[kwhitlow]

The front pump seal went out in my Allison about a month ago, The dealership acted like it was unusual, and I haven't noticed that many with the same problem here.
I started to wonder if maybe the external filter caused the problem. I had changed the filter about 2500 miles before the seal problem. I had used a NAPA filter, I have always been very impressed with the quality of their filters, but when i took this one out of the box I noticed that the holes would be located under the magnet instead of around the magnet. I looked at the two filters side by side and made a mental note to not use the NAPA filter again, but decided that since I didn't plan on towing over winter ,it would be ok to use this time.
Here is the question, could a restriction at (or in) the external filter cause the front pump to build up too much pressure, and maybe cause leaks at the seals.
The insurance I bought when i bought the truck (Ultimate Warranty from "Warranty 4 Wheels" BTW) paid for the repair without any problems., and the truck is fine now. I plan on using Allison filters from here on out just in case.

 

[AussieDMAX]

There was thread on this issue a while ago. I have never seen a NAPA filter but the Balwin filter has the same issue ie the holes are under the magnet rather than around it. I recall a number of Allison experts saying that there should not be any problems using the Baldwin filter. Assuming the NAPA filter is similar to the Baldwin then that should be fine as well. Maybe Mike L. can confirm?
Cheers,
AussieDMAX

 

[lakingslayer]

fftopic:

kwhitlow. I dig that avatar.

OK back on topic. I can't answer the question about the NAPA filter causing the leak but you can get the Allison filters for a very good price from Eric Merchant who is a vendor on this site.

 

[Mike L.]

The control main filter ( spin on ) has nothing to do with the front seal. There is no pressure on the front seal at all. I have seen an Alli front seal go bad once, but it is very rare.

 

[kwhitlow]

Thanks guys!
Mike, thank you for the conversation we had when the shop had the truck. (Un)fortunately the torque converter was good so insurance wouldn't buy a "new one" Censored .
The shop ended up replacing the front pump, gaskets, and seals (insurance company was out almost $2000!)

Thanks for the clarification, I just wanted to know for my own benefit (still plan on only using Allison filters though... ;-).


Keith

 

[ZL-1]

:exactly: Wise decision to stick with oem Allison filters...

 

[Spartus]

The magnet doesn't block the holes, it just looks like they do. The filter surface is at an angle, so the fluid is able to flow under the magnet to get into the holes.

 

[wawa]

there are three different leaks you can get inside the pump/torque area on the allisons. the ten bolts on the pump with the rubber washers on them as well as the two bolts at the bottom of the housing with the brass brake line washers on them and then the pump seal and o-ring. I see more bolts seal leaks than pump seal leaks north of the border. possibly the colder weather? gm had a bullitin about this wayyy back in early 2002.

 

[wawa]

sorry way back in 2003