2024 International MV Fluid Type Specifications & Capacities

The 2024 International MV is a highly configurable, medium-duty workhorse relied upon for everything from delivery routes to utility bucket operations. Built primarily with Cummins powerplants (the B6.7 or L9) and Allison automatic transmissions, maintaining these trucks requires strict adherence to heavy-duty commercial fluid specifications. Using passenger-car equivalents or "universal" fluids in a Class 6 or Class 7 truck will lead to catastrophic failures and voided warranties.

As an ASE-certified master technician, I cannot stress enough how critical it is to match the exact Navistar, Cummins, and Allison specification numbers when servicing these vehicles. Because the MV series is heavily customized based on its upfit and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), capacities vary significantly. Always verify your specific chassis build sheet or owner's manual before beginning a service.

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (Cummins B6.7/L9)	API CK-4, Cummins CES 20086 (15W-40 or 10W-30)	B6.7: 15-17.5 qts / L9: ~24 qts (verify pan)
Engine Coolant	Nitrite-Free ELC (OAT), Red/Pink, Cummins CES 14603	25 - 35+ quarts (varies by heater core/upfit)
Transmission Fluid	Allison TES 668 (Backward compatible with TES 295)	14 - 29+ quarts (varies by Allison series/pan)
Rear Differential	75W-90 or 80W-140 Synthetic API GL-5 / SAE J2360	Varies by Dana/Meritor axle size (approx 12-24 pts)
Brake Fluid (If Hydraulic)	DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check master cylinder cap)	Varies by Hydro-Max setup
Brakes (If Air)	N/A (Air system) - Service air dryer cartridge	N/A
Power Steering Fluid	Dexron-VI ATF or Navistar spec equivalent	2 - 4 quarts
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	API Certified DEF, ISO 22241	5 to 15 gallons (varies by tank option)
Windshield Washer Fluid	Standard Washer Fluid (-20°F or lower for winter)	~1-2 gallons

Note: Capacities are approximate and depend heavily on the specific axles, cooling package, and engine oil pan installed on your chassis. Always verify in the owner's manual / OEM service info.

Engine Oil

For 2024 International MV trucks equipped with the Cummins B6.7 or L9 diesel engines, the factory specification requires an API CK-4 heavy-duty diesel engine oil that meets the Cummins CES 20086 standard.

The most common viscosity grade used is 15W-40 for standard and warmer climates. If the truck operates in cold environments (consistently below freezing), Cummins permits the use of 10W-30 or even 5W-40 synthetic, provided it still meets the API CK-4 and CES 20086 specs.

• Intervals: Oil drain intervals depend heavily on the duty cycle (severe vs. standard) and fuel efficiency, but generally range from 10,000 to 15,000 miles, or 500 hours.
• Pitfall: Never use older API CJ-4 or API FA-4 oils (which have lower High-Temperature High-Shear viscosity) unless explicitly authorized by your engine's specific serial number, as this can lead to accelerated valvetrain and bearing wear.

Engine Coolant

The 2024 International MV utilizes a Heavy-Duty Extended Life Coolant (ELC). Specifically, you must use a Nitrite-Free Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant that meets the Cummins CES 14603 specification. This fluid is typically red or pink in color.

• Intervals: OAT coolants are designed to last up to 600,000 miles or 12,000 hours with proper testing.
• Pitfall: Do not mix OAT coolant with older HOAT (Hybrid OAT) or conventional silicate-based green coolants. Mixing coolant types degrades the corrosion inhibitors instantly, causing silicate drop-out, which clogs EGR coolers, heater cores, and radiator tubes. If the system is contaminated, a complete chemical flush is mandatory.

Transmission Fluid

Most International MVs are outfitted with Allison 1000, 2000, or 3000 series automatic transmissions. The current factory-fill and required service fluid is Allison TES 668. This is a fully synthetic heavy-duty ATF that supersedes the legendary TES 295 spec. TES 668 is fully backward compatible but offers improved shift quality, better oxidative stability, and enhanced anti-shudder performance.

• Intervals: With TES 668 and Allison genuine filters, fluid and filter intervals can stretch up to 150,000 miles in general commercial duty, though severe duty (like refuse or city delivery) requires shorter intervals.
• Pitfall: Never use "Universal ATF," Dexron VI, or Mercon LV in an Allison commercial transmission unless in a dire emergency. Using non-TES 668/295 fluids will void the transmission warranty and mandate drastically reduced service intervals (often dropping to just 12,000 miles).

Front and Rear Differentials

The MV series uses a variety of Dana or Meritor axles. Regardless of the specific axle, the required gear lubricant is a fully synthetic API GL-5 gear oil that carries the SAE J2360 military-grade certification.

Depending on the climate and operating load, 75W-90 synthetic is the standard fill for optimal fuel economy and bearing protection. In extremely heavy towing or severe high-temperature applications, 80W-140 may be required.

• Pitfall: Overfilling the differential is a common mistake. Fill only to the bottom of the fill plug threads. Overfilling causes aeration (foaming) of the gear oil, which drastically reduces its ability to protect the pinion and carrier bearings.

Brake Fluid (Hydraulic Systems)

While many International MVs are equipped with air brakes (which require no fluid but do require regular draining of air tanks and replacement of the air dryer desiccant cartridge), lighter-spec MVs feature Bosch Hydro-Max hydraulic brakes.

For hydraulic systems, use a high-quality DOT 4 brake fluid (or DOT 3 if specified on the master cylinder cap).

• Intervals: Flush the hydraulic brake system every 2 years. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air), and moisture buildup will corrode the expensive Hydro-Max components and lower the fluid's boiling point.

Power Steering Fluid

The power steering system in the MV runs on heavy-duty automatic transmission fluid. Typically, Dexron-VI or a Navistar-approved power steering fluid is required. The steering gear on commercial trucks operates under immense pressure; ensuring clean fluid is vital for the life of the steering box and the engine-driven power steering pump. Change this fluid and the reservoir filter every 50,000 miles to prevent hard steering and pump whine.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

To maintain compliance with emissions standards, the Cummins SCR system requires Diesel Exhaust Fluid that is strictly certified to ISO 22241 standards.

• Pitfall: DEF is extremely susceptible to contamination. Even a drop of oil, coolant, or tap water in the DEF tank can destroy the DEF doser and the SCR catalyst, resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs and a truck that is de-rated to 5 mph. Always use a dedicated DEF funnel and never buy DEF from unsealed or questionable containers.

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