Hey Folks,

I had a customer stiff me on a Mag-Tech transmission pan, its beyond the returnable time frame without a restock and shipping fees. So seeing as I already paid for it I may as well put it on my own truck. My question is there a better full synthetic fluid that I could add while the pan is down? The new pan uses the OEM filter so Ill replace that as well. I may wait a little longer to do this as the truck only has 3000 miles on it. Ill also be interested to see if it actually makes any difference in temperatures. I had it on my 06 and it was a nice piece but I never could figure out if it helped or not.

Sarge

 

Not likely to make much difference in temps due to the thermostat. That is unless you are towing very heavy in warmer climates.

 

I would not use anything but the Ford recommended fluid. There are many types of Mercon and they are not all interchangeable. A lot of these 'universal' fluids, although they are synthetic, do not meet Ford specifications.

 

There is only one product compatible and that's Mercon LV and it's a full Synthetic fluid.

 

Maxlife syn ATF is a good choice: https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publi...2-ac162d889bd1
It has a very robust additive package and is well formulated.
It is not licensed for most applications. But then again, neither are RP, RL, Amsoil and a slew of other premium lube choices.
The upside to Maxlife ATF is that it's easily found at nearly any Walmart, and often for less $ than Mercon LV.
I have seen UOAs on both the Maxlife and the LV; you cannot tell them apart in real world use.
Although Ford could perhaps deny or delay a warranty claim, Valvoline will back the use of Maxlife ATF anywhere LV is called for, with full force of their written warranty. (honestly I doubt the ford denial would happen, as it's essentially impossible to tell LV from Maxlife in chemical analysis anyway. But should it happen, Valvoline would back you 100%).
I use it anywhere LV is called for, and many other applications as seen on it's PI sheet.

 

 

That's quite possible while your truck sits for 6 months waiting for the legal outcome.

 

Wow,

Thanks Ill stick to the recommended MC-LV fluid. I highly doubt that if I had an issue that my claim would be denied due to an oil pan, but Id be willing to fight with them over that.

Thanks,

Sarge

 

It works. I just serviced a 6F35 with it. Triple drain & fill, as specified per service instructions.

Don't expect anything magical to happen. You will gain nothing in the way of performance or mileage. All that you can hope for, is that an ATF which is not licensed for your application, does not damage your transmission.

As to how it compares to Mercon LV? I don't know. I don't know if it will last longer, hold up better, keep the internals of the transmission cleaner.......Valvoline MaxLife is a discount, multi-vehicle ATF. It's not a "boutique" brand which claims to be better.

 

Given how poorly many warranty issues are handled in the first place, that is not a unique concern with using a non-approved fluid.

- I had a 1989 Mustang 5.0L that was in the dealership 12x in less than a year for computer/ECM issues. Never had one thing altered; it was all stock. Still, that issue was never resolved and I was without the vehicle for the combined total of 4 of the 11 months prior to me trading that POS in. It would sit in the shop and/or on the lot while the dealer tried to fix it, then Ford sent service personnel to try and fix it, etc.
- my buddy had a 2010 Taurus with a similar experience; tranny related to the PCM controlling it would intermittently go schizophrenic and limp the drive-train. Again, nothing but hurry up and wait on Ford to deal with things.
- my neighbor (not close, personally) had issues with his 2006 6.0L (the ones their famous for). Yet again, more Ford delays and denials, lasting for weeks on/off over his last three years of ownership. Ford's approach is slow; that's an understatement.

I don't see the inferred legal issue you mention regarding lubes being much different than the lethargic process they already practice for in-house problems.