

Hi Tom,

I have a Allison 1000 transmission in my motorhome, and it has had the two changes to full Transynd, and now has 32,000 miles on it. A couple of questions for you;

1. Can you use Transynd fluid from the filter you have just removed for analysis, or must it come from the pan. Is there a procedure you recommend for this.

2. What is your preferred method of checking for proper fluid level. A cold check, a check after a 20 minute drive, or hot after a long day on the road? And in each of these cases where should I look for the level on the stick.

By the way, my Allison dealer just sold me Mobil / Delvac TES-295 instead of the Transynd. They say that's what they are selling now, just as good and a little cheaper. Thanks very much for your help.

[PandK]

Originally Posted by FDchief

Hi Tom,

I have a Allison 1000 transmission in my motorhome, and it has had the two changes to full Transynd, and now has 32,000 miles on it. A couple of questions for you;

1. Can you use Transynd fluid from the filter you have just removed for analysis, or must it come from the pan. Is there a procedure you recommend for this.

2. What is your preferred method of checking for proper fluid level. A cold check, a check after a 20 minute drive, or hot after a long day on the road? And in each of these cases where should I look for the level on the stick.

By the way, my Allison dealer just sold me Mobil / Delvac TES-295 instead of the Transynd. They say that's what they are selling now, just as good and a little cheaper. Thanks very much for your help.

Just for information. From the Allison web site:
Approved Product Listing as of 7/21/2011
TES 295 Approval Number Approved Marketer Product Brandname
AN-011001 Castrol Heavy Duty Lubricants TranSynd
AN-031002 BP Lubricants Autran Syn 295
AN-031003 Cognis Corporation Emgard 2805
AN-031004 International Truck & Engine Company Fleetrite Synthetic ATF
AN-051005 ExxonMobil Lubricants and Petroleum Specialties Company Mobil Delvac Synthetic ATF
AN-071006 John Deere & Company HD SynTran
AN-1010007 Volvo Trucks North America Bulldog Synthetic ATF

[DAN L]

Originally Posted by hzjcm8

Greystroke,

You'll need to do a double drain and fill. Allison does not have a drain plug on the torque converter. So, drain it, change the filters and fill it with TranSynd. Then, drive it around for 1/2 hour or so and then drain it a second time and fill it again with TranSynd. You'll need between five and ten gallons to do this but then you're good for 300,000 miles unless it gets contaminated in some way (water, coolant, dirt, etc.). I'd check it once a year with oil analysis.

what is the fluid capacity of the torque converter used with the allison 5 speed with the 8.1 engine?

[greystroke]

This was a concern of mine so I found some info in a Allison Tips document.

For a 3000 series with a 4 inch sump. Total initial fill is 29 quarts while for refill it is only 19 quarts. Which means when you drain you leave about 10 quarts in the transmission/torque converter. I guess most of this is in the TC.

For all 3000/4000 series overall depending on sump there is about 6-10 quarts remain. Thus the reason for the double fill Tom talks about.

This info is out of Mechanics Tips MT4015EN.

[hzjcm8]

Originally Posted by FDchief

Hi Tom,

I have a Allison 1000 transmission in my motorhome, and it has had the two changes to full Transynd, and now has 32,000 miles on it. A couple of questions for you;

1. Can you use Transynd fluid from the filter you have just removed for analysis, or must it come from the pan. Is there a procedure you recommend for this.

2. What is your preferred method of checking for proper fluid level. A cold check, a check after a 20 minute drive, or hot after a long day on the road? And in each of these cases where should I look for the level on the stick.

By the way, my Allison dealer just sold me Mobil / Delvac TES-295 instead of the Transynd. They say that's what they are selling now, just as good and a little cheaper. Thanks very much for your help.

FDChief,

The oil from the filter is not the preferred location for transmission fluid sampling. If that's all you have, then it will work but it may give a bit higher wear metals reading since the wear metals may tend to be more concentrated than if you were to draw it from the sump. The transmission should be warm to get the most representative sample. I recommend you use a vacuum pump and 1/4" tubing to draw the sample. You can get these at your oil analysis supplier. I recommend an Advanced Analysis Kit the measures viscosity at 100C, wear metals, contaminants, and TAN (Total Acid Number). This will tell you everything you need to know about the condition of the transmission fluid. You should take the sample when the transmission is at operating temperature (around 175F) or maybe 1/2 hour of driving around.

To check for proper fluid level, you want it to be in the lower part of the HOT band at 175F (80C) with engine idling in PARK on a level surface.


Hope this helps !!!

[FDchief]

Thanks Tom. It does help. I forgot I can use my mighty vac pump to collect the sample.