2019 International MV — Fluid Type Specs

The 2019 International MV is a workhorse of the medium-duty truck world. Designed for maximum versatility, it can be outfitted with various powertrains, most commonly the Cummins B6.7 or L9 engines, paired with Allison automatic or Eaton Fuller transmissions. Maintaining a commercial vehicle like the MV series requires strict adherence to OEM fluid specifications. Commercial trucks endure punishing conditions, and cutting corners on fluid specs—whether it is using an outdated oil API rating or the wrong coolant chemistry—can lead to catastrophic downtime and expensive repairs.

Below is the definitive, ASE-certified guide to the factory-spec fluids for the 2019 International MV. Always verify exact capacities against your specific vehicle identification number (VIN) and upfitter configuration, as axle ratings, oil pans, and cooling system sizes can vary significantly.

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (B6.7 / L9)	15W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API CK-4, Cummins CES 20086)	16–17.5 qts (B6.7) / 25 qts (L9)
Engine Coolant	Heavy Duty OAT, Extended Life (Cummins CES 14603 / Navistar)	5–8 gallons (varies by radiator/heater)
Transmission Fluid	Allison TES-295 or TES-668 Synthetic ATF (e.g., TranSynd)	14–19 qts (varies by Allison series)
Rear Differential	Synthetic 75W-90 or 80W-140 (Dana SHAES 256 / Eaton PS-386)	12–24+ pints (varies by axle rating)
Front Axle (4x4)	Synthetic 75W-90 (Dana SHAES 256)	Verify in OEM service info
Brake Fluid	DOT 4 (for hydraulic brake configurations only)	Fill to MAX line
Power Steering	Dexron III ATF or Navistar spec synthetic PS fluid	2–3 qts
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)	API Certified DEF, ISO 22241	5–15 gallons (tank size varies)
Washer Fluid	Standard all-season windshield washer solvent	1 gallon

Note: Capacities are approximate dry-fill or standard service estimates. Always verify in owner's manual / OEM service info.

Engine Oil

The 2019 International MV is typically equipped with the Cummins B6.7 or Cummins L9 diesel engines.

• Specification: Both engines require heavy-duty diesel engine oil meeting the API CK-4 standard and the Cummins CES 20086 specification.
• Viscosity: 15W-40 is the standard conventional or synthetic-blend recommendation for most climates. For colder climates or extended drain intervals (where permitted by oil sampling), a 5W-40 full synthetic is highly recommended.
• Intervals & Pitfalls: Standard drain intervals depend heavily on duty cycle (severe vs. standard). In severe PTO applications, intervals can be as short as 250 hours or 10,000 miles. Never use older API CJ-4 or CI-4 oils, as they lack the chemical stability required for the modern emissions systems (DPF/SCR) found on the 2019 models. Excess ash from incorrect oil will permanently face-plug the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Engine Coolant

Modern medium-duty diesel engines rely heavily on advanced coolant chemistry to prevent cavitation, scaling, and overheating.

• Specification: The standard factory fill is a Heavy Duty Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Extended Life Coolant (ELC) meeting Cummins CES 14603 or Navistar's equivalent ELC specs. Examples include Fleetguard ES Compleat OAT or Shell Rotella ELC (typically red in color).
• Intervals & Pitfalls: ELCs typically last 300,000 miles or 3 years, but require periodic testing using test strips to monitor inhibitor levels. Never mix OAT coolant with older conventional Green (silicate-based) or HOAT coolants. Mixing chemistries will cause the corrosion inhibitors to drop out of suspension, turning the coolant into a highly abrasive sludge that destroys water pump seals and clogs EGR coolers.

Transmission Fluid

Most 2019 International MVs are outfitted with Allison automatic transmissions (such as the 2000 or 3000 RDS series).

• Specification: You must use a fully synthetic automatic transmission fluid approved under the Allison TES-295 or the newer Allison TES-668 specification (which is fully backwards compatible). Castrol TranSynd or Mobil Delvac 1 ATF are common OEM-approved examples.
• Intervals & Pitfalls: Using TES-295/TES-668 approved fluids allows for greatly extended drain intervals—often up to 150,000 miles or 48 months in general applications. Never use universal ATF or passenger-car fluids like Dexron VI or Mercon LV in these Allison gearboxes. Universal fluids lack the shear stability to handle the immense torque loads of a commercial truck and will lead to rapid clutch pack degradation.

Differentials and Transfer Case

Medium-duty truck axles on the MV series are generally supplied by Dana Spicer or Meritor.

• Specification: Always use a fully synthetic gear lubricant. For Dana axles, the fluid must meet Dana SHAES 256 (usually a 75W-90). For Eaton/Meritor axles, Eaton PS-386 or equivalent is standard. In severe heavy-hauling applications, an 80W-140 synthetic may be required.
• Intervals & Pitfalls: Initial fluid changes are often recommended at 50,000 miles, followed by 100,000 to 250,000-mile intervals if using fully synthetic fluid. Since these are commercial axles, limited-slip additives are rarely needed unless a specific locking differential is fitted; verify your axle tag. Using non-synthetic 80W-90 is a major pitfall, as it will overheat under heavy loads, causing gear scuffing and premature bearing failure.

Brake Fluid (Hydraulic and Air)

The 2019 International MV can be specified with either air brakes (Bendix) or hydraulic brakes, depending on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and customer preference.

• Specification: If equipped with hydraulic brakes, use a high-quality DOT 4 brake fluid (SAE J1704). If equipped with air brakes, there is no brake fluid; instead, you must maintain the air dryer desiccant cartridge to prevent moisture build-up in the air lines.
• Intervals & Pitfalls: For hydraulic systems, DOT 4 is highly hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture from the air). It must be flushed every 2 years to prevent internal corrosion of the ABS modulators and brake calipers. Never use DOT 5 (silicone) brake fluid, as it will aerate and destroy the ABS system seals.

Power Steering Fluid

• Specification: The TRW/Sheppard steering gearboxes on the MV series typically call for a high-quality Dexron III ATF or a dedicated heavy-duty synthetic power steering fluid approved by Navistar.
• Intervals & Pitfalls: Change the power steering filter and fluid every 50,000 miles. Neglecting the power steering filter can cause fluid starvation and cavitation at the pump, which leads to heavy steering and eventual pump failure.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and Washer Fluid

• DEF Specification: The SCR emissions system requires Diesel Exhaust Fluid that is strictly API-certified and meets the ISO 22241 standard.
• DEF Pitfalls: Never add anything other than pure DEF to the DEF tank. Even a tiny amount of diesel fuel, tap water, or coolant will permanently destroy the SCR catalyst, a repair that can exceed $5,000. DEF has a shelf life; do not store it in direct sunlight, and rotate your stock.
• Washer Fluid: Use standard windshield washer fluid. In freezing climates, ensure the freeze rating is sufficient (-20°F or lower) to prevent cracking the reservoir or damaging the washer pump.

Maintaining your International MV to stringent factory fluid specifications is the best way to ensure it stays on the road making money rather than sitting in a repair bay. If you need a professional to perform these services or inspect your rig, do not leave it to a passenger-car lube shop. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.