Recently I added a bypass filter, and added 2 1/2 quarts of Amsoil ATF make up fluid. This wasn't the new Torque Guard. Very shortly after that the trans made a moan sound when the converter locked up. I can't believe that the friction modifiers can be so different that I would be getting a type of chatter on apply, but it seems to be so. Anybody ever heard of this? I suppose I'll have to completely exchange the fluid to get rid of it, if that small of amount contaminated the whole bunch. If I drilled, tapped, and plugged the converter, would the dealer void the trans warranty if I ever had trouble with it later?

I am begining to question your new filter. I would disconnect it first and see how the converter applys. Too many filters restrict flow. You don't need another filter IMHO.
mike

I turned off the filter shortly after installation. Since it is a bypass filter, it can be turned off with no ill effects. I think it has to be a fluid incompatibility problem.

I spoke to an Allison rep. a while back and they recommend to NOT use bypass filters on the series 1000 transmission. Installation requires taking fluid from a pressurized port. Doing so will reduce line pressure within the transmission due to the pressure being used to move the oil through the filter if the return line is plumbed to the sump or other low pressure soarce. Even if the bypass filter is orifice fed you are taking some amt. of pressure from the operating system.

I disagree on the fluid being incompatable. I say take filter off and try it.
mike

I've had this "moan" with a previous version transmission mod that I had. Basically, the TCC apply hole in the restrictor plate was oraficed. It only did it under lighter load/pedal conditions.

The filter is as good as off because it is turned off, and has been since the problem started. The reason I turned it off was that it started the moan immediately after adding the make up fluid. I spoke to the service manager at the dealer today, he said he has no problem with drilling and plugging the converter as long as any failure later wasn't determined to be from metal shavings from drilling and tapping. I explained that as soon as you drill the hole, you tap it while fluid is pouring out, which washes everything out the hole. I have done this numerous times in the past w/o a problem.

Years ago I used to hear those moaning sounds in my old 1970 SS Chevelle. :ro)

I called the Amsoil tech line, they said that their universal ATF is compatible w/the allison. I guess I'll have to do a complete fluid change and see if the problem is still there.

I explained that as soon as you drill the hole, you tap it while fluid is pouring out, which washes everything out the hole.
That should make a mess :muahaha:

I hope u don't do it in the driveway, I'd hate to see the oil slick in the river.


Did u get any snow this morning?

Dmax Tim,
No snow, just drizzle and nasty. When are you going to come see this gas and oil burner?

You could do the hoot method to drain out the fluid. or do a drain of the pan a few times. Save your from drilling and taping the converter

Hoots method of flushing works grrrrreeeeeaaaat! Personally i would do this rather than drill & tap the converter. Cause you can just about bet for sure that if you did have tranny problems in future...............the plug would be rulled as the problem!

I guess I have a hard time believing that the fluid doesn't mix when chasing one fluid out with another, especially in the converter. This synthetic crap costs so much that I don't want to waste any. I suppose since I'm not even dealing with any burned fluid, I shouldn't worry about it mixing a little and just do the exchange thing.

Where doese this filter tap into? Is it still installed?

The feed for the filter taps into the pressure port by the spin-on filter. I have a needle valve before the filter to regulate flow, since the pressure can exceed 300 psi there. When the filter was in use, I would only open the needle valve about 1/4 turn, this way it just flowed a little, keeping pressure low on the filter as well as not robbing any pressure from the trans. I return the oil through the plug where the dipstick would be if it had the driver's side dipstick.

No Allison sees 300 psi unless they are running an ATS Copilot. Spin-on filter never sees over 85 psi ( look at the stupid thing, would you put 300 psi through a spin-on filter?). This is my last post to this subject. Pull the p/s off or pay the price over and over. DO NOT put aftermarket gizmos on the Allison. This is the most sophisticated transmission/TCM that I have worked on. You don't just plug something into this bad boy. As far as fluid compatability, get real. The converter would not groan with motor oil in it. You are starving it for oil. You probably burned the converter clutch already.
mike

Might want to take Mikes advice.My question is how do you regulate,or should I say,how do you know that you didnt rob to much line pressure volume from the trans?
Anyway, Good Luck! Let us know what you find out.
Kenny

Dmax Tim,
No snow, just drizzle and nasty. When are you going to come see this gas and oil burner?I go by atleast once a month but always have a truck full of boyscouts and an enclosed trailer.

We have some work days in the spring and I'll try and stop.

No Allison sees 300 psi unless they are running an ATS Copilot. Spin-on filter never sees over 85 psi ( look at the stupid thing, would you put 300 psi through a spin-on filter?). This is my last post to this subject. Pull the p/s off or pay the price over and over. DO NOT put aftermarket gizmos on the Allison. This is the most sophisticated transmission/TCM that I have worked on. You don't just plug something into this bad boy. As far as fluid compatability, get real. The converter would not groan with motor oil in it. You are starving it for oil. You probably burned the converter clutch already.
mike
The port that is by the spin-on filter is a line pressure port. This is provided as a diagnostic tool for service. You can attach a gauge and read the line pressure in the trans. According to my factory service manual, line pressure varies from 100 psi at idle to 260 psi at heavy load. This pressure is not on the spin on filter, which is probably in the cooler circuit and limited to 90 psi or less. I have attached several filters in the past on other transes using the line pressure port w/o a problem. I realize the alli is not the same as a 4L80 or 4L60, but most operational principals like clutch apply pressures are the same. As I said before, the bypass filter is on the truck, but the valve is closed that feeds it, so it is the same as not being there. I will change the fluid and see what happens. I find it interesting that my add on filter is a no no gizmo, but all other kinds of mods are okay, like shift kits, etc.

I removed the drain pan plug and got 6 quarts out. I then put low pressure air on the line pressure port as Mike L suggested, and got almost 6 more out of the drain plug. I changed the spin-on filter and filled the trans with Amsoil Torque Drive. No more moan when the lockup occurs. The shifts feel a wee bit crisper also. I spoke to an Amsoil rep the other day, and he says the universal ATF is okay in Allisons. Apparently this isn't the case with mine. Torque Drive is supposed to be the same as Transynd according to Amsoil.