Allison transmission fluid?

[dk24291]

First off, don't bother trying to link me to any other tranny fluid threads.. I've already looked through them, and can't find what I need to know.

2006 LBZ with the 6 speed Alli.

Has anyone ever ran Valvoline Dexron VI full synthetic in their Allison? I just got 8qts of it today to do my tranny service next weekend. It says on the bottle GM approved, but it doesn't say anything about Allison TES-389 approved. Anyone ever use Valvoline/know it is safe to run in the Allison? Want to be 100% sure before I do my service next weekend

[Oregonnovaguy]

Dex VI is what GM recommends. TES295 is what Allison recommends. If you've already looked at all the fluid threads, you should know all the arguments. Since the change intervals are so infrequent, I don't mind spending the extra for the "good stuff".

[dk24291]

I'm not going to spend the extra on Transynd. I called both my local Chevrolet dealership and a local small diesel mechanic shop and both told me use Dex VI. The dealership even told me they use Dex VI when they service, so it just made sense to me to get what they say to use. My only question was, is the Valvoline safe to use although it's not TES-389?

[G2GBY]

Originally Posted by dk24291

My only question was, is the Valvoline safe to use although it's not TES-389?

Valvoline DEXRON VI is safe. Along with the other 100 DEXRON VI oils. Pick a flavor.
Funny thing is I find Valvoline DEXRON VI is more expensive than Transyd.

I why would you want to use TES-389 oil?

The service intervals for oils used from TES 389 are more frequent and are as follows:
Fluid 12,000 miles / 500 hours / 6 months; whichever comes first

When using Allison Lube spec TES 295 fluid, change intervals should be as follows:
Fluid 150,000 miles / 6,000 hours / 48 months; whichever comes first

[Oregonnovaguy]

True story^. Go to post#38:
https://www.dieselplace.com/forum/57-...re-help-4.html

[dk24291]

Hell with it, I'll take back the Valvoline today and order Transynd.. Not sure where 12k miles came from (I read 50,000 in my manual) but I'll take your word for it.

Does anyone have any recommendations on where to order it from the cheapest? $50 a gallon is crazy. I'll only need 2 gallons (8qts) correct? I'm not flushing the torque convertor, just draining fluid and adding.. Do I need to do that deal where I put Transynd in, run it for a few thousand miles, then drain and refill again, or can I just do a normal drain and refill? I'm almost 99% sure the truck has had Dex VI in it since new

[G2GBY]

Mixture is defined as the quantity of Allison Approved TES 389 and Allison Approved TES 295 fluid remaining in the transmission after a standard fluid change.

If the transmission contains such a mixture, it is not eligible for the 100% concentration extended change intervals, until the second consecutive fluid change using Allison Approved TES 295 fluid.

Fluid exchange (purge) machines are not recommended or recognized due to variation and inconsistencies with ensuring removal of 100% of the used fluid.

https://www.wwwilliams.com
This is where I buy all my Allison parts, Transyd, filter etc...
If they don't have the Allison part in stock they can get it same or next day.
They rebuild every Allison model there is.
Transyd $32 Gal.

[dk24291]

Thanks a bunch G2, I'll do $32/gallon no problem.. so basically to do what I need, I'll need 4 gallons? Is it necessary to change the filters again the 2nd time?

[DEWFPO]

Originally Posted by dk24291

Do I need to do that deal where I put Transynd in, run it for a few thousand miles, then drain and refill again, or can I just do a normal drain and refill? I'm almost 99% sure the truck has had Dex VI in it since new

I followed the expert's opinion and dumped the ATF again after only 200 miles for the double dump method. I wouldn't go 2000 miles.

DEWFPO

[G2GBY]

Originally Posted by DEWFPO

I followed the expert's opinion and dumped the ATF again after only 200 miles for the double dump method. I wouldn't go 2000 miles.

DEWFPO

It doesn't matter if it's 200 or 2000 for the second consecutive fluid change as long as it's done your achieving the same.