Fluids - what to use?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
Fluids - what to use?
'90 F150 4x4 351W E4OD
Since the mileage and history of my truck is completely unknown part of my plan for getting it back on the road is to change all the fluids in the vehicle. I've got the shop manuals for the truck so I can read through those and get the procedures down, but I'd like to tap the accumulated wisdom of this group.
The list of fluids as I see it is:
Engine oil and filter
Coolant, have to do this no matter what when I change the radiator.
Transmission fluid and filter
Front and rear pumpkins
Transfer case? Is this separate?
Brake fluid which will be done as part of a complete brake rebuild
And I guess I should include windshield washer fluid as well
I'd like people's opinions about fluids to use and any procedures which are different/better/easier than the factory service manuals. The truck won't be a daily driver, but will be used fairly often. I don't plan any serious off-road or hauling. It's life is expected to be as a general utility vehicle.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions.
Since the mileage and history of my truck is completely unknown part of my plan for getting it back on the road is to change all the fluids in the vehicle. I've got the shop manuals for the truck so I can read through those and get the procedures down, but I'd like to tap the accumulated wisdom of this group.
The list of fluids as I see it is:
Engine oil and filter
Coolant, have to do this no matter what when I change the radiator.
Transmission fluid and filter
Front and rear pumpkins
Transfer case? Is this separate?
Brake fluid which will be done as part of a complete brake rebuild
And I guess I should include windshield washer fluid as well
I'd like people's opinions about fluids to use and any procedures which are different/better/easier than the factory service manuals. The truck won't be a daily driver, but will be used fairly often. I don't plan any serious off-road or hauling. It's life is expected to be as a general utility vehicle.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 17
From: SW Florida
Engine, I like run 10W-30 and a Motorcraft filter.
Green coolant, not the "mix with any color" crap.
Transmission originally had Mercon, can now use new Mercon V as well.
I forget what the diffs take... 80W-90? Don't forget friction modifier if you have TrakLok.
Transfer case takes Mercon as well, yes it's separate from trans.
Brake fluid is DOT3, whatever brand you like.
Washer fluid... water seems to work just as good as anything else.
You forgot steering, which also takes Mercon (what I use, seems to run quieter) or Type F (factory fill).
Green coolant, not the "mix with any color" crap.
Transmission originally had Mercon, can now use new Mercon V as well.
I forget what the diffs take... 80W-90? Don't forget friction modifier if you have TrakLok.
Transfer case takes Mercon as well, yes it's separate from trans.
Brake fluid is DOT3, whatever brand you like.
Washer fluid... water seems to work just as good as anything else.
You forgot steering, which also takes Mercon (what I use, seems to run quieter) or Type F (factory fill).
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
Can you use Mercon V for the transfer case and steering, or is it only straight Mercon?
Oh yeah, do the muffler bearings need periodic repacking?
Last edited by Island Time; Sep 20, 2014 at 12:10 PM. Reason: added questions about Mercon Vs Mercon V
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: New Sharon, IA
You also forgot the blinker fluid...
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
Thankfully I only have one big tank under the bed. Interestingly the truck sat for 5 years and it runs just fine on what is in the system. I am changing the fuel filter though.
Regarding blinker fluid... I thought about that but decided I was going to go with a nitromethane induction system as I've heard that it can seriously cut down on the wind resistance and reduce the 0-60 times.
Regarding blinker fluid... I thought about that but decided I was going to go with a nitromethane induction system as I've heard that it can seriously cut down on the wind resistance and reduce the 0-60 times.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 17
From: SW Florida
Well I like this brand of blinker fluid: Blinker Fluid - $18.95 : KaleCoAuto.com, Your home for the rare, unusual, and hard to find auto parts.
And since I started using these muffler bearings in everything I drive, I've never had to replace one again: Muffler Bearing - $33.95 : KaleCoAuto.com, Your home for the rare, unusual, and hard to find auto parts.
You should be fine with Mercon V in transfer case and steering. I wouldn't hesitate to use it, but being more expensive, if I had plain Merc laying around I'd use that up first.
And since I started using these muffler bearings in everything I drive, I've never had to replace one again: Muffler Bearing - $33.95 : KaleCoAuto.com, Your home for the rare, unusual, and hard to find auto parts.
You should be fine with Mercon V in transfer case and steering. I wouldn't hesitate to use it, but being more expensive, if I had plain Merc laying around I'd use that up first.
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Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
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From: Orcas Island, WA
Blinker fluid and muffler bearings. Kewl! They'd be great to have just sitting on the shelf of various vehicle fluids such to make friends go "Huh?"
