propper fluids? (power steering, Allison trans, leveling system)

[coolbus]

My bus has power steering; don't know if it is factory or not, but it says Ross on the steering wheel, and it has a Vickers pump. (1968 Prevost) Can anybody tell me what type of oil should be used? it's a little low.

Also, the transmission is an Allison auto; what type of oil for it?

It also has a hydrolic leveling system, with cylendars at all four corners. I can't find any mfg nameplate, but the resevior looks too low also. Anybody know what type of oil for this system?

I do plan on getting the appropriate manuals, just havn't found them yet. Hoping to locate some at Rickreal (Bussin USA) this week. The only manual I have is for the DD8V-71

thnks!

Mark

[prevost82]

Mark .. you can buy the manuals from Prevost for around $150 for the parts and maintainace manuals.
Ron

[TomC]

My guess would be Automatic transmission fluid for all you describe.  This would also simplify what you carry to top off the transmission and such.  Dexron III, or any auto transmission fluid as long as it says that it is Allison C4 approved.  Good Luck, TomC

[coolbus]

Hey, Tom (or anybody else, for that matter!)

I dipped my finger in the existing oil reserviors (P/S and levelers) they both look kinda' redish brown. What kind of problem would I have if I accidently mixed in the wrong type of oil?

Seems the ATF is obviously the correct oil for Allison C4.

Can I damage the power steering or leveling pumps with the wrong oil?

Just a little nervous about non-compatible oils (?)

Thanks for your patience!

Mark

[Stan]

"Seems the ATF is obviously the correct oil for Allison C4. "

No, not obviously. Most engine oils and hydraulic oils meet C4 and are frequently used in Allisons. One solution is to change the Allison to the fluid of your choice that meets C4 spec then you know for sure what is in it and when it was put in.

Power steering that is redish-brown sounds like a mixture. Dexron should be red and not discolor in a power steering, but it is compatible with most oils and mixing them should not hurt. Some power steering pumps call for Dexron, some for #10 oil and some use the same oil as the engine crankcase.

Leveling jacks should have hydraulic jack oil but what any particular manufacturer uses is his choice.

This not really any help except to point out the differences and suggest that you need more information on your particular components.

[pvcces]

Coolbus, when I find that a red fluid has a brownish tone to it, I suspect that the oil is oxidized. If it has, usually your nose will give it away by the slightly to distinctly burned smell.

Some steering gear makers do not like ATF to be used with their systems, so running down what Ross actually wants is probably a good idea.

Generally, burned oil means that maintenance has been overlooked.

For what it's worth.

Tom Caffrey

[rip]

Mark: I reference to you leveling system,I have a Big Foot system and it calls for ATF and filling each reservoir 3/4 from top.
                Don

[coolbus]

Sorry to be so botheresome with this...

How about the gearbox(?) that is connected to the radiator pully assembly? ( my bus is a T drive; the radiator fan is belt driven with a shaft that connects to a 90 degree gearbox to the fanblade on the side fo the bus) I would like to service this also; ATF? Hydrolic jack oil? 90 weight?

thanks alot,

Please continue with the good info!

Mark

[luvrbus]

 90w gear oil

[TomC]

On my bus I carry 4 oils.  Delo 100 SAE40 straight weight for the Detroit 2 stroker.  15W40 for the generator and the power steering (Sheppard).  Allison C4 approved automatic transmission fluid for the transmission (that you could use for anything else hydraulic-I believe Ross steering uses ATF).  85w140 for the differential and front axle hubs (that you could also use for the radiator gear drives)

[buddydawg]

One of the things I am going through now since I just bought the bus is not knowing what fluids are in the engine, tranny, radiator etc..  My plan is just to service each unit when I can and replace the fluids with the recommend ones.  Then I will know what I have.