Thoughts on Automatic Trans Fluid
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Thoughts on Automatic Trans Fluid
Hey All,
I recently bought a 2000 F250 SD CC with an automatic transmission. As part of a normal maintenance cycle on any used car/truck i buy, I will be changing the ATF and filter soon.
Since I live in the People's Republic of California, it seems that synthetic ATF's are no longer generally available. Seems like the only one I keep running into at the auto part stores is Castrol High Mileage ATF. Has anyone used this?
I've run Royal Purple in my Mustang and loved it, but it's $12 a quart and with the F250 trans holding 18 quarts that's a pricey proposition. I've also used (and liked) Valvoline MaxLife ATF but cant find it in SoCal.
Any other recommendations or thoughts on the Castrol?
BTW, no shifting problems or issues, I would just be changing it for my own piece of mind.
I recently bought a 2000 F250 SD CC with an automatic transmission. As part of a normal maintenance cycle on any used car/truck i buy, I will be changing the ATF and filter soon.
Since I live in the People's Republic of California, it seems that synthetic ATF's are no longer generally available. Seems like the only one I keep running into at the auto part stores is Castrol High Mileage ATF. Has anyone used this?
I've run Royal Purple in my Mustang and loved it, but it's $12 a quart and with the F250 trans holding 18 quarts that's a pricey proposition. I've also used (and liked) Valvoline MaxLife ATF but cant find it in SoCal.
Any other recommendations or thoughts on the Castrol?
BTW, no shifting problems or issues, I would just be changing it for my own piece of mind.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
I have not heard anything about CA restricting synthetic oils. I know we still get all the synthetic motor oils, and we get synthetic gear oils. It may have missed my notice, but I think more than likely you just haven't found the right store.
I used Mobil 1 synthetic in my transfer case last year. I'm pretty sure it is on the shelf just about everywhere. It should be a good choice in a 4R100.
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...hetic_ATF.aspx
I used Mobil 1 synthetic in my transfer case last year. I'm pretty sure it is on the shelf just about everywhere. It should be a good choice in a 4R100.
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...hetic_ATF.aspx
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
They took Mobil 1 and Valvoline Maxlife off the shelf last year for a bit as they contained a chemical that supposedly caused cancer. Since then, it's been high and dry at my local parts houses.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Newberry Springs, CA
I would LOVE to move back to America, but unfortunately the roots are deep here. 
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Hotshot
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From: Whittier, CA
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
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From: Whittier, CA
Couldn't they have just added a "Do Not Drink" warning to the bottles?
I guess a Prop 65 warning on the door is not enough.
I guess a Prop 65 warning on the door is not enough.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Itinerant
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Nah. Cali doesn't care if idiots drink it, they're more concerned about being stoned enough on it to throw it up, which then is an environmental hazard!!!!!
Back to the original topic (not like I don't enjoy bashing Cali), how does plain ol' Mercon V stack up against some of the synthetics or the blends?
Back to the original topic (not like I don't enjoy bashing Cali), how does plain ol' Mercon V stack up against some of the synthetics or the blends?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
I don't know. If it were me, I would also like the added temp protection of a synthetic. But if I had to choose between Motorcraft Mercon V and a "high mileage" ATF, I would use the Motorcraft Mercon V.
Maybe you should give them 6 months to reformulate the Mobil 1.
Maybe you should give them 6 months to reformulate the Mobil 1.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
I recall reading somewhere that to meet Mercon V requirements, most fluids were semi-synthetic? Or was that the next generation? Or was I hallucinating again? I am in California....
Regardless, I would not hesitate to trust a name brand Mercon V fluid.
One school of thought says good fluid flushed regularly is better than premium synthetic changed infrequently.
And if towing, I think a real transmission temp gauge is a "gotta have" so you know when you could be at risk of burning it.
Regardless, I would not hesitate to trust a name brand Mercon V fluid.
One school of thought says good fluid flushed regularly is better than premium synthetic changed infrequently.
And if towing, I think a real transmission temp gauge is a "gotta have" so you know when you could be at risk of burning it.