Just completed the second fluid change and now 100% synthetic. I found that the local Allision dealer had the best price on High Capacity filters ($53), eliminating all the research for a suitable replacement. Their kit P/N is 29548988. In addition to all the gaskets it also includes a replacement "o" ring for the drain plug.
Bob,
Did you notice any difference in trans or retarder after you filled her up with that liquid gold?
Chuck
Hi Chuck
I have the Silver Leaf program that I use to monitor and document data. I did observe a drop in overall transmission temp. and a substantial drop in temp between the petroleum and synthetic fluids when using the retarder. Heat is the enemy.
I run the same mountains all the time and also have Silverleaf. Noticed over a 20 degree rop in temp and it took longer to heat up too. Now I did not graph it but the hill slowed the coach to 45 mph climbing up and there was a reduced limit on the down side of 35 mph. I have many other hills I drive too living by the skyline drive as I do.
I don't have Silverleaf, but I do know that synthetic will handle heat much better than dino will. My MT643 four speed transmission had already been changed over to Allison TranSynd®, before I brought it. I did another change, because time wise it was long overdue. The engines oil pan has Shell Rotella T6 full synthetic in it. That oil has been well documented as a outstanding oil for the Cummins 5.9 B6 engine. And the rear differential will have Pennzoil full synthetic 75W-140 GL5 gear lube oil in it next week.
I have been using full synthetic oil products since Mobil 1 was introduced in the mid 1970s. All my vehicles run synthetic oils. My 2002 VW Jetta diesel requires synthetic motor oil. It gets its oil changed at 18,000 mile intervals. Has 200.000 miles on the odometer. Sets outside and starts right up in sub O weather. The DWs car and the tractor get the garage in the winter time. And the tractor does not like to start unless it is plugged in. And I need the tractor to keep the driveway cleared out! So the little 3 cyl Kubota diesel gets pampered!
Hey Pat,
I started converting our coach over to Amsoil synthetic lubes about two years ago. The M11 and power steering system have SAE 15W-40 Heavy-Duty Diesel and Marine Motor Oil. The M11 has a bypass filter system. Oil has been in service for two years and tested semi annually. The rear differential and front wheel bearings have 80W-140 GL5 gear lube.
After all the conversions were complete, with the exception of the second transmission fluid change, I was able to document close to a 1 mile per gallon increase by utilizing the Silverleaf program.
Interesting on the mpg. I know I have a bit over 97K on this coach and the MPG have increased since I hit 80K.... I will it 8.2 on the flat lands and 7.2 in the mountains. When I bought the coach it had about 60K on it and a 6.8 mpg overall average and now I am about 7.7 mpg.
Bob,
Have you noticed any change in the fan seals or steering box seals sense you have changed over? (seals seeping) We have been looking for someone that has went this way as we are due to have the oil and filters changed on the Hyd. system and were looking at Amsoil.
Pamela & Mike
Hi Pamela and Mike
I make it a practice to keep mechanical components clean so I would see any leaks that might occur. I have not found any leaks associated with the synthetic fluid conversions. I am a Amsoil dealer and have been using their product since 1982. Amsoil synthetic products have an excellent track record in regards to conversion leakage. They are true synthetic products and do not contain petroleum additives. I did find a leak, unrelated to the synthetic oil conversion, on the engine fill tube. It had a number of hairline cracks where the gussets are welded to the tube at the elbow. I elected to remove the tube completely and blank off the opening. This tube is not properly supported and even if it's repaired, I believe it can be a constant source of problems.
Is this the dipstick tube that caused Steve and Ginny some problems in this thread?
Dip stick tube (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=11562.0)
Is this perhaps an inspection item to be added to the "50 things before you buy" list?
Michelle
No, this is the engine oil fill tube, not the dip stick.
I had the transmission rebuilt due to severe vibration in coach. P3 bearing was bad.
Inland in Dallas did rebuild in 2009 and I was told transmission was good for 150k before any service is needed with TranSynd.
Larry Bradley
1998 U270
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Hi Larry
Do you have a retarder? If so, Allison recommends a change at 75,000 miles. Bob
Thanks Bob.
I do have a retarder.
Larry Bradley
1998 U270
Grand Cherokee
I just called to get a quote for Transynd conversion from an Allison dealer here in Jacksonville, Fl. It was $389 . He also told me it will take three fluid changes to be completely synthetic. I was surprised. I thought it would be much more expensive. I guess I will get it done this week.
Mark
Mark,
Check the Allison recommendations. You only need two changes to shift to the synthetic schedule.