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MD3060 fluid if transynd is not available

August 11, 2018, 09:38:54 am

I'm flying out of state to look at a Foretravel with a MD3060 transmission. If I buy the coach and the transmission fluid is low, what fluid can I use to top off for the 1200 mike trip home. There appears to be no Allison (Stewart and Stevenson) near Phoenix. Closest seems to be Albuquerque. If needed, what auto parts fluid, if any, may be used?  Thanks.

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Re: MD3060 fluid if transynd is not available

Reply #1 – August 11, 2018, 09:54:33 am

Dexron can be used.  What year is it-- in the mid 1990's the Allison 3000 series was fit with a "check fluid level from the dash shift pad" feature.

To use it, have the transmission completely warmed up-- over 100 miles insures this.  Park on level pavement and with engine running, transmission in neutral, press the up and down arrows on the shift pad at the same time.

If that brings up OL, you have that feature.

If it brings up d-1, you do not, as that is the diagnostic feature.

Press D or turn off the ignition to exit.

You mention Albuquerque.  You DO have resources here in N NM-- we are in Angel Fire.

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Re: MD3060 fluid if transynd is not available

Reply #2 – August 11, 2018, 10:11:42 am

Let me Brett said dexron atf atf be used. If you know it has synthetic fluid (Allison Transend) compatible fluid can be had at most any big truck dealer the last time I got mine from a Mack dealer. Unless there is a visible leak I doubt you will need to add fluid.

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Re: MD3060 fluid if transynd is not available

Reply #3 – August 11, 2018, 10:30:15 am

I agree with Bruce-- unless there is a leak, this should be a non-issue.

If you are like most people and do not have a history of when the fluid/filters were last changed, you will do that at your convenience once you are back home anyway.

Dexron and Transynd are completely compatible-- in fact Dexron was the only fluid available for the Allison transmission before Transynd was developed.

Absolutely, if you need fluid, check with a couple of HD truck dealers for Transynd.  But, since this is a weekend, don't make yourself crazy looking for it.

Add Dexron now and change fluid and filters when you get home.

If there is a leak, let us know where it is-- some are very easy to fix.

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Re: MD3060 fluid if transynd is not available

Reply #4 – August 11, 2018, 11:11:42 am

I must be missing something- why do you think the transmission will be low on fluid before you go to look at the coach?  Was there an indication by the owner that the transmission had leaked and was low in the past?  If so, I would recommend getting the fluid analyzed before buying the coach.  That way you can get a better idea of the condition of the transmission before you buy it.


Best of luck with your search for a coach............................

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Re: MD3060 fluid if transynd is not available

Reply #5 – August 11, 2018, 09:44:53 pm

I purchase my Transynd at a John Deere equipment dealership. Not the farm tractor ones. They have gallons and 5 gallon pails.

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Re: MD3060 fluid if transynd is not available

Reply #6 – August 11, 2018, 09:54:50 pm

Sorry, I forgot to give the credit for this idea to Barry of Beamalarm.com

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Re: MD3060 fluid if transynd is not available

Reply #7 – August 15, 2018, 09:24:51 pm

Thanks, all for the input. I had no reason to suspect the transmission was low but IF it were I did not want to put an improper fluid in for a 1200 mike trek home. But it's a moot point, now. The "two year old" tires had date codes from 2010, the rear springs were sagging (Torsalastic), the beautiful walnut cabinets were all beat to heck. So, the search continues...

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Re: MD3060 fluid if transynd is not available

Reply #8 – August 16, 2018, 10:43:05 am

Don't worry.  One will "call your name"when you walk in...and in our case three more did that in subsequent years.  We are now on our last coach (unless some pristine tag axel U320 in a perfect color calls our name.)

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