tranny fluid
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: NW Oregon
tranny fluid
What is the difference Of Mercon and Mercon V? can I use Mercon V in place of Mercon?
I have two vehicles need changing. 97 F350 PSD, Auto. trans.
97 mercury Mountaineer, V-8 Auto trans.
Patrick
I have two vehicles need changing. 97 F350 PSD, Auto. trans.
97 mercury Mountaineer, V-8 Auto trans.
Patrick
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
tranny fluid
I am no expert but thought I would toss a couple comments in since there were none yet...
Mercon is an older version of Mercon V. It is not compatible with most modern trannies that require Mercon V. You can use Mercon V in SOME older trannies but not all.
This designation is a little like the oil Sx designations. Current is I think SL and is compatible with most engines while older say SE is not compatible with newer engines.
So you will need the help of one of our experts or check the oil websites for any info if you are trying to use Mercon V in an older tranny.
Don't use Mercon in a new tranny that requires MerconV, unless the manual specifically says so.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Mercon is an older version of Mercon V. It is not compatible with most modern trannies that require Mercon V. You can use Mercon V in SOME older trannies but not all.
This designation is a little like the oil Sx designations. Current is I think SL and is compatible with most engines while older say SE is not compatible with newer engines.
So you will need the help of one of our experts or check the oil websites for any info if you are trying to use Mercon V in an older tranny.
Don't use Mercon in a new tranny that requires MerconV, unless the manual specifically says so.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
tranny fluid
From my understanding, Mercon V is slipperier than standard Mercon. Use only what is recommended. I used Mercon in a C6 made for Type F, and fried one of the bands. I dont know if the difference is that much between Mercon and Mercon V, but why risk it?
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
tranny fluid
In 1997 Ford introduced the new Mercon V (Mercon 5) (MV) transmission fluid. Mercon V was designed to improve friction material stability, prevent torque converter clutch chatter and lower overall operating temperature, including shift temperature.
Ford units that require Mercon V (much like Chrysler and Honda transmissions that require HFM fluid) are part of an integral transmission/transmission fluid calibration package
Ford units that require Mercon V (much like Chrysler and Honda transmissions that require HFM fluid) are part of an integral transmission/transmission fluid calibration package
It is very important to use Mercon V in a tranny that calls for it because that tranny was designed with the particular characteristics of Mercon V in mind. I don't know about your F-350 but your Mountaineer requires Mercon V.
I've read that it is OK (and sometimes even recommended by Ford Techs) to use Mercon V in many "older" Ford auto trannies, with a notable exception being the '97 and older AXODE/AX4S.
Last edited by Rockledge; Jun 24, 2003 at 07:29 PM.
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From: Connecticut
tranny fluid
Originally posted by c96drumm
Valvoline's Durablend Trans fluid is compatible with Mercon AND Mercon V. I just changed fluid in my 89 which calls for Mercon. Fine so far.
Valvoline's Durablend Trans fluid is compatible with Mercon AND Mercon V. I just changed fluid in my 89 which calls for Mercon. Fine so far.
Originally posted by Rockledge in a thread entitled "Mercon V or Mercon/Dextron Trans. fluid"
I am not an oil and lube expert, but I thought I would share my own thoughts and experience regarding this subject. About 3-4 months ago I had my tranny (5R55E) flushed at the local Valvoline lube shop. They replaced the old fluid with their "Durablend ATF" which is advertised as meeting Dextron III, Mercon, AND Mercon V specs. I drove around for a while and while yes there was some improvement, I noticed that the shifting was a bit harsher than I had hoped and my expectations were not exactly realized in terms of a smoother operating box. While I have always trusted Valvoline products, I decided that I was going to try another brand of fluid and to go strictly with a Mercon V-only rated product, which is what Ford recommends. Along with this I also decided to drop the pan myself and change the tranny filter and gasket (which is something that the Valvoline shop does NOT do as part of their tranny service). Then I flushed the system again and filled it with Castrol Mercon V. I must say, the improvement is more than just noticeable. The tranny shifts much smoother and shift points are much better. I am so glad I made the switch. I also have peace of mind knowing that there is clean and correct fluid flowing through a nice new filter in my transmission.
This is no knock on any particular company or fluid. But the bottom line is that the "hybrid" ATF fluid just did not work out for me. Moral of the story, I guess, is that I will be sticking with precisely what Ford recommends for my tranny - Mercon V.
I am not an oil and lube expert, but I thought I would share my own thoughts and experience regarding this subject. About 3-4 months ago I had my tranny (5R55E) flushed at the local Valvoline lube shop. They replaced the old fluid with their "Durablend ATF" which is advertised as meeting Dextron III, Mercon, AND Mercon V specs. I drove around for a while and while yes there was some improvement, I noticed that the shifting was a bit harsher than I had hoped and my expectations were not exactly realized in terms of a smoother operating box. While I have always trusted Valvoline products, I decided that I was going to try another brand of fluid and to go strictly with a Mercon V-only rated product, which is what Ford recommends. Along with this I also decided to drop the pan myself and change the tranny filter and gasket (which is something that the Valvoline shop does NOT do as part of their tranny service). Then I flushed the system again and filled it with Castrol Mercon V. I must say, the improvement is more than just noticeable. The tranny shifts much smoother and shift points are much better. I am so glad I made the switch. I also have peace of mind knowing that there is clean and correct fluid flowing through a nice new filter in my transmission.
This is no knock on any particular company or fluid. But the bottom line is that the "hybrid" ATF fluid just did not work out for me. Moral of the story, I guess, is that I will be sticking with precisely what Ford recommends for my tranny - Mercon V.
