Which fluid to use?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 296
Likes: 21
From: Ohio
Which fluid to use?
I have a 78 F150 4WD with a 4.9. It has the C power steering pump. I have looked and always get the same 2 answers. Which fluid. ATF or PS fluid.....if it is ATF which type? Thanks.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 547
Likes: 11
This would be this https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubrican...ission%20Fluid
Dennis
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
IIRC, the power steering set-up (Ford C-II pump) holds roughly 3.5 litres but that includes the cooler line below the block on the frame, the power steering lines to the power steering box, and the pump capacity itself.
That is correct, if you're filling an existing system, Type F fluid is the way to go. If you're installing a new system completely, you can choose whatever type of ATF you want... you're not forced to use Type F - HOWEVER, keep in mind that your pump and p-steering box must be rebuilt (dry) to use a different type of fluid than Type F.
I rebuilt my entire power steering system on my 1979 F250 and used Mercon V fluid only because I had a case of it laying around. I saw no reason to go back to Type F fluid given that I had a brand new (and dry) system to work with. Hasn't given me any grief and works well!
When reading this tho... keep in mind that you CANNOT mix Type F with any other fluid than Type F. Same goes for all other fluids - they don't react well together.
That is correct, if you're filling an existing system, Type F fluid is the way to go. If you're installing a new system completely, you can choose whatever type of ATF you want... you're not forced to use Type F - HOWEVER, keep in mind that your pump and p-steering box must be rebuilt (dry) to use a different type of fluid than Type F.
I rebuilt my entire power steering system on my 1979 F250 and used Mercon V fluid only because I had a case of it laying around. I saw no reason to go back to Type F fluid given that I had a brand new (and dry) system to work with. Hasn't given me any grief and works well!
When reading this tho... keep in mind that you CANNOT mix Type F with any other fluid than Type F. Same goes for all other fluids - they don't react well together.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 296
Likes: 21
From: Ohio
Well that throws a spider in the birthday cake. 
I took the pump off when I pulled the motor and am also replacing both hoses. All the fluid leaked out. I am not sure what fluid was in there before. All I know for sure is it was red. If it was not Type F and I put Type F in there....what can/will happen?
I took the pump off when I pulled the motor and am also replacing both hoses. All the fluid leaked out. I am not sure what fluid was in there before. All I know for sure is it was red. If it was not Type F and I put Type F in there....what can/will happen?
Trailering
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Eastern Oregon
Type F will work fine. I've also used hydraulic oil (Chevron THF 1000)in various rigs and never had a problem.
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 163
From: East Texas
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Ford C-II P/S pump introduced in 1978 on EVERYTHING except Econolines and Passenger Cars with Hydro-Boost (both used the Saginaw pump).
C-II pump has a plastic reservoir, the P/S pressure hose connects to the pump w/a qwik connect fitting.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 60
From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA
My 1976 F, P, & M series owner's manual shows Ford specification ESW-M2C128-D or -C for the power steering fluid and specification ESW-M2C33-F for the type F automatic transmission fluid. Since I don't know the details of the specifications, now I'm wondering if they are equivalent and/or interchangeable.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
5.8F250
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
6
May 11, 2011 05:30 PM
wickymustang
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
2
May 2, 2005 05:28 PM