In previous posts, I've read that we should use "MERCON" transmission fluid, BUT the local parts stores only have combination "DEXRON-III/MERCON"

Is this the right stuff?
Or should it be just MERCON?

 

Yes. That's the one. FYI, get ready for the mess.

 

dex3

 

You want the Dextron III/Mercon fluid. They put both names on the bottle because the fluid meets both specifications. If you want a bottle that only says 'Mercon' on it, then you have to go to a Ford dealer and buy Ford Mercon from them direct. Anywhere else you go, it's called Dextron III/Mercon.

Make sure your bottles don't say Mercon V. And don't use a fluid that says it meets both Mercon and Mercon V specification.
(That comes directly from Matt at SVT)

If you can get it in your area, try to get Castrol. It seems to be the only fluid I've found that prominently displays the Ford specification(s) that their fluid meets or exceeds. I'm sure that the other brands meet the same specs, but I kinda feel safer knowing that they are aware enough of the specifications to display that their fluids are in compliance.

Oh, and while you're at the parts store. . .99% of people who have done this service themselves also install a drain-plug while they are in there. The red NIAGRA ain't no fun.

Have fun!!

 

hahaha... hadn't heard it put so perfectly... I watched on from the back of the truck as my mechanic buddy pulled the pan out... luckily he was wearing coveralls... it was a 50/50 split between his face/clothes and the catchall container... I should have taken my camera...

 

FWIW: A bit of trivia - from what I've seen - The Dex3/Mercon fluid is not the factory fill. It's usually formulated by Ethyl. The factory fill is formulated by Infineum and is Mercon only. Unfortunately it is not available in the aftermarket. (!) There were issues of incompatibility of the two additive packages at one time, but those have been resolved. From what I've seen the Ethyl fluid gives slightly softer engagements than the Infineum fluid. Does it matter? Probably not. Since my employer does not make the clutches in the 4R100, I can't say whether a pure-Mercon or a dual-spec is better.

IMO: The Dex3/Mercon fluid should work fine, and a good synthetic dual-spec should work great in the tranny.

Rant: Why the heck can't the domestic OEMs get their head out of their butts and start putting drain plugs and external spin-on filters on their trannies???!!! My ex-Subaru had them and they were GREAT! C'mon Ford, get with the program! GRRrrRrrr!!

 

The factory fill comes from Castrol (doesn't mean they make it) but it's not the same stuff you buy on the market, it's a special new build formula. It's good for the recommended 30,000 miles at least and prolly more, I have no idea why they use special factory fill oil, but it's a common practice.

G

 

On these transmission is it worh it and does it help?? If so is there a way to drain the torque converter?? I'm going to be putting on the factory tech valve body here soon and would like to change it all at one time. If the switch is worth it I would like to do it!!

 

Doin ft valvebody next week and mobil1 syn trans fluid!! have run mobil 1 syn trans fluid in my automatics since c-6 days it works great and does run cooler!! Artie

 

I wouldn't, but that's just me.

The small gain that potentially exists from switching to a synthetic in the tranny, to me at least, doesn't outweigh the potential risk of messing something up and having your truck laid up in the shop for three weeks while the service tech picks his nose, scratches himself and tries to figure out why your transmission is so much diffrent from the other F150's he sees all the time. Then has to order parts from Detroit, then doesn't have the tools he needs to fix your truck, has to order them from the Snap-on Truck, then gets the wrong gaskets, . . .ooppss. I'm rambling again. Just had all of the above happen during a recent bad dealership experience so I'm a little bitter. I'm just glad that after they had the truck for 8 days the service 'manager' decided go above and beyond and to be gracious enough to honor the SVT loaner vehicle program and cut loose with . . . . .a Focus. I'll be nice, though and not mention to everybody here that it happend at BERGE FORD in Mesa, AZ, and that the scum sucking low-life service manager who's name was simply Bob (no last name given to me . . .or I'd post that, too) should rot in HELL.

But again, that's just my opinion based on sour experience(s).

Sorry to rant.

 

Hey factory tech wanna jump in here and give us your input!! By the way it is syn trans fluid. Not syn oil!! As some people use Amsoil Motor Oil in automatics!! Thanks Artie

 

How does synthetis tranny fluid screw up a transmission??

 

How about some B&M trick shift for our tranny, do you guys think that would help out. HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA I'm just messing with you guys, HAHAHAHAHHAHA.

Good old mercon works great for me, and the red Niagra ( I like that) is not more with a new pan with a plug in it. I would suggest it to anyone.

 

The fluid in and of itself doesn't do anything. . .This was explained to me once, but I can't remember the specifics. I believe all of the small machined pistons and other internal parts are made with clearance sizes & friction co-efficients that are matched to the lubricity of the recommended fluids. If you change the fluids' dynamics it changes the 'mechanical calibration' if you will of the effected component. Is it a big deal? I don't know. But I'm not rolling the dice with my L on the line.

Factory_tech can field this topic better than anyone, so I would consult him before doing ANYTHING to your transmission.

Later,

 

Try Castrol Syntec ATF. It satisfies Dexron III/Mercon plus it has friction modifiers much like that of B&M TrickShift. My friend has tried it on his Ford Escort and commented that the transmission shifts consistently even when hot. I noticed a dramatic improvement in shift quality on a GM TH-440 and 4L60-Es on 2 different cars...feels like a mild shift kit is installed. Very crisp shifts. Cheasapeake Petroleum in Gaithersburg, MD has it. It's tough to find but worth it.