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Stupid transmission fluid question

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Old Feb 15, 2014 | 10:45 PM
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Stupid transmission fluid question

Probably very obvious:

Was checking the fluid level per the manual and noticed there is an "h" on the dipstick.

Assume that it should be in that range when the fluid is hot, hence the "h" for hot?
 
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Old Feb 16, 2014 | 07:35 AM
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Yes, that's correct. And you should only check it hot, there is no accurate way to check it cold despite the cold marking on the dipstick.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2014 | 03:11 PM
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dumb question #2 and 3

it was a little low - right below the hot mark. Added about a half quart and now its over the top. Tragic?

Reason I even checked it is because the truck just started shifting a little hard. Figure time will tell shortly, but could this be the cause? 130K on the clock.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2014 | 05:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Greenlawnracing
it was a little low - right below the hot mark. Added about a half quart and now its over the top. Tragic?
No, not if you remove the overfilled amount. If you leave it there it could be tragic.

Originally Posted by Greenlawnracing
Reason I even checked it is because the truck just started shifting a little hard. Figure time will tell shortly, but could this be the cause? 130K on the clock.
No, that's not the cause. Right below the hot mark won't cause any problems.

How old is the fluid? ATF wears out and needs to be changed. The first symptom of old, worn out fluid is hard shifts.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2014 | 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky


No, that's not the cause. Right below the hot mark won't cause any problems.

How old is the fluid? ATF wears out and needs to be changed. The first symptom of old, worn out fluid is hard shifts.
I've got to check my log, but over three years. I used to change it every year because I tow a small trailer, but haven't changed it since I moved three years ago.

Probably under 30K miles, but due for sure. I picked up a filter today. What is the capacity? Auto parts store said ~ 6 quarts manual says 17?? Been too long for me to recall.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 07:23 AM
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For a flush you'll want 20 quarts according to Mark's instructions assuming you are talking the 4R100 in your signature.

Changing ATF Fluid in a E4OD and 4R100 transmission .: Articles
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Monster-4
For a flush you'll want 20 quarts according to Mark's instructions assuming you are talking the 4R100 in your signature.

Changing ATF Fluid in a E4OD and 4R100 transmission .: Articles
Got it.

At $5 a quart it adds up. Better place to buy than the auto parts store?
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 09:35 AM
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You can use any brand Mercron V. It is all the same because in order to hold that name it still needs to meet Ford spec because it is all licensed. I have used any and all brands, new fluid is always better than old.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Greenlawnracing
Got it.

At $5 a quart it adds up. Better place to buy than the auto parts store?
I generally like Mobile 1 ATF so there is no cheap place I have found to buy it. Even Amazon is still around $9 a quart (6 pack for $53).
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 11:23 AM
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I'm used to drain, replace filter, fill. Basically an oil change. Seems like these instructions are quite a bit more elaborate?
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 12:41 PM
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It's a complete flush. If you simply drop the pan and change the filter you still have a rather large amount of old fluid in the system.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Greenlawnracing
I'm used to drain, replace filter, fill. Basically an oil change. Seems like these instructions are quite a bit more elaborate?
Not basically an oil change, that is a half an oil change. You'll get as much as 8 quarts that way. The whole system holds about 17-18 quarts.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Kdr358
You can use any brand Mercron V. It is all the same because in order to hold that name it still needs to meet Ford spec because it is all licensed. I have used any and all brands, new fluid is always better than old.
depends on the year. now there's mercron V, mercron SP, mercron LV. Mobil 1 ATF (as much as I like Mobil 1) is not Mercron SP compliant. Wolf's Head sync ATF is Sp compliant.

The folks on the forum have horrow stories about burnt selinoids in trannys that need Sp and owner used regular Mercron V or Mercron LV.

I'm hoping Mobil 1 ATF comes around and make a determination soon if they are SP and LV compliant.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 07:41 PM
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I was referring to Mercron V in that post. IIRC mercron SP was replaced by LV.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 09:40 PM
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Would one of these prevent the need to disconnect the transmission line, or would it simply pull from the pan?


Mityvac 7400 7.3 Liter Fluid Evacuator : Amazon.com : Automotive Mityvac 7400 7.3 Liter Fluid Evacuator : Amazon.com : Automotive
 
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