Since I don't have any Mercon, V or otherwise, sitting around I think it'll be just as easy to keep one on the shelf. Does an opened jar of Mercon have a shelf life like brake fluid, or can it just sit there for years and get used whenever?
Since I don't have any Mercon, V or otherwise, sitting around I think it'll be just as easy to keep one on the shelf. Does an opened jar of Mercon have a shelf life like brake fluid, or can it just sit there for years and get used whenever?
Last edited by Island Time; Sep 20, 2014 at 02:41 PM. Reason: Typo
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2014
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I'm interested in this nitromethane induction system. I want my truck to do wheelies and I heard this can help.
But on a serious note, I use 10w-30 as well and add a quart of Lucas oil additive. Its super thick but it slowed the oil leak in my engine and helped reduce (or maybe hide) engine tick/knock.
Tanner
But on a serious note, I use 10w-30 as well and add a quart of Lucas oil additive. Its super thick but it slowed the oil leak in my engine and helped reduce (or maybe hide) engine tick/knock.
Tanner
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
Is it worth converting to synthetic? Everybody seems to make a big deal about synthetics, but honestly I'm not sure what I'll gain for the added cost. Opinions?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
Just to post a correction in regards to power steering fluid in case somebody else comes across this thread. Mercon V would not be appropriate for power steering pump in my truck accord to this page at Ford: Motorcraft® Transmission Fluids ? The Official Ford Parts Site | FordParts.com. Mercon V should only be used for power steering pumps in 1996 or newer vehicles.
New User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3
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Well I like this brand of blinker fluid: Blinker Fluid - $18.95 : KaleCoAuto.com, Your home for the rare, unusual, and hard to find auto parts.
And since I started using these muffler bearings in everything I drive, I've never had to replace one again: Muffler Bearing - $33.95 : KaleCoAuto.com, Your home for the rare, unusual, and hard to find auto parts.
You should be fine with Mercon V in transfer case and steering. I wouldn't hesitate to use it, but being more expensive, if I had plain Merc laying around I'd use that up first.
And since I started using these muffler bearings in everything I drive, I've never had to replace one again: Muffler Bearing - $33.95 : KaleCoAuto.com, Your home for the rare, unusual, and hard to find auto parts.
You should be fine with Mercon V in transfer case and steering. I wouldn't hesitate to use it, but being more expensive, if I had plain Merc laying around I'd use that up first.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 292
From: Laramie, WY
Ah that's what the spare is for. Fill the spare until explodes, noting the pressure at which it does. Subtract 5.78psi from the explosive pressure, and fill the four service tires to that pressure. 
Dixie, you are in Florida huh? Water for windshield washer!? The +20F mixture froze solid on me before December last year. The -20F will freeze on the windshield around here on the wrong morning.
For diffs, synthetic vs dino, I've run both, never noticed a measurable difference in fuel economy. I do notice the difference between 70-90 and 85-140 though. The truck just about won't move in drive with 85-140 if its damn cold out until you step on the gas pedal...
Dixie, you are in Florida huh? Water for windshield washer!? The +20F mixture froze solid on me before December last year. The -20F will freeze on the windshield around here on the wrong morning.
For diffs, synthetic vs dino, I've run both, never noticed a measurable difference in fuel economy. I do notice the difference between 70-90 and 85-140 though. The truck just about won't move in drive with 85-140 if its damn cold out until you step on the gas pedal...
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 91
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I always run Lucas Brand fluids. Diesels are great with upper cylinder lube. The stop leak products usually have great results
As for swapping to synthetic. It is not a good idea on high milage motors. It is more slick than conventional and can cause leaks.
As for swapping to synthetic. It is not a good idea on high milage motors. It is more slick than conventional and can cause leaks.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 17
From: SW Florida
Just to post a correction in regards to power steering fluid in case somebody else comes across this thread. Mercon V would not be appropriate for power steering pump in my truck accord to this page at Ford: Motorcraft® Transmission Fluids ? The Official Ford Parts Site | FordParts.com. Mercon V should only be used for power steering pumps in 1996 or newer vehicles.
Ah that's what the spare is for. Fill the spare until explodes, noting the pressure at which it does. Subtract 5.78psi from the explosive pressure, and fill the four service tires to that pressure.
Dixie, you are in Florida huh? Water for windshield washer!? The +20F mixture froze solid on me before December last year. The -20F will freeze on the windshield around here on the wrong morning.
Dixie, you are in Florida huh? Water for windshield washer!? The +20F mixture froze solid on me before December last year. The -20F will freeze on the windshield around here on the wrong morning.
