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Topic: Electronic Dipstick on my Allison Tranny (Read 1939 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Electronic Dipstick on my Allison Tranny

Reply #25 –
Allison sells a sampling port as an accessory.  I've removed oil for engines and transmissions using a Shurflo drain pump, which is basically a Shurflo pump mounted on a 5 gal plastic bucket with a rocker switch to reverse pump direction.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Electronic Dipstick on my Allison Tranny

Reply #26 –
Quote
Allison sells a sampling port as an accessory. I've removed oil for engines and transmissions using a Shurflo drain pump, which is basically a Shurflo pump mounted on a 5 gal plastic bucket with a rocker switch to reverse pump direction.

Thanks! Maybe I will be able to get some oil out with a pump.

I have a Jasco pump on a bucket I'll break in tomorrow.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Electronic Dipstick on my Allison Tranny

Reply #27 –
Quote
> Allison sells a sampling port as an accessory. I've removed oil for engines and transmissions using a Shurflo drain pump, which is basically a Shurflo pump mounted on a 5 gal plastic bucket with a rocker switch to reverse pump direction.

I just saw this posting on another Forum:

FWIW our Allison (MH3000?) has a second steel dipstick, accessible from below. Last time I had the coach serviced by a mobile guy I was parked at an RV resort and had forgotten to check the fluid electronically when we'd parked a week earlier. (More correctly, my driver doesn't think of doing it and, once she's pulled the coach into a site, she shuts the engine down to minimize disturbance to neighbors.)

The 'primary' steel dipstick is in the rear closet, and I have to remove storage drawers I previously installed in order to get to the hatch. That's when the tech told me "no problem, I'll check it using the other steel dipstick while I'm under the coach".

Anyone here hear of this?

It does make sense. A steel dipstick like this could be under Allison's total control, and therefore not vary based on the length and bends in the dipstick I can reach from above in the engine compartment.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Electronic Dipstick on my Allison Tranny

Reply #28 –
Paul,

Many large diesel engine AND Allison transmissions have dip sticks/blind plugs on each side of them.  So, they can have a dipstick installed on either side or, I guess, no BOTH sides.

Crawl under and take a look.  I would trust a "short OE" Allison dipstick more than most of those 7' dipsticks installed by coach makers.

Let us know what you find.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Electronic Dipstick on my Allison Tranny

Reply #29 –
Paul,

Our transmission was leaking a bit of fluid. My recollection is that the FOT mechanics fixed the leak by replacing the plug in the dipstick port on the driver side. That repair would be consistent with the presence of an alternate dipstick location. To the best of my knowledge, there was a plug in the port and not an additional dipstick.

The FOT mechanics also removed two quarts of fluid. They said the transmission had been overfilled. We had driven it that way for about nine months. It is prudent to check your fluid levels after a service event. (I am learning, ... slowly. ::) )
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Electronic Dipstick on my Allison Tranny

Reply #30 –
Quote
Many large diesel engine AND Allison transmissions have dip sticks/blind plugs on each side of them. So, they can have a dipstick installed on either side or, I guess, no BOTH sides.

Crawl under and take a look. I would trust a "short OE" Allison dipstick more than most of those 7' dipsticks installed by coach makers.

Let us know what you find.

No short dipsticks on my HD4060R

But after 2 weeks or wondering, a Jabsco 17850-1012 Premium pump, a gallon of Transynd, tubing, and more than $200 I'm happy (; to report we're back where we started: 1/8 inch below "hot" on the dipstick.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Now on to the generator.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Electronic Dipstick on my Allison Tranny

Reply #31 –
Congratulations!
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R