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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Carl Sandel on October 13, 2013, 12:41:47 am

Title: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Carl Sandel on October 13, 2013, 12:41:47 am
I figure it's best to ask here instead of anyplace, so here goes.....
Recently I've noticed theres been a couple drip spots under the engine compartment. I looked once and hadnt really seen what it could be from. The longer it sat the longer it was dry. A few days ago I pulled out of the barn so my boys class could build their school float and I thought I'd have a look while the engine was running and sure enough, drip, drip, drip....pretty steady. On the bottom of the transmission there's a little gizmo with 2 wires going to it and that seems to be exactly whats leaking. I think that part is on a bearing or something as it seems like when I touched it, it kinda rotated like it was made that way.

Its on the very bottom of the trans at the lowest point.

Anyone know what that small part would be called?
Is it just a remove and reattach a new one kind of job?
Any particular brand replacement part?
Is such a part available at a regular parts store?
Could it possibly be for trans temp and if so will I need to request a specific temp range part?

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: wolfe10 on October 13, 2013, 08:56:24 am
Carl,

What transmission do you have?  Know it is a 4 speed, but what model? You may be able to pull up some photos of it by going to Allison's website or even googling your model.
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Dave Head on October 13, 2013, 09:45:18 am
I think its an MT series - like a 643. Paired with a 3208. Should be able to look it up on Barry's site. Also, I send all my MT books to Barry as I recall.
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Carl Sandel on October 13, 2013, 11:20:19 am
Now that you mention it, that 643 sounds like the one. Im almost positive.  So on Barry's site do I look up my year, then engine / trans  combo and will it show an exploded parts list?

Ive never had to use his site to look for a part.

I DO have my manuals IF its a complete set that I'll check when I go out in an hour or so.

Thank you gentlemen

We're going to Camp Benson near Chicago THIS weekend for a family leadership gathering and I've got to have this thing ready to roll.
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 13, 2013, 11:29:58 am
I do not understand the comment "the longer it sat the longer it was dry". Is it transmission fluid that is dripping?
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Carl Sandel on October 13, 2013, 11:49:54 am
There was no leaking while setting in the barn....but the minute the engine started she started a constant drip.
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on October 13, 2013, 12:08:14 pm
Have you tried to snug it up / tighten ?
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Carl Sandel on October 13, 2013, 01:41:32 pm
I took a pic about 15 minutes ago and posted it....but apparently I dont know what I'm doing so it didnt work. It was a good clear pic and would be surely known if seen. To answer your question Dave, when I took the pic it was in fact tight with fingers but im now gearing up for "coach work" and heading there right now and for the rest of the day.
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Carl Sandel on October 13, 2013, 09:18:26 pm
Just curious about my last question. I will be working in a bigger town tomorrow that also has a 25 year old RV dealer / parts counter. However they never heard of a FT when I had mine in a couple years ago for a fridge recall part. I dont know enough about these switches to know what to look for or not.
Would someone please advise?

Much appreciated
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Rudy on October 13, 2013, 09:40:35 pm
Carl,

Look for Allison Transmission service folks instead of RV service folks.  Very few RV folks have a clue to what is going on in the Allison Transmission.
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Carl Sandel on October 13, 2013, 09:54:52 pm
Perfect Rudy, will stop at a diesel parts shop my neighbor gets his parts at for our county trucks and specifically let them know its an Allison 643.
Thank you sir
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Carl Sandel on October 14, 2013, 09:06:59 am
As of this morning I've called two large auto part companies with no success and I'm waiting to hear back from a third.  I've found out it's not specially a Allison part add much as it seems to be another personalized FT part. No one has seemed to be real hopeful as of yet.  Today is Monday and I'm leaving Friday & planning to take the coach and can't drive it knowing there's a leak. I've not had luck searching the number online for an exact match but as simple as it seems you'd think something would be available. Seems odd that big diesel part companies have nothing to cross reference.  Not to lean towards the negative but while working on breaks this winter and Merritor Rockwell not having numbers that matched mine, when I called FT for help  with part numbers they really weren't willing to cross reference numbers because they wanted me th buy the parts from them.  If I wasen't leaving Friday I would have them ship me one, but someone has got to have it.  I'm leaking fluid from my trans so I don't have much peace of mind about it so I need the right part.  I haven't called FT yet. .
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on October 14, 2013, 09:46:10 am
Carl, If you have not already ,call FLEET PRIDE TRUCK parts, I have found them to have a good inventory.
Not sure he is open t'day but call TERRY at 770-207-9445, he is the owner of TLC Transmission and specializes in Allison's, He may be able to help you or tell you if it can or should be driven.
Gary B
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Rudy on October 14, 2013, 09:49:51 am
Carl,

Well, its Monday and my Allison fix-it person has his shop open.  He said call him and he will walk you through what you need to do and where you might find the part.

Alan Lassetter -- 281.541.4665

Alan has forgotten more than most Allison folks know so give him a call and rest your mind.  He is most kind to assist you.
Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Carl Sandel on October 14, 2013, 10:07:45 am
Awesome gentlemen,  thank you both. Ive got a couple more chimneys to clean and tak8ng in some northern Michigan colors with DW. I will make calls shortly.
Appreciate you guys

Title: Re: leaky gizmo on trans ?
Post by: Carl Sandel on October 14, 2013, 02:31:12 pm
Hey Rudy, Allen hooked me up buddy. He told me what I need, exactly what its called, what size and what to do until I get it. Stress is gone and I'm greatful sir