Community Forums

StevieG · 05-07-2014, 08:35 AM

My boat is a 41 ft flybridge convertible that weighs about 16 tons soaking wet. It has twin 502 XLI fuel injected crusader gas engines. Some people would only consider a boat of that size with twin diesels in it because of the torque needed to get such a heavy boat up on plane... and they love longevity of a diesel engine. In my case I found that the gas engines do the job as well as a diesel and with the number of hours I run a season, makes a lot more sense (to me) as far the upfront cost to purchase, annual scheduled maintenance costs, repairs, and replacement.

I guess what I am saying is that each person should do an analysis of what their needs, uses, and costs are for each choice, and make an educated (as well a an emotional) decision that works best for you. I flip flop back and forth not being etiher a diehard diesel or gasser guy... To me it's the pros and cons of each that ultimately drive me.

Ted Lambert · 05-07-2014, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDR John

I just had Freightliner's 16,000 mile service done, no air cleaner needed, and it was $1200. That also included the genny service. ISL Cummins and Onan 10kw

You can find the 2 page check off list on their web site. In the FCCC operator's and maintenance manuals section, lower right side.

Owner Information

I am just curious. What did parts alone come to? I do all my own work right now but I am looking at possibly having it done for me. To old to be crawling around now.

StevieG · 05-07-2014, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akeyzoo

Sounds like a plan. As long as it didn't have transynd originally then you are good to go.

Chris

Chris, that is a great point... I do not know what was in there. I sure hope my mechanic did

Now you have me wondering... I called him yesterday. Don't want to bother him for a few days at least, but I won't feel good unless I speak with him...

akeyzoo · 05-08-2014, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevieG

Chris, that is a great point... I do not know what was in there. I sure hope my mechanic did

Now you have me wondering... I called him yesterday. Don't want to bother him for a few days at least, but I won't feel good unless I speak with him...

Call your chassis manufacturer to be sure. They can tell you what it was filled with originally. My "dipstick tube" on my coach has a transynd sticker on it. Mixing the two types isn't ideal. Downgrading is especially bad. Another note, you really should have the filters changed in there. Sounds like the "transmission flush" was the equivalent running the old fluid through a machine to filter it.

Here is my perspective. Perhaps I am mister overkill. I would make darned sure a transmission service was done per Allison spec. This was not. They recommend a fluid and filter change every 48 months (OR 150,000) with Transynd. Even more frequent without. They do not indicate a flush as an appropriate substitute. They also recommend a filter replacement at that interval. In your case you have no idea if they filters on your pretty old transmission are the original ones. That is bad. They degrade (the materials and adhesives).

My take? Do a proper tranny service.

Here is a link to Allison's required service intervals.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...66330100,d.aWc

Chris

StevieG · 05-08-2014, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akeyzoo

Call your chassis manufacturer to be sure. They can tell you what it was filled with originally. My "dipstick tube" on my coach has a transynd sticker on it. Mixing the two types isn't ideal. Downgrading is especially bad. Another note, you really should have the filters changed in there. Sounds like the "transmission flush" was the equivalent running the old fluid through a machine to filter it.

Here is my perspective. Perhaps I am mister overkill. I would make darned sure a transmission service was done per Allison spec. This was not. They recommend a fluid and filter change every 48 months (OR 150,000) with Transynd. Even more frequent without. They do not indicate a flush as an appropriate substitute. They also recommend a filter replacement at that interval. In your case you have no idea if they filters on your pretty old transmission are the original ones. That is bad. They degrade (the materials and adhesives).

My take? Do a proper tranny service.

Here is a link to Allison's required service intervals.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...66330100,d.aWc

Chris

Chris, I totally agree with you. Thanks for the push. I am somewhat of a Mister Overkill myself, and hate unknowns on something so important. Since I don't know when the last tranny service was, a flush is really not good enough IMO. I'll be shopping for Transynd and requesting they change the filters. So Far I found it for $50 / gal. Anyone find a better price shipped?

akeyzoo · 05-08-2014, 10:16 PM

So confirm it originally came with transynd first! If it did not, you can convert it over but I believe it is a two step process. I would recommend replacing with what it came with from factory.

