changing tranny fluid?? [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: changing tranny fluid??


TnfarmerLLY
04-05-2008, 03:09 PM
iam goin to drain the fluid, and replace it with Mobil 1 Synthetic soon, how many quarts should go back in after just draining the pan??? and also, should i think about changing the internal filter??? truck has 48K on it....thanks

dieselbrian
04-05-2008, 03:33 PM
i would change the internal filter and you need 2 gallons to fill the pan.

Blk04HD
04-05-2008, 03:39 PM
If you just change the spin on filter you will need about 7.5 quarts. But i think i would also change the internal filter also if your going the synthetic route.

jedmax
04-06-2008, 12:16 AM
If you're going to drop the pan to change the internal, why not upgrade to a deep pan (Allison makes one, or you could go with a Mag Hytec, ATS, BD, etc.). If you do, you'll need the longer filter and it wouldn't hurt to install a filter lock. Some day, I'll have to do mine.

rudy fontana
04-06-2008, 01:51 AM
If you do the deep pan you should get the deep filter adapter sold by Mike L. That way the filter doesnt fall off and your tranny sucks up air.

ZL-1
04-07-2008, 05:30 PM
iam goin to drain the fluid, and replace it with Mobil 1 Synthetic soon, how many quarts should go back in after just draining the pan??? and also, should i think about changing the internal filter??? truck has 48K on it....thanks
You should drop the pan to get all the fluid out.
If you do the deep pan you should get the deep filter adapter sold by Mike L. That way the filter doesnt fall off and your tranny sucks up air.
Deep pan is a very good idea. The Allison deep pan adds about 3 qts to the capacity. Also need the deep filter too, and Filter-Loc...

TnfarmerLLY
04-07-2008, 07:19 PM
thanks guys, i would like to drop the pan, and change the internal filter too, but if i aint got time, i might just drain and fill with Dex III for now, cause it really needs changed bad, when i changed the spin-on after i got the truck, it was real dark, almost black, i dont think the previous owner had ever changed it...

pa32rt
04-07-2008, 07:52 PM
thanks guys, i would like to drop the pan, and change the internal filter too, but if i aint got time, i might just drain and fill with Dex III for now, cause it really needs changed bad, when i changed the spin-on after i got the truck, it was real dark, almost black, i dont think the previous owner had ever changed it...

If you don't have time right now, just dump in the synthetic and change the spin-on. Run it until you have the time, or maybe want to do a shift kit - then change the internal filter and put in another 2-gals of synthetic.

Three things are accomplished:
1. You are down minimal time.
2. You get the syn in there to start doing some good.
3. When you change the second time, you will get most of the conventional oil that was left in the converter and cooler out of there.

btfarm
04-07-2008, 07:53 PM
If you're only going to do the pan drain then get 2 spin on filters and 15 qts of Dex 3. Change it once and then do it again after about 1000 miles. That should be pretty close to good.

Tbirdfiend281
04-07-2008, 10:07 PM
does anyone have links or information on where to buy the allison deep pan and filter loc?

mafloyd88
04-07-2008, 10:28 PM
Merchant Automotive. Check out the vendor section. Thats where I got mine.

TnfarmerLLY
04-08-2008, 10:32 AM
ok, thanks for the help guys, dont know yet which i'll end up doin when it comes time, but also, is there any certain things to do when i put the new fluid in??? like shift it thru P,R,D,3,2,1...while holding the brake???

btfarm
04-08-2008, 01:10 PM
...like shift it thru P,R,D,3,2,1...while holding the brake???
That'll do it.

Blk04HD
04-08-2008, 08:49 PM
Always check fluid with the tranny in park and the engine idling.

ZL-1
04-09-2008, 04:08 PM
And get thr fluid level in the middle range of the dipstick at operating temperature, tranny runs cooler at that level...

pc_renaud
04-09-2008, 04:16 PM
Just did the fluid and filter on mine Sundaym , it had 49000 on it and the fluid I drained out looked just as good as the fluid I put in , It took exactly 7.5 qts.Refilled with DexVI, Also did the transfer case that fluid looked and smelled good also, Refilled with DexIII, took 2 qts

TnfarmerLLY
04-10-2008, 11:35 AM
And get thr fluid level in the middle range of the dipstick at operating temperature, tranny runs cooler at that level...


so, let it just go 1/2 way up the checker on the stick???

