Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Fluid question. (Read 865 times) previous topic - next topic

Fluid question.

We have a fresh (to us) coach and wonder what fluids are best. I used Delo in the Airstream engine, is that o.k. for the CAT? Not sure what to use for the Allison trans, though. Any suggestions? Thanks, M
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Fluid question.

Reply #1 –
Yes , Delo 400 15-50 for the cat is fine.
Allison tes 295 approved if synthetic
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Fluid question.

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Doug Weil –
Allison tes 295 approved if synthetic

Thanks, Doug! I just found some paperwork that she had TRANSYND synthetic fluid & filter installed in 2012 @ 157k. We are now just above 167k, any clue when the fluid & filter should be changed?  Thanks, M
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Fluid question.

Reply #3 –
without doing a little research on it I think it's good for 75,000 miles if it's 100% synthetic. but you should change out filters in between fluid change.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Fluid question.

Reply #5 –
Mike,

Unless changed by the previous owner, your coach has always used Delo 400 15-40 in engine and was switched over to Allison Transynd 2 changes ago.
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: Fluid question.

Reply #6 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Mike,

Unless changed by the previous owner, your coach has always used Delo 400 15-40 in engine and was switched over to Allison Transynd 2 changes ago.
Thanks much, Brett! I'll check your log and see how often you changed the trans fluid. I'm learning!  ;D
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Fluid question.

Reply #7 –
Quote from: mike leary –
Thanks, Doug! I just found some paperwork that she had TRANSYND synthetic fluid & filter installed in 2012 @ 157k. We are now just above 167k, any clue when the fluid & filter should be changed? 

I believe Allison technically recommends 48 months, BUT - get yourself a sampling kit and pull a sample of the Transynd at that point and send it in for analysis (we used JG Lubricant Services; he's a former Allison fluids engineer and is a member here on the forum, albeit not very active).  That will tell you if you need to change it or can go another year and sample again. 

Thanks to Mike and Pamela for that recommendation (over enchiladas at JoeT's in Ft. Worth).  Given the cost of Transynd it was well worth the sampling cost.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Fluid question.

Reply #8 –
I'd suggest getting samples of ALL the fluids, unless you have records that indicate otherwise.
Also, spend some time going through this forum to insure you use the proper grade of whatever you decide needs servicing,
ie: brake adjusters, etc..  We all have our preferred products, just insure that you use materials that meet with approved spec's. 
Welcome.  pc
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Fluid question.

Reply #9 –
All good suggestions, thanks. I found an Allison outlet in Phoenix and am calling them to see who does fluid testing. Will get back to you all that might be in this market. M
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Fluid question.

Reply #10 –
Quote from: mike leary –
I found an Allison outlet in Phoenix and am calling them to see who does fluid testing.

You can do your own if you want to.  Blackstone Labs and JG Lubricant Services are two that sell kits (basically a container, shipping envelope/box, instructions, and prepay for analysis; I'm sure there are others.  You pull the samples yourself and mail them off.  Usually get results within a few days.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320