If you end up doing a drain and filter replacement it really is super easy. All you need is a large capacity drain pan and a funnel or transfer pump to get the new fluid in. Just pull the plug and drain the old fluid. Then a few bolts reveal both filters. Allison doc will then explain exactly how much fluid to add. Really is simple to do yourself. 1 hour MAX. With chassis jacked up you have tons of access!

Chris

akeyzoo · 05-08-2014, 10:18 PM

Oh, and I highly recommend rvchassisparts.com.

StevieG · 05-09-2014, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akeyzoo

Oh, and I highly recommend rvchassisparts.com.

Thanks Chris.

I started another thread in the Allision transmission area. I'm going to go for it. I do a lot of my own maintenance on my cars/trucks, boat, snowmobiles, and motorcycle,... so why not the mh? I just want to make sure I get it right the first time. I am not only mr. overkill like you, but when I attempt something the first time, I try to have every detail down and correct in order. Then if stuff happens in the process, that is part of the learning curve I guess...

My first trip is Memorial Day weekend to The Castaways in OCean City, MD about a 6 hour trip from here. I hope to be done before I leave, so I have a lot to learn by then... I wish there was a Youtube video that really showed the whole process, but only found one that was pretty lame. Thanks also for the website. I called Freightliner and they have Transyd for $202 for a 5 gal pail...

I'll let you know how I made out...

mel s · 05-09-2014, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevieG

I'm going to get what I think is a full chassis service next week and am wondering if you all think the cost quoted sounds about right and if I've missed anything major... I have a 2003 DP with 36k miles, a 330 Cat, Allison transmission, and 7500 generator.

As part of the service I'm getting an engine oil change, new air filter, fuel filter, a transmission service, generator oil change, new fuel filter for the genny, air dryer service, and complete grease job. Also getting an annual inspection which will verify brakes, tires, and lights.

For what I indicated above, I was told would cost about $550. The best part is that it will be done the same day I bring it there. I've heard Speedcos is very good, but the nearest one is about 5 hours away in Harrisburg, PA and no where near where I will be going any time soon...

StevieG
SpeedCo will did all of that, (except for the "transmission service" and the annual inspection"), for about $250.
BTW since a '03 Allison "should have" TranSynd fluid in it, the fluid is good for 150k+ miles.

The recommended yearly maintenance of my coach costs me about $150-$200 a year, (but I do it myself).

IMO, a "shop price" of $550, (although a lot of $$), is not "out of line".

Mel
'96 Safari

StevieG · 05-09-2014, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mel s

StevieG
SpeedCo will did all of that, (except for the "transmission service" and the annual inspection"), for about $250.

Mel
'96 Safari

Mel, what I wouldn't give to have a Speedco nearby...

The nearest one to me is in Harrisburg, PA about 5 hours away...

mel s · 05-09-2014, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevieG

Mel, what I wouldn't give to have a Speedco nearby...

The nearest one to me is in Harrisburg, PA about 5 hours away...

StevieG
Drive over to Harrisburg, it will only take a day, (and $250 worth of diesel).

In the last 105k miles there has only been one SpeedCo near me when my coach needed one of it's 15 oil & filter changes and lubes.

BTW, wherever I take my coach for professional work I always feel like a new prisoner must feel when he bends over in the shower room.

Mel
'96 Safari

mmorgan · 05-10-2014, 08:38 AM

...

terry735001 · 05-10-2014, 02:02 PM

they see you coming

drive in and you hear GIVE ME ALL YOUR MONEY NOW

what that going to cost me again

your bill is ready

here are your keys

O by the way we found some more things wrong why you where in today

as the guy setting next to you

has the next number in line 239 ready to go after you

Bumps · 05-11-2014, 09:40 AM

Picked up our MH from the shop on Friday. Had the oil changed, new fuel filters, full chassis lube, rear differential flushed, serpentine belt replaced, antifreeze/SCA level, hoses, and brakes checked, and did the Transynd changeover on the Allison. Also asked for all of the ECM codes to be pulled (there were none, it turns out) and a handful of marker lights and one brake light bulb to be replaced. Everything I could think of except the genny service (did that before putting it down for the winter): $1300.00. \ken