i called amsoil today about their synthetic auto tranny fluid. its a multi use fluid and they said it will work fine in the superduty tranny. but i heard somewhere else to not use a multi use auto tranny fluid in these trannys. do you guys have any ideas? i already bought the fluid and have it sitting here afraid to use it.

 

Check the rating on your AMSOIL. You'll find that it has both MERCON and MERCON V ratings, and Ford says you should not use a fluid with both ratings in the Superduy's transmission.

Here's some light reading on the subject:

What is the Correct Transmission Fluid for My Transmission?

Automatic transmissions are very sensitive machines. Some of the smallest clearances machined into any vehicle are in an automatic transmission. Some of the clearances are in the tenths of thousandths of an inch. A fluid that is too thick or too thin can cause operational problems.

An automatic transmission uses friction to transfer torque. The friction material in the clutches and bands react against steel. The coefficient of friction between these surfaces is critical. A fluid change can make a large change in the frictional properties. If the new fluid is "slipperier" than the fluid that the transmission was designed to use the friction material will slip and the transmission will fail in a short time.

Some fluids are not compatible with materials used in the transmission. Certain fluids can degrade the friction material or seals, leading to a transmission failure.

Ford has specified specific fluids for all of it's transmissions. For the E40D and 4R100 transmission Ford specifies MERCON rated fluids. The owner's manual and service publications warn against using MERCON V or a fluid that has both MERCON and MERCON V ratings.

The new TorqShift five speed automatic transmission uses an all new fluid called MERCON SP. This transmission will not operate properly on MERCON or MERCON V fluid.

Can I use a Synthetic ATF in My Transmission?

Ford does not make any specific recommendation about using synthetic fluids. The only recommendation is to use a fluid with the proper rating.

There are synthetic, synthetic blend, and non-synthetic blend fluids available in both MERCON and MERCON V. As long as you use a fluid with the correct rating your transmission will be happy.

There is a persistent rumor that you should not use synthetic ATF because it is too slippery. That's not true. Any fluid that has a MERCON rating must meet Ford's specification for coefficient of friction, or "slipperiness." If it is too slippery Ford does not allow the fluid manufacturer to put the MERCON rating on it's product.

I believe that synthetic ATF is worthwhile for transmissions that are worked hard. A synthetic fluid has a stronger film, which lubricates better, it carries heat away better, and it does not break down from high temperatures as readily as conventional fluids.

I use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in my vehicles that tow.

 

thank you for the info. you say if it has the mercon rating on it it should be ok then correct? or do you mean if it says mercon only. amsoil only sells one tranny fluid.

 

Amsoil sells several tranny fluids. See list:
- Synthetic Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Synthetic Powershift Transmission Fluid SAE 10W, TO-4, C-4
- Synthetic Powershift Transmission Fluid SAE 30, TO-4, C-4
- Synthetic Powershift Transmission Fluid SAE 50, TO-4, C-4
- Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Fluid, C-3, C-4
- Supershift Racing Transmission Fluid (SAE 10W)

You probably bought the first one, the Universal Auto Fluid. The specs, as published on Amsoil's site are:
- GM Dexron II, Dexron III
- Ford Mercon, Mercon V
- Chrysler ATF+, ATF+2, ATF+3, ATF+4
- Mitsubishi Diamond SP II & III
- Allison C-3 & C-4 and TES-295
- Caterpillar Powershift Transmission TO-2 & TO-3
- Voith Commercial Transmissions
- GM Strasbourg (European Imports) and Opel

Although Ford specifies the use of a MERCON (ONLY) fluid and NOT one that is both Mercon & Mercon V, Amsoil seems to indicate that their fluid meets Ford's requirements. You got me -- I'm as confused as you. Personally, I plan on going with Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF when I do my tranny fluid service. It specifically has "builder approval" for Ford Mercon.

 

AMSOIL says they meet Ford's specs. Ford says not to use a fluid that has both MERCON and MERCON V ratings in the E4OD and 4R100 transmissions. AMSOIL has both ratings.

Mobil 1 has onlly a MERCON rating, which is what Ford recommends for the E4OD and 4R100.

 

Then if I read right then the MERCON really is the only rating for the Ford's, Right?. I just want to make sure, I do use my truck for towing and really want to make sure that I am using the best fluid. And again, if I am reading right, it appears that a lot of people are using the Mobil 1, ATF and that does comply with the MERCON ratings.
I have been a Mobil 1 fan for some time but was hesitent to jump out there and start using it. I think that maybe a little more discussion is needed. Thanks haroutd, and mark.
Its hard to teach an old dog new tricks but we still have to learn, sometimes its the younger guys that teach us. Thanks again.


