Beside going to the dealer, (I hate those trips), where can Mercon V fluid be found? I don't see it at Wal Mart....Autozone has "AAMCO Synthetic Blend", (I don't know about that stuff). Any large chains carry it yet? I need it for my 99' F-150. I am told NOT TO SUBSTITUTE Mercon for Mercon V. Does Mercon V only come in synthetic blend? Appreciate any info.

 

It depends on where you are. I've found Mercon V at K-mart in the Detroit area.

Mercon V may be a conventional oil, a synthetic blend, or a full synthetic. The spec only has performance characteristics. I've heard that at least one brand has met the spec with no synthetics in their oil.

Do not use Mercon where Mercon V is required. Don't go the other way, either. Transmissions are very picky about what fluid they have. If you use the wrong one the transmission is likely to show how upset it is by dying!

Mark

 

I changed my fluid a couple of months ago and at Pep Boys I found Valvoline Synthetic fluid that was Mercon and Mercon V. Transmission seems to be working good.

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97 F-150, 2WD, Reg Cab,Flareside,Dk Toreador Red, Windsor 4.6, Magnecor 8.5mm wires, Bosch Plat +4s, 3.55 LS, EGR Bug Deflector, ******* Bed Cover, Bed Liner, XL Full Length Running Boards, Air Aid Kit, Gibson Single Out Cat Back, Superchips, TransGo Shift Kit, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Hellwig 2500# Overload Springs,Energy Suspension Polyurethane Front Sway Bar Bushings, 265 70 16 tires, Rancho RS9000 shocks

 

According to my owner's manual, if the transmission says MERCON V, you can use an ATF that is MERCON/MERCON V compatible. If you require MERCON, then you cannot use the MERCON/MERCON V fluid, you must use MERCON ATF only.
I have a 470R-W transmission in my F-150 that requires MERCON V, so I plan to install Amsoil ATF in a couple of weeks when I install a Baumann Engineering shift kit and B&M pan.

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'00 5.4L AUTO 4X4 Lariat (Black/Silver)
'02 F-350 PSD CC DRW 6SPD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)
www.hawthorn-engineering.com

 

Aamco tranny fluid at autozone(semi-synthetic)does have a mercon V rating. Look on the container to verify. It will specify mercon V. I've used it with no problems.

 

almost 20,000 miles with mercon V where my transmission started out with mercon. Had transmission filter changed at 50,000 miles at ford dealership and i told them i switched to merson v at around 35,000 miles, they said that was a good move since mercon v is semi synthitic. I have a 1997 built in 1/16/97. hae around 55,000 mile now, no problems with transmision. After extensive research on this web sight and on my own i wanted to make sure my transmission would last the longest possible and i am happy i went the mercon v way.
i have seen mercon v at auto zone.

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1997 f150 xlt black extended cab 4.6, 4x2
mercon v, k&n filter
load lok liner.
future plans--- 17 inch rims and tires

 

The Aamco Mercon V at Autozone is made by Exxon. It says it on the bottle.

 

For those worried about MERCON and MERCON V compatibility ... well, from the horses mouth so to speak.

http://www.amsoil.com/faq4.htm

This link is courtesy of Bob Riley from the ford-diesel.com web site.


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'00 5.4L AUTO 4X4 Lariat (Black/Silver)
'02 F-350 PSD CC DRW 6SPD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)
www.hawthorn-engineering.com

 

I used the AAMCO Mercon V in my last truck for 93,000 miles. The transmission was like new in every respect when I traded that truck. I highly recommend it for everyday use. If doing heavy towing, I'd go to the full synthetic like Amsoil or Mobil 1 for even better heat resistance.

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Stan
Red 1997 F-150 XLT Supercab
4.6L, 3.55LS
Lund Interceptor