TnfarmerLLY
04-10-2008, 11:36 AM
Just did the fluid and filter on mine Sundaym , it had 49000 on it and the fluid I drained out looked just as good as the fluid I put in , It took exactly 7.5 qts.Refilled with DexVI, Also did the transfer case that fluid looked and smelled good also, Refilled with DexIII, took 2 qts


how come u went with dex VI instead of III???? just to see if it made a diff? cause 05' and earlier calls for DexIII....iam either doin it, or just goin to Mobil 1 synthetic......thanks

Cirrus
04-10-2008, 12:45 PM
Dex VI is backwards compatable, and is supposed to be a much more advanced fluid than Dex III..........sooooo why not use Dexron VI?;)

btfarm
04-10-2008, 01:22 PM
so, let it just go 1/2 way up the checker on the stick???
Ideal would be 1/4" from top of the full section at 150* trans temp.

Crafty1
04-10-2008, 02:04 PM
Dex VI is backwards compatable, and is supposed to be a much more advanced fluid than Dex III..........sooooo why not use Dexron VI?;)

Check the sticky. Allison put out a S/N break for allowing use of Dex6 in 2006. They changed seal materials to be compatible with Dex6.

Fluids specification metting TES-389 (or TES-295 for synthetic) will tell you if your Dexron type is seal safe.

Cirrus
04-10-2008, 07:14 PM
Ahhhhh!

But what I still don't understand..........why have Dex VI backwards compatable for Dex III, if it isn't any good for the seals? So, it's backwards compatable for other transmissions, but not the Allison.
Have I got it right this time?

pc_renaud
04-10-2008, 07:26 PM
wasn't sure if I was going with Dex III or VI, but castrols chart says DexVI was compatable for the 5 sp ally in my truck, so I giving it a try,supposed to be better

Crafty1
04-11-2008, 12:56 PM
GM only wants to have a single fluid to stock. Allison found that the additives in it made some types of seal materials become less flexible which could lead to cracks.

Dexron 6 actually meets the Dexron 3 spec, which is why its considered to be compatible. However, because of the effects on some seal types Allison created TES-389 to ensure seal compatibility. I don't think that you will find a Dex6 that is TES-389 approved.

TnfarmerLLY
04-18-2008, 12:23 AM
Just did the fluid and filter on mine Sundaym , it had 49000 on it and the fluid I drained out looked just as good as the fluid I put in , It took exactly 7.5 qts.Refilled with DexVI, Also did the transfer case that fluid looked and smelled good also, Refilled with DexIII, took 2 qts

was that 7.5 qrts with filling the spin-on filter too???

okauto
04-18-2008, 12:54 AM
Why do you want to only replace part of the tranny fluid. I just converted mine to Transynd (Allison approved synthetic) and according to Alldata it takes 12.7 qts. for a comlete fluid replacement. 7.4 qts is a standard drop the pan changeover, and leaves about 1/2 the old fluid in the converter & system. I used a Wynn's flush machine to cycle the old fluid out with the new fluid pushing it thru and replacing it. It takes about 30 minutes and replaces about 95% of the old fluid. Very easy & done deal.

btfarm
04-18-2008, 08:13 AM
There's been alot of discussion over the years that flushing the Allison is a no-no. I don't recall the details about it but somebody that does hopefully will chime in...

modified
04-18-2008, 08:38 AM
iam goin to drain the fluid, and replace it with Mobil 1 Synthetic soon, how many quarts should go back in after just draining the pan??? and also, should i think about changing the internal filter??? truck has 48K on it....thanks

Are you using Mobil Delvac Synthetic ATF, which meets the TES-295 specs?
http://www.allisontransmission.com/service/autoapp/172/viewpage.jsp?ThisPage=3
http://www.avlube.com/modesyatf.html

TnfarmerLLY
04-18-2008, 01:21 PM
Are you using Mobil Delvac Synthetic ATF, which meets the TES-295 specs?
http://www.allisontransmission.com/service/autoapp/172/viewpage.jsp?ThisPage=3
http://www.avlube.com/modesyatf.html


no iam using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF, it says its approved for 05' & earlier GM vehicles, even says allison trans on the back, i got a few buddys here thats runnin it, plus its way cheaper then the delvac, and i get it tax-free too.....

TnfarmerLLY
04-21-2008, 01:01 AM
so would it be fine to drain out what i can from the pan, and put the mobil 1 synthetic atf in, even if theres some dexIII still in there from not flushing??? or should i just put dexIII back in it???

modified
04-21-2008, 09:39 AM
I beleive all of the synthetic ATF Manufacturers say you can mix their syntheitc with dyno ATF, but by doing so, you reduce the benifits of the synthetic.
Draining the pan and refilling removes approximately 7.4 qts from the 12.7 qt system, or 58%. If you run your truck for 3-5K miles, and assume 100% mix, and drain the pan and refill again, you'll now have approximately 10.4 qts of synthetic or about 82% synthetic in the system.
Draining and filling the pan is the easy way, but flushing with new Synthetic would be the best way to get >95% synthetic the first time.
If you haven't seen this link for flushing, read below. It's not that hard.
http://mdt.volvospeed.com/repairs/allison_atf_filter.html