God Bless our Troops:

 

MERCON is the rating specified by Ford for the E40D and 4R100 transmissions. I'll say it again, in case someone else asks: MERCON IS THE ONLY RATING SPECIFIED BY FORD. FORD SPECIFICALLY INDICATES NOT TO USE MULTI-RATED TRANNY FLUIDS (i.e MERCON AND MERCON V). THIS IS A NO-NO.

(Sorry SoutherDually, had to bust your chops.)

Mobil has crazy cash available for R&D. Mobil 1 ATF is widely available -- I can even buy it at my grocery store! It received the Ford MERCON "builder approval." It is not priced astronomically high. Best of all, Mark K. uses it on his tow vehicle. If it's good enough for Mark K., it's good enough for me.

 

You all can bust my chops any day that it keeps me out of trouble. I don't mind a bit. Thanks for the info.

 

called ford tech today and she said no synthetics period, mercon motorcraft fluid only. i called my dealer and they have never heard of such a thing. they put in redline synthetic atf all the time and its multi rated. i called two more dealers and they also have never heard of not being able to use a multi use fluid in the superduty trucks. as long as it has the mercon rating on the jug it is ok to use. if it were to harm the tranny they wouldnt be able to put the rating on the jug. amsoil says their product will work great in our trannys.

 

Amsoil = snake oil (IMHO).

It is my impression that the people you called were giving you their opinion on the topic rather than published Ford data (I'm stumped on what Ford tech said, though - Motorcraft sales pitch?). Re-read this from Mark's post: "The owner's manual and service publications warn against using MERCON V or a fluid that has both MERCON and MERCON V ratings. " Check your owner's manual and verify this statement, if you wish. Check the stats on the Amsoil ATF and you will see that it is, indeed, dual rated.

In the end, it's your truck, your tranny, your choice. Proceed as you wish.

Edit: Just realized, I am repeating the same point yet again regarding dual ratings... I hate saying the same thing more than once.

 

Haroutd; Sometimes things just have to be said more than once. When we get a little older things just don't sink in as well, it takes a while and , unfortunatly, sometimes they just don't take. Thanks for the tips and keep them coming. I for one will double and triple check my owners manual and follow it.
After all, I don't have all the money in the world and I do have to conserve. One way is not having to buy a new tranny.
Thanks again:

God Bless our Troops

 

i dont want to be a pain but i went to my truck and got my owners manual. it says nothing about multiuse fluids. it clearly says not to use mercon v and do not mix with mercon v. but again says nothing about multi purpose fluids. i see quakerstate has a synthetic dextron 3 mercon fluid. i dont understand if the multi purpose fluid is bad why dont any of the ford dealors know about it? in fact they sell the fluids.

 

where can a guy get one of these service publications? and how can these multi use synthetic fluids put the mercon name with the others if they will mess the trannys up? why does ford let them put mercon on the jugs if it doesnt meet the criteria?

 

SouthernDually: Tell ya' what, I'll repeat the same stuff as many times as you need, as long as I can keep using the copy & paste feature! If this helps anyone out in any way, I'm glad to be of service!

mtgrzlyman: I am not a vehicle technician, and honestly have very limited knowledge in this area. I can only comment based on facts that I have read from Ford's specific instructions/specifications. Again, I repeat myself (as well as Mark K.) in the following excerpt from the 2002 F-250-350-450-550 Owner Guide, 5th Print. The underlined paragraphs are exactly as they appear in this guide, including the bold text (Ford actually has the text bold in the guide as well).

Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such
as MERCON and MERCON V. These dual usage fluids are not to
be used in an automatic transmission that requires use of the
MERCON type fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be
used in transmissions that require the MERCON V type fluid.

MERCON and MERCON V type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCON and MERCON V. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCON and MERCON V) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCON may
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.

If you still want to use scAmsoil, be my guest. Like I said, your truck, your choice, your risk.

You can obtain the most current printing of your model year ownder's guide online http://myford.fordvehicles.com -- you will have to register first, including your VIN, but this is a cool site that Ford runs with loads of interesting features.

 

thanks for the input i will go and check out the ford site. honestly my 2000 owners manual doesnt have this info in it