Allison 5sp: Oops or ok?

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Jules1525

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I got my lb7 officially on the road yesterday. My town is under a state of emergency currently due to flooding that's expected to get worse (again). So, I emptied out my box and headed out to help deliver sandbags and get people who are flooded in out to safety.

As the day went on, the truck started having some issues. Second seems to be my new lowest gear (can't shift past there but I want to say it was like that already), my doors stopped unlocking when I park and the button won't override that, and then the shift indicator stopped working. Finally when I parked in my driveway it took two tries to get into reverse, it just flashed the first time?

So.. did I completely ruin my transmission within 24 hours of putting plates on or is this maybe fixable? Are Allison transmissions prone to trouble when wet? (Really wishing I took the gasser about now) IMG_0235.jpg


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Jules1525

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Ok, just looked it up and that sounds pretty common whew! Thank you. Will it fail every time it gets wet? And is it safe to drive it while I wait for a replacement? Obviously I'm done using it to help with this, I'd rather not break anything else in the flood waters


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TheBac

TheBac

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Guess I have to ask how fast you were driving thru the water over the road. Sounds like you got part of harness wet besides the NSBU.
 
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Jules1525

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Idling with the brakes on. This isn't my first flood. But the water is already at least 3 feet at its deepest points. I took the diesel because I could carry more but I'm really regretting that choice now. The half ton doesn't owe me anything


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Budneeds2beers

Budneeds2beers

Aka Mike Honcho....
Aug 25, 2016
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Same thing happened to me when i was puddle jumping through the desert. I just put the truck in park and let it idle so the heat would dry out the wiring so I could drive home. But exact same thing.
 
WVRigrat05

WVRigrat05

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I've had my trucks in a lot of water, seems to be a lot more common on the LB7, get a new NSBU switch and you'll be fine, be sure to put a healthy amount of dielectric grease on the connection.
 
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Jules1525

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I'm going to fire it back up and let it run for awhile now. Maybe I just didn't give it long enough to dry out? Knowing the truck a little better would be good. I guess we all learn by doing right?
Side question I was wondering- so I'm a gasser going through water you stay slow of course but go low gear so when the tailpipe is under you can give it enough gas to keep the water out. Is that the same with diesels or can you not worry when the exhaust is underwater? (Not that I am planning to do this again soon but it's probably good to know)


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WVRigrat05

WVRigrat05

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Jules1525 said:
I'm going to fire it back up and let it run for awhile now. Maybe I just didn't give it long enough to dry out? Knowing the truck a little better would be good. I guess we all learn by doing right?
Side question I was wondering- so I'm a gasser going through water you stay slow of course but go low gear so when the tailpipe is under you can give it enough gas to keep the water out. Is that the same with diesels or can you not worry when the exhaust is underwater? (Not that I am planning to do this again soon but it's probably good to know)


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Click to expand...

There's a lot more pressure in a diesel. It's not the motor I worry about, it's the bearings and drivetrain I don't like getting water in.
 
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Jules1525

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Hmm. That's good to know. Another reason to keep the old one around a while


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WVRigrat05

WVRigrat05

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Yeah I used to see how deep of water I could put my stuff into just for fun, and a lot of old rig roads had Creek crossings and mud to the bumpers, but after 100's of dollars in diff flushes, transfer flush,etc., plus extra wear on wheel bearings, I go around water unless I have no choice and if it's over 3/4 of the way up the tires, I'm out.

Now if I'm in a beater, I'll go hood deep, unless it's a river or moving water.
 
TheBac

TheBac

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WVRigrat05 said:
I've had my trucks in a lot of water, seems to be a lot more common on the LB7, get a new NSBU switch and you'll be fine, be sure to put a healthy amount of dielectric grease on the connection.
Click to expand...

Probably due to the original NSBU switches (IIRC they were black?) not being sealed very well. There was a lot of issues with them years ago.
 
D

dmax_ty

Member
Aug 18, 2011
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TheBac said:
Probably due to the original NSBU switches (IIRC they were black?) not being sealed very well. There was a lot of issues with them years ago.
Click to expand...

I believe you are correct, Tom. The new ones are tan and are sealed much, much better.
 
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Jules1525

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So I called my parts guy first who told me $500 for the nsbu.. ouch, but ok that's what I get for helping out lol. Then I called my shop to see how much they want to install it and he doesn't want to touch it because he's afraid he will wreck it. Called the closest transmission shop ( an hour and a half away from me) and they said as long as it's still shifting and not causing any dash lights to give it a week or so and it might dry out?? Does that sound right? They said I can keep driving it if I want and it won't hurt it but to be careful because I won't have reverse lights if the indicator isn't working.. I want to trust the transmission people but I'm not sure what to think about that advice. Thoughts? I'm just getting started on this truck, not looking to kill it before I even get into it


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Jules1525

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LOL! That's what I was thinking exactly! I just don't have a jack anymore. Let a friend "borrow" it. Between this truck and good deeds, I'm gonna need to pick up a third job!


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Chevy1925

Chevy1925

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You don't even need a jack unless the truck is in the weeds or your a "thicker" fellow. Seriously simple to do. Just follow the instructions and do not think they are wrong at any point.
 
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Jules1525

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I'm not a tiny girl but I can fit under there no problem. I'll work up my courage and do it myself I guess. I'm not risking any worse damage driving it that way. Seems like a bad idea, even for someone brand new to diesels. I'm in Canada, none of the suppliers on Amazon ship here but I get a discount for being a frequent flier, the switch will be $290 (that's his cost so I can't complain) and with any luck that's all I've broken so far.

I'm bummed about the transmission peoples answer though. I noticed a slight vibration coasting down and was hoping they would be able to give me some peace of mind but I guess I'll have to figure that out without them too :)


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