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Nov 9, 2012 | 08:59 AM

#16

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 24,705

Likes: 2,626

From: SE Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by robinsonpowerstroke

I personally would rather not use synthetic. Actually too slippery for clutches.

That is absolutely FALSE! Synthetic ATF is no "slipperier" than non-synthetic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Hodgson

If I remember right, Mr. Kovalsky and you guys did state that Mercon was not available for a while, and I have no reason to doubt that. Could that be why BTS calls for "Dextron III" in his installation instructions and omits the word "Mercon?"

In other words, are you sure that Dextron III ever went out of production? I mean Dextron III is a GM spec right? Not a Ford spec?

DEXRON III and MERCON are outdated specifications. Ford stopped licensing the production of MERCON in 2006. GM did the same with DEXRON III also in 2006. Nothing produced now is licensed to say DEXRON III or MERCON.

When the auto companies license a fluid they test the fluid before issuing a license. They also periodically test production fluid to ensure that it still meets the spec. Now that neither fluid is licensed nobody is monitoring the fluid, except maybe the company producing it. What's in it? Does it still meets the specs? Who knows?

Quote:

Originally Posted by trekbasso

I'm sure Mark K will chime in for the millionth time, Mercon V. I will change mine once a year anyway, run an external filter, Blackstone gave me a clean bill of health last year after a 9500 mile tow trip out west.
I can find Merc V anywhere.
What's not to like.

Yes, MERCON V is now the right fluid. Ford changed MERCON V in 2006 when they discontinued MERCON.

Nov 9, 2012 | 09:50 AM

#17

Tim Hodgson

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 1,856

Likes: 52

From: Sacramento Delta, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

GM did the same with DEXRON III also in 2006. Nothing produced now is licensed to say DEXRON III or MERCON.

Thank you, Mark. Remember, I am learning slowly...

In July I independently arrived at the robinsonpowerstroke strategy: "I rather just change it and the filter more often."

That's why I replaced the 2x4 transmission pan (which was shallower and didn't have a drain plug) with the 4x4 pan (which is deeper - requiring use of the 4x4 deeper filter - and has the drain plug). I have no basis for changing the non-synthetic Mercon fluid more regularly - right now I am figuring every 10K, but it "feels" (brainless, I know) right to me.

It seems like I could substitute non-synthetic Napa Premium Mercon V for a little more money and accomplish the same thing.

Nov 9, 2012 | 11:20 AM

#18

UP_There

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 5,613

Likes: 9

From: Flagstaff, Arizona

changing out your tranny fluid every 10k miles seems pretty excessive to me, but.....there is no such thing as "over" maintaining your vehicle, it just costs a bunch more! $$$$ I run Valvoline Mercon V synthetic, and swap fluid at 30k

Nov 9, 2012 | 03:24 PM

#19

Langpie

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 38

Likes: 0

Sooo... Nobody is filling in the blanks lol
1) Schaeffers?
2) Mobil 1 syn?
3) Volvoline syn?
this is for the tranny...

Nov 9, 2012 | 03:30 PM

#20

VegasFordSD

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 831

Likes: 2

From: Vacaville, CA

Let me fill in the blanks...

1) Motorcraft Mercon V
2) Motorcraft Mercon V
3) Motorcraft Mercon V

Unless you just love to spend money, then yes Schaeffers is great, Mobile 1 syn is great... ooooooh or Amsoil! wait Royal Purple!! wait Redline!!!!

Nov 9, 2012 | 04:55 PM

#21

UP_There

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 5,613

Likes: 9

From: Flagstaff, Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by Langpie

Sooo... Nobody is filling in the blanks lol
1) Schaeffers?
2) Mobil 1 syn?
3) Volvoline syn?
this is for the tranny...

___________ Mercon V (add any of your 3)

Nov 10, 2012 | 01:28 AM

#22

housedad

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,790

Likes: 24

From: Mount Royal, NJ

YES! Thank you, Mark!!!

This question has been bugging the heck out of me. I have been using Mercon V since about 2008. I could not find Mercon anymore.

So even tho the owners manual for the 2005 4R100 says use mercon, I just need to go out and buy Mercon V.

So I have been doing it right. Verification!!!!!!