TnfarmerLLY
04-21-2008, 04:01 PM
I beleive all of the synthetic ATF Manufacturers say you can mix their syntheitc with dyno ATF, but by doing so, you reduce the benifits of the synthetic.
Draining the pan and refilling removes approximately 7.4 qts from the 12.7 qt system, or 58%. If you run your truck for 3-5K miles, and assume 100% mix, and drain the pan and refill again, you'll now have approximately 10.4 qts of synthetic or about 82% synthetic in the system.
Draining and filling the pan is the easy way, but flushing with new Synthetic would be the best way to get >95% synthetic the first time.
If you haven't seen this link for flushing, read below. It's not that hard.
http://mdt.volvospeed.com/repairs/allison_atf_filter.html


if i just drain, is that 7.4qrts with filling up the spin-on filter???

83trekker
04-21-2008, 04:32 PM
Is the gasket for the tranny pan reusable or if i drop the pan i need to buy a new sealand do i use silicone on it?

Blk04HD
04-21-2008, 08:54 PM
if i just drain, is that 7.4qrts with filling up the spin-on filter???

Yes..

Blk04HD
04-21-2008, 08:55 PM
Is the gasket for the tranny pan reusable or if i drop the pan i need to buy a new sealand do i use silicone on it?


From what i have read you can reuse the original gasket. NEVER, EVER USE SILICONE ON A TRANNY PAN...

Yfzdragger
04-21-2008, 11:21 PM
How often do you need to change the transmission fluid and not justthe filter?

BHoward6.6
04-22-2008, 12:19 AM
How often do you need to change the transmission fluid and not justthe filter?

A little reading:D
http://www.allisontransmission.com/service/faq/index.jsp?CategoryID=11

Yfzdragger
04-22-2008, 01:17 AM
Thats a lot of reading, LOL, Thanks

majateck
04-22-2008, 08:04 PM
I need to change my tranny fluid and filter. got almost 80k miles on it and havent done a thing to it. is there anyone out here that can post a fluid and filter change step by step with pictures. I've never messed with a transmission. HELP! :iamlost:

Cirrus
04-23-2008, 11:36 PM
See post # 27 above for the "flush" method. The Allison filter is just a spin on, and only take about 1/2 quart to fill.

Tbirdfiend281
04-25-2008, 02:03 PM
isnt on top of the spin on external filter, there an internal in the transmission itself filter?

BHoward6.6
04-25-2008, 02:07 PM
isnt on top of the spin on external filter, there an internal in the transmission itself filter?


yes

Tbirdfiend281
04-25-2008, 02:41 PM
ya thats what i had thought thank you

RaceHemi
04-25-2008, 04:10 PM
Here is a good thread regarding fluid types and change intervals. Pay attention to the posts by dnewton
http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=239110


There's been alot of discussion over the years that flushing the Allison is a no-no. I don't recall the details about it but somebody that does hopefully will chime in...

Depends on the machine, those that attach to the cooler lines and use the trans pump (passive) to move fluid seem to work well. I believe the units that pump the fluid through the trans are the ones not recommended. My dealer (Vaessen Bros) flushed my last truck using a passive unit without any issues.

thanks guys, i would like to drop the pan, and change the internal filter too, but if i aint got time, i might just drain and fill with Dex III for now, cause it really needs changed bad, when i changed the spin-on after i got the truck, it was real dark, almost black, i dont think the previous owner had ever changed it...

Why change part of your old trans fluid? (especially if it's burnt) Would you only change part of your engine oil? This reasoning makes no sense!

Use the "Hoot Method" to flush your Ally and be done with it, as far as trans flushes go, it doesn’t get any easier!

ZL-1
04-25-2008, 05:00 PM
I just used the drain and fill method, dropped the pan and installed the deep filter, Filter-Loc, and deep pan. Refilled with TranSynd. Was not comfortable taking apart the lines. My .02 cents worth...

RCH
04-25-2008, 08:33 PM
There's been alot of discussion over the years that flushing the Allison is a no-no. I don't recall the details about it but somebody that does hopefully will chime in...

When I talked to an tech at Allison he said the flushing might delaminate the clutches.

RCH
04-25-2008, 08:35 PM
if i just drain, is that 7.4qrts with filling up the spin-on filter???
Correct.

MorrisW
04-26-2008, 12:55 PM
RaceHemi
Depends on the machine, those that attach to the cooler lines and use the trans pump (passive) to move fluid seem to work well. I believe the units that pump the fluid through the trans are the ones not recommended. My dealer (Vaessen Bros) flushed my last truck using a passive unit without any issues.


