Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Ralph on July 06, 2011, 10:03:48 pm

Title: transmission fluid change
Post by: Ralph on July 06, 2011, 10:03:48 pm
I will be changing transmission fluid/filters before my next trip and need some info from those who have been there/done that...my owners manual says it's capacity is approx. 5.5 gallons, how much can i expect to drain out/replace?

JD
96 U270
Title: Re: transmission fluid change
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on July 07, 2011, 01:41:40 am
This should answer your question.  http://www.allisontransmission.com/servlet/DownloadFile?Dir=publications/pubs&FileToGet=SA5429EN.pdf (http://www.allisontransmission.com/servlet/DownloadFile?Dir=publications/pubs&FileToGet=SA5429EN.pdf)  Do you know what fluid is in the transmission now?  If it is an Allison approved TES 295 fluid you may not need to change it.  Dexron is no longer approved.  You have to use the severe schedule if you have a retarder, which your coach probably has.  When I changed my fluid about 20 qts drained out.  The fluid that is in the torque converter does not drain out.  Gary Bouland said he uses a shop that disconnects a hose, then the engine is run for a brief time.  Sounds like that gets the fluid out of the converter.  Not an approved procedure though.  Suggest you check with Gary.  The filter kit has a couple of extra orings that are not used.  The filter covers should fit flush before the bolts are tightened.  4" sump if my memory is still good. 
Title: Re: transmission fluid change
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on July 07, 2011, 01:39:08 pm
JD, And don't forget to TORQUE the filter covers, they have a tendency to leak if not properly torqued, I don't have to values at hand but Allison can tell you quickly.
Gary B
Title: Re: transmission fluid change
Post by: Ralph on July 07, 2011, 06:10:42 pm
OK, thanks guys. It does have a retarder and has Dexron in it now, don't have all that many miles on it, but time wise it's time to change. I will be going to Transynd. I would have thought that more than 2 quarts would have remained inside and not drained out...if my owners manual is correct mine only holds 22.

JD
Title: Re: transmission fluid change
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on July 08, 2011, 02:13:25 am
I would have thought that more than 2 quarts would have remained inside and not drained out...if my owners manual is correct mine only holds 22.

Initial fill for the 3000 series transmission is 29 qts but that doesn't include the retarder, the retarder accumulator, the heat exchanger and hoses, so its closer to 32 qts.  When you drain it about 19 or 20 qts come out depending on how long you let it drain.  The retarder is normally empty and the accumulator normally full except when it is retarding.  12-13 qts remain in the system.  Takes 2 drain cycles before the fluid is considered 100% transyd for the extended drain period.