Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

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Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

November 18, 2017, 06:05:23 pm

The five foot long Allison transmission dipstick will not fully re-insert, protruding about five inches. After 15 attempts including rotating in different directions, I removed the metal dipstick from the handle/rubber plug. The quality and quantity of oil on the dipstick looks normal. What could be obstructing it?

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #1 – November 18, 2017, 06:10:10 pm

Piece of the top of the dipstick, part of the rubber seal?

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #2 – November 18, 2017, 06:29:45 pm

There is no evidence that metal, rubber or a fastener went down the tube. The top of the dipstick looks fine.

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #3 – November 18, 2017, 06:45:35 pm

Check to see if the tube has pulled up from the pan or block? maybe its moved?

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #4 – November 18, 2017, 07:01:49 pm

Try rotating counterclockwise and at the same time feed it into the tube.

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #5 – November 18, 2017, 07:54:08 pm

Just cut 5" off the end.

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #6 – November 18, 2017, 08:33:32 pm

Saw an interesting one on a coach I inspected Friday. Removed the LONG transmission tube and replaced with new, short Allison dip stick tube and dip stick (like 6" long). Yes, it can only be checked from under the coach, but quite frankly Allison has always suggested that the electronic check from the shift pad is more accurate.

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #7 – November 18, 2017, 09:20:40 pm

The electronic readout is inconsistent, displaying "OK" one day, then 2 quarts low the next day, then back to OK. I'll have to keep a close eye on it. Tomorrow, I will see if the dipstick tube became disconnected.

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #8 – November 18, 2017, 09:22:39 pm

Quote from: Tim – November 18, 2017, 09:20:40 pm

The electronic readout is inconsistent, displaying "OK" one day, then 2 quarts low the next day, then back to OK. I'll have to keep a close eye on it. Tomorrow, I will see if the dipstick tube became disconnected.

Well, just check it every other day and it should be "Ok"

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #9 – November 18, 2017, 11:00:29 pm

There is a specific procedure to use the shift pad to check level.
Trans oil has to be at full operating temp, coach must be on level spot, trans in neutral for more minimum amount of time, engine running to get accurate reading.
Readings will vary by 1-3 quarts if procedure not followed on my coach

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #10 – November 19, 2017, 03:53:36 am

It's probably a broken dipstick tube, sheared off at the transmission. My wife, son and I are camped at a Walmart in Shippensburg, PA and we're having unfortunate weather to address the issue: raining, winds howling, 45 degrees F and rig crouched down in the rear. We are two hours from home, returning for the holidays from a 2200 mile, nine-week trip around MI,IA,KY,TN and VA.

I read the excellent Foretravel Forum thread on fixing broken oil dipstick tubes. My questions are:

1. Can the Allison 3060R transmission run two quarts low? It has a five gallon capacity.
1a Would oil spew from the transmission while in motion?

2. Was the transmission damaged with contamination by running it with a broken dipstick? The dipstick kept the tube in relative alignment over an unknown number of miles (~2000+), except for yesterday when the dipstick was removed and the rig run for 250 miles. The oil looked clear / amber when inspected yesterday. I normally check the level electronically.

3. Can I limp home by re-inserting the dipstick and putting a temporary patch/plug around the dipstick hole? Maybe JB Weld? We're only two hours from home, and my well-stocked garage.

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #11 – November 19, 2017, 04:02:21 am

What is this specific procedure to check the transmission status electronically?

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #12 – November 19, 2017, 07:02:29 am

Tim,

I experienced a similar problem with my dip stick along with a leak. Everything may look fine externally, however, the seals will swell when not inserted correctly, or just get old and will not allow the stick to seat down in the tube, I replaced mine for a few dollars, leak gone and stick seated! Hopefully, this post will not be censored as it is meant to be helpful.

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #13 – November 19, 2017, 07:38:36 am

Tim,

1. Yes
1a. No
2. probably not damaged but the fluid will need to be changed. If you were driving in the rain I would be more worried about water getting into the oil.
3. Yes
3a I wouldn't use JB weld I would try to wrap a rag around the dip stick tube after you get the dip stick back in place to keep anything else out. Something like JB will have to be removed at some point to install a new dip stick tube and O rings.
When you get it home I would recommend changing the complete fluid and filters (compared with just changing the filters and adding a gallon of fluid to top it off) along with installing the new dip stick tube. No need to pull the trans. until you prove that there is a need.

Pamela & Mike

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #14 – November 19, 2017, 07:52:28 am

If the tube is completely severed, I'll stuff a cork in it and drive two hours home. I am parked near a Lowes and they should have corks. If oil leaked on the transmission and there was significant oil loss, a makeshift funnel can be made and a quart of oil can be added. Just hope I don't freeze with the 23 MPH winds.

The oil level is checked electronically by fully warming the transmission, leveling the rig, simultaneously pressing the ^ and v symbols on the Allison transmission shift box and waiting for the computer to display the results. Normally it displays "OL" "ok" ( Oil Level OK). If it displays OL 01, that means you're low one quart.

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #15 – November 19, 2017, 08:00:03 am

Tim,
The cork is a great idea and should get you home.

Pamela & Mike

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #16 – November 19, 2017, 08:09:10 am

2 quarts low will not hurt the transmission. Any kind of plug/cap to keep the dirt out will work. Any auto parts store would also have something suitable.

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #17 – November 19, 2017, 08:27:56 am

Quote from: hdff – November 19, 2017, 04:02:21 am

What is this specific procedure to check the transmission status electronically?

With transmission up to operating temperature (like 50+ highway miles-- at a rest area or lunch stop is where I normally do it):

On level ground, continue to let engine idle.

Push the up and down arrows on the transmission shift pad at the same time.

O-L will be displayed. It will then begin a count down and end up with either a minus or plus and a number to indicate number of quarts low/high.

You can then push the up and down arrows again to bring up diagnostic codes. d-1 followed by two digit codes. If no stored codes, it will display d-1, - -. If there is a stored code, push the mode button to bring up d-2, etc until the - - is displayed. You can turn off the engine now, and when you restart all will be "back to normal".

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #18 – November 19, 2017, 08:58:07 am

Kudos to cubesphere! Per the attached photo, there is no break and no leak in the transmission dipstick tube! cubesphere said there may be swelling of rubber around the tube clamp, which blocks the dipstick. Now my family can complete the first leg of our 9 month USA tour with peace of mind. Thanks to all who replied. This is knowledge all of us can use in the future.

I still have to resolve the issue, but in my own driveway at a time and weather of my choice.

Thanks also to John44, who said "...open the battery door and see the tube where it goes into the
trans..."

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #19 – November 19, 2017, 09:14:21 am

Excellent news, Tim.

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #20 – November 19, 2017, 09:16:40 am

Good deal 👍

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #21 – November 19, 2017, 09:57:32 am

Glad you got it fixed. I discovered "rescue tape" a few years ago the stuff is useful to temporarily stop many types of leaks and it's easily removed for a permanent fix. I know it does not help you now but it is a good item to have in your "tool" box for this and many other issues.

Roland

Re: Obstruction in Transmission Dipstick Hole

Reply #22 – November 29, 2017, 07:35:34 am

Anyone have a clue what this obstruction is? See photo of the endoscope. Looks like a rubber ring, but:

Where did it come from?

Why would it collapse?

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