I have two T-Tech machines and have been flushing transmissions for over 12 Years and have never once had a problem with a customers transmission.....

Like RaceHemi said it hooks up to the return line from the cooler and as the fluid comes out of the cooler .....it forces the new fluid out into the transmission...... this has proven out to be the best way to remove and replace the transmission flluids.....and have no affect on the clutches or internal componets of the transmission.....

It's actually no different then a Blood transfusion...... works the same way except the transmission pump pushes the old fluid out and that pressure pushes the new fluid into the transmission.....

We switched over to the Mobil Delvac ATF TS-295 fluid about a month ago and it is working fine ...... eager to put a load on the truck and see if the temps are any cooler as compared to the factory fluid.....

Morris

Tbirdfiend281
04-26-2008, 01:31 PM
When I talked to an tech at Allison he said the flushing might delaminate the clutches.


was he talking in terms of if the fluid has not been flushed for a long period of time, or in terms of regular intervals?

talking in theory, about that in terms of regular intervals, it wouldn't make much sense for a transmission company to come out with a transmission that did not respond well to flushes, being as the fluid is such a critical part of its function

Tbirdfiend281
04-26-2008, 01:34 PM
also not to deviate from the original topic, but just a quick question, who has a quality deep pan out there for not to much coin?

Crafty1
04-28-2008, 09:03 AM
When I talked to an tech at Allison he said the flushing might delaminate the clutches.

No way...

The issue here is that you can't machine flush the Allison (without it running) because of the way the hydraulic circuit is layed out.

If you allow the transmission's pump to pump the fluid out by running it (to a machine or a bucket) there's no problem. The machine could supply fresh oil back in and collect the used oil coming out, BUT a machine has no way to flush out the pump and converter on its own with the Allison.

modified
04-28-2008, 09:13 AM
also not to deviate from the original topic, but just a quick question, who has a quality deep pan out there for not to much coin?

The Alison deep pan is probably the cheapest. If you look around, maybe you'll find one used, or Eric has the kits, which include the longer neck pan filter that is required with the deep pan.
http://www.merchant-automotive.com/allisondeeppankit.aspx

I assume Mike L. sells these pans also.

jedmax
04-28-2008, 03:17 PM
The Alison deep pan is probably the cheapest. If you look around, maybe you'll find one used, or Eric has the kits, which include the longer neck pan filter that is required with the deep pan.
http://www.merchant-automotive.com/allisondeeppankit.aspx

I assume Mike L. sells these pans also.

x2. While the pan's off, install a filter lock as well (it's the small pic on the link to Merchant's site).

Mackin
04-29-2008, 01:03 PM
also not to deviate from the original topic, but just a quick question, who has a quality deep pan out there for not to much coin?


Me

wilsonck
04-29-2008, 11:41 PM
also not to deviate from the original topic, but just a quick question, who has a quality deep pan out there for not to much coin?


You probably will not find a cheaper one than the deep pan from Allison, less than a $100 last time I checked. Then you need the filter and it sounds like the filter loc from Merchant or Mike L or others will be needed.

Tbirdfiend281
05-02-2008, 06:04 PM
i am going to go that route, one company makes a pan that is advertised to add another 10 quarts to the overal capacity, but the allison one will do just fine

enahs
05-02-2008, 06:44 PM
You probably will not find a cheaper one than the deep pan from Allison, less than a $100 last time I checked. Then you need the filter and it sounds like the filter loc from Merchant or Mike L or others will be needed.

Allison here sold me the deep pan for less than $50. But you'll need the deep filter, too — for about $20, IIRC.

majateck
05-04-2008, 07:39 PM
How about Parts Master Dexron III ATF manufactured by Ashland. Anybody think this fluid is ok for an Allison 1000FA model tranny.

kkanuck
05-11-2008, 11:42 AM
You probably will not find a cheaper one than the deep pan from Allison, less than a $100 last time I checked. Then you need the filter and it sounds like the filter loc from Merchant or Mike L or others will be needed.

What is the purpose of this filter lock? I do not see it on the allison site?

Thanks for any tips.

RonS
05-11-2008, 12:57 PM
When I took my 04 to dealer I had them change the tranny fluid, they put in Dex VI. They told me that is the only type they (GM) are now using, and all will be ok with it. I have towed heavy with it now for about 15K and have not noticed any difference.

kkanuck
05-11-2008, 01:35 PM
When I took my 04 to dealer I had them change the tranny fluid, they put in Dex VI. They told me that is the only type they (GM) are now using, and all will be ok with it. I have towed heavy with it now for about 15K and have not noticed any difference.

What was the dealer price for tranny fluid swap?