Allison Problem - Burnt Fluid Smell

snyps · December 13, 2005

I have an 02 chevy w/ the 8.1L and the allison Tranny. I have been noticing that I smell a burnt tranny fluid smell, I had the dealer check it out and recommended I change the tranny fluid, outside filter, and the trans-axle fluid. I asked about the internal filter, and they said not to worry about it.

1. I plow so i know that my tranny temps reach about 200 degrees with the plow on, is there a system to help me keep it cooler? Any aftermarket electric fan's that will help?

2. I have only run 7,000 miles since I bought the truck, could I have fouled the fluid that fast? It was used when I bought it with 34,000 miles on it.

3. Will running a better fluid in it help?

I don't see any leaks, and the fluid is not low, I have been checking it every week to make sure.

Thanks

dewfpo · December 13, 2005

If 200F is the highest temp your seeing that should not hurt your tranny any. Especially if your keeping an eye on fluid levels and maintaining it properly.

yes, there are aftemarket coolers (MikeL's for one) but with a plow blade on the front, a fan forcing air thru the cooler may be your best option because of the diruption of airflow with blade on.

Synthetic ATF is always better than dino atf. Mobil1 ATF works well in the Allison and then there's TranSyn(which is supposed to be even better than M1 in this application).

DEWFPO