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Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

July 26, 2024, 08:22:59 pm

The problems started about 10 miles south of Lubbock,TX on 84.  Shift pad started blinking, retarder light blinking, down shifting and immediate up shifts.  Then the tyranny shifted into 4th and stayed there.  I told Brenda to ask google where is the nearest S & S shop.  Thank you Jesus for getting us there in 4th doing 45-50 MPH.  At red lights, take offs were very very slow, but we made it.  After couple hours, it is the TCU.  Thanks you Jesus again, Allison does not make or have any of my TCU.  S & S here got an aftermarket one from Ohio and it will be here Monday noon.  Allison's TCU are $4-5K, this one is $1800.  Running out of propane, will lose all food in AC frig.  Will stay in motel Sat. and Sun.

I don't need any help, this is just FYI.

Pat

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #1 – July 26, 2024, 08:28:26 pm

Are there any local propane delivery co.'s around?

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #2 – July 26, 2024, 08:34:38 pm

Sorry to hear of your issues.

For anyone else with Allison electronic issues (shift pad, ECU's, diagnostics) do NOT go to a shop.  Get in touch with John. This is all he does for a living.

Transmission Instruments

And, this is only after verifying that the Allison ECU has good solid 12+ VDC (yes, including good ground). Electronics and poor voltage do not play well together.

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #3 – July 26, 2024, 10:36:14 pm

Pat,

That has been a great shop for us in the past. Do they still have the chrome 6V92 engine setting on an engine stand in the front office?
If there is no core charge on the TCM keep the old one and have John rebuild it and keep for a spare.

Mike

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #4 – July 30, 2024, 07:05:05 pm

just an update
  The TCM showed up about 10am and we were on our way by 12 noon.  I was thankful for S & S Service and was happy to pay $2800 for it.  The tranny shifted more harse at first but now in Durando Ranch RV Resort, Durango, CO.  it has smoothed out.  Glad to be here for the next 27 days.  This is our 2nd say here and we love it.

Pat

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #5 – July 30, 2024, 08:45:27 pm

Glad things worked out.
Where  is S&S Service?

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #6 – July 30, 2024, 08:49:29 pm

Quote from: Lt403 – July 30, 2024, 08:45:27 pm

Where  is S&S Service?

Stewart & Stevenson Locations | Diesel Parts & Mechanics

Lubbock is Lubbock, TX Diesel Parts & Service Center | Stewart & Stevenson

The Longview location is very familiar with Foretravels Longview, TX Diesel Parts & Service Center | Stewart & Stevenson

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #7 – July 30, 2024, 08:51:27 pm

Peruse this information from the Allison Operation Manual.

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #8 – July 31, 2024, 08:59:08 am

Thanks Michelle,
Whenever I read of places where others go and have work done with good results I put it in my phone, just in case.

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #9 – August 01, 2024, 01:42:09 pm

Thanks to all ya'll for the responses.  res777 that is good info from the books.  I had to just drive the MH to reach my park in CO on time.  My little CAT 3116 towing a 3900lbs chevy hhr is not a hot rod at all.  I always take off at WOT.  In driving to Durango from Lubbock, TX the CAT 3116 will need the allison to auto down shift to 3nd gear on some hills, most will be 4th and 5th.  I control down shifts before long/steep grades.  My allison shifts at WOT at 2600RPM.  In driving from Lubbock,TX to Santa Rosa RV Park, NM at temps of 101 deg. I will run in 5th on level ground at 2250RPM, in long climbs/foothills in 4th at 2500RPM just for cooling at 200-202 deg.

Pat,

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #10 – August 01, 2024, 02:26:14 pm

Pat,

Having to use lower gears except on long grades suggests you need to check some things:

Replace thermostat (Caterpillar calls them regulators) from any Caterpillar dealer with your engine serial number. If thermostat is not opening completely.....

Verify coolant level by removing pressure cap unless you have verified that fluid level in overflow tank does change (rises when hot/falls when it cools down).

Make sure the water pump belt is properly tensioned.

Make sure hydraulic filters are less than 4 years old and fluid is at correct level.

If you still have a problem, let us know exactly what components make up your hydraulic fans drive system (what controls PSI to the fans).

If all that doesn't do it (allow you to drive in 6th even in high ambient temperatures), there ARE some "work arounds".

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #11 – August 01, 2024, 06:45:24 pm

Some years ago, our coach (then) 1994 U-240 acted weird.  A couple of times, it shifted to first gear at 60-65 MPH.  That will really rock your world.  A week later, the trans stopped working.  The local Allison shop could get a "computer" but it was maybe $3000-4000 and there would be a wait.  Our coach was in the emergency lane two hours away!

I mentioned that some places do component-level repairs on the computer.  The office door closed, the desk drawer opened, and I had a repaired one in my hand for $1000 cash.  I had to promise that I would not reveal!  "We never had this conversation..."

The old computer had a literal hole burned through one of the circuit boards - repair places didn't want it.

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #12 – August 02, 2024, 11:53:02 am

Thanks for the info Brett and offer of help.  This will be a long story.  I have worked on this problem for years now.  I have posted on the forum about fan speeds and overheating issues.  When the problem first happened, I had just burnt up the CAT 3116 due to the fan speed control solenoid not working.  I went to ForeTravel after the $10K inFrame rebuild,  they replaced the hydraulic fan pump $900 and the fan speed solenoid.  They told me it was the dual fan motors that was the problem and they needed replacing.  They said  at WOT(2750RPM) the fans should be running 2200RPM.  I replaced both fans motors ($2200each) from Italy.  I have also replaced the over pressure valve(small aluminum block w/ allen head adjustment screw).  My system(same as the other dual fan systems) has 4 components, pump, fan motors, high pressure limit valve, speed control electric solenoid valve.  The high/low speed solenoid I have wired(spare wires) to rocker switch on dash.  I have been to other hydraulic shops for help with no success.  The fans run about 600RPM slower than FOT specs.  I have no leaks.  I have changed the filters 3 times since I have owned the MH.  Belts are all good and tight.  Coolant levels are all good. New radiator cap.  I have learn to drive it. When going up hill the engine temp is going up, when going down hill engine temp is going down some times to thermostat temp(182).  I have tried the work arounds, additional front radiator, water spray on radiator, wash off radiator from motor side with pressure water hose with no help.  I am at the point of wanting to change the pulley on hydraulic pump to run it faster.  The problem there is that FOT used a pulley from an 80s chevy v6 engine.  How to find another pulley??  I wish I  could solve the problem.  It is nerve racking to watch the engine temp all the time unless ambient temperatures are less than 80 deg.  I welcome all comments

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Re: Allison MD3060R dead in Lubbock,TX

Reply #13 – August 02, 2024, 11:58:04 am

Pat,

Yes, a front radiator "T'ed" into the lines to the dash heater core is one of the better work-arounds.  Surprised that did not do it.

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