Broke Down! Need help with Allison MT 647

[John316]

Sorry to say, Tom, but that is exactly what happened when our tranny went out. I distinctly remember hearing the rev, right before it wouldn't shift. It was a B500 and the Allison guys said that is when the final little bit of clutch went out. We needed a new tranny.

I hope it works out better for you.

John

[oldmansax]

First, Thanks for all the input and helpful comments!

Now for the rest of the story.

Since the campground would be a nightmare to get a wrecker/motor home out of, I figured I'd try to at least get out to the main road. Fortunately, the old girl made it about 10 miles. There is an old used car sales/junk yard lot with big, paved pull through entrance and exit en-route so I stopped there. I had noticed it was getting harder to start rolling every time I had to stop for a light or traffic. Also, the last time I had to stop, it didn't want to shift to the higher gears either.  I checked the fluid again and it still has a good color. Also, it DOES have a slight burnt smell. Secondly, after squinting at the temp gauge and counting the little marks, I realize the actual high temperature was 230. I wish they would make gauges readable again like the ones we had in the 50's! Tranny still shifted into reverse fine.

I thought about calling for a wrecker again. My problem there was going to be how to get it backed into the spot by my house.  Once we pulled the axles for the tow, we would have to install the axles setting in the roadway so I could back it into the drive. I can take it to the shop but that's an inconvenient 30 miles away. I then remembered having read on this board about people using the tow vehicle for power in a pinch. So I thought, why not try it?! The worst that can happen is I burn up another vehicle!   

I called my son & got him to go to my house and pick up the '98 Yukon and towing paraphernalia. He showed up a couple of hours later and we hooked up every thing just like we were towing the Yukon. We plugged in our ear phones to our cell phone for constant communication and I, (using my best Captain's voice) commanded, "All ahead, dead slow!"

EUREKA!  IT WORKS!


All worked like a charm! Acceleration was REAL slow but we got up to the 55 speed limit and made it home. the Yukon temp never got over 210, which is what the '07 Tahoe runs all the time with the same engine so I think all is well there. Got home, stopped in the road and unhooked the Yukon, and backed into the drive with no problems!

Now we can finish our eclipse mini-vacation with the grand kids. I'll start digging into the tranny next week. I'll probably need more help and suggestions on parts. We have three Allison shops locally. one doesn't do motor homes/buses, Freightliner has a terrible rep, and I would have to have Trump's money to go the the last one.

Clifford, how many crab cakes would it take to get you to Delaware?   

Thanks again to all for the help!

TOM

[bevans6]

Sounds like it's time to learn how to pull an engine out of an MCI...  Although my tranny shop told me they did an MCI and left the engine in, so I guess it can be done that way.  Very sorry to hear of your troubles, and looking forward to finding out what happened, me with a brand new MT-647 and all!

[longjohn]

Tom it sounds like you where at Tall Pines?  

[oldmansax]

Tom it sounds like you where at Tall Pines?  

Yes I was. Very nice place, grand kids had a blast.

TOM