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second (or third, or fourth) opinion, please
I would like to hear the thoughts of any of you who are knowledgeable specifically on the Allison 4000MH transmission from early 2000. I sent a separate note to Allisonman, in case he doesn't see this.
I have a 2003 Monaco Signature with a 525 ISX and Allison 4000 transmission on a Roadmaster chassis. It has 112k miles and seems to run well except for, what I thought was, too high trans temps. Also, I can't get the trans oil level from the shifter pad; I only get a 95 code. I purchased a Derale aux cooler as some on the IRV2 forum have done, but have not had lines made.
Last week I took the MH to W.W. Williams in Brunswick, OH to have the trans oil level sensor repaired and the cooler lines made and installed. After 10 days and repeated calls asking for status, I finally heard from the mechanic today, and it's what he said I would like your feedback on.
First, he said it would be lots of money to change the level sensor because they first had to check the whole harness, as that's a likely problem in a 20 year old coach. Then he said the sensor has been changed, and would require a whole new harness.
A second thing he said was if I installed the cooler, I would blow the transmission seals and ruin the transmission because it would disrupt the flow that is necessary for the Allison. My concern about the temp was this: the transmission regularly runs at around 235º, which I was told and read was too high, which is why I was going with the aux cooler. He said the transmission should run around 30-35 degrees higher than engine coolant; my coolant stays around 200º with a new radiator. So, he says, my transmission is just fine. No danger until over 255º or more.
Finally, he said that he might be able to run a dipstick to check the fluid level to the back of the coach, which would be fine for me and I wouldn't need the shifter pad reading. I'm leaning toward that, but I would appreciate any thoughts on his diagnosis. Thank you.
Joe Lorek
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