Mercon in Power Steering?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
Mercon in Power Steering?
I've got a remanufactured steering gear and new hoses for my '83. I'll flush the pump good while I've got everything out. Is Mercon (Dextron III) acceptable to use in place of the Type F called for in the owner's manual? I'd like to keep the transmission and PS with the same fluid since I have lots of it, but will go with the type F if I have to. The steering gear doesn't specify any particular fluid, ony "manufacturers recommended fluid".
Thanks!
Thanks!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 1
From: Right Next to U
I personally would not recommend any other Power Steering fluids other than the recommended Manufacturers recommendation.
It just cost too much to replace a Steering Sector GearBox or an Power Steering Pump because of a label that said Power Steering Fluid and wasn't manufactured for FORDS.
I once apon a time used Mercon III in the power steering pump...then 3 years later had to replace the power steering pump AND the Steering GearBox. It leaked out so bad, it wouldn't even hold any fluid. At a cost of 300,00 plus the amount of Lucas Steering Fluid (@10.00 for a small 16 oz size + 20 or so bottles) It cured me.
It just cost too much to replace a Steering Sector GearBox or an Power Steering Pump because of a label that said Power Steering Fluid and wasn't manufactured for FORDS.
I once apon a time used Mercon III in the power steering pump...then 3 years later had to replace the power steering pump AND the Steering GearBox. It leaked out so bad, it wouldn't even hold any fluid. At a cost of 300,00 plus the amount of Lucas Steering Fluid (@10.00 for a small 16 oz size + 20 or so bottles) It cured me.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Spec numbers can change, with or without known sideffects.
If in doubt cross check the spec numbers at a local dealer that will be willing to help you out.
Or ask the member numberdummy, he should be able to find out for you.
I would not use anything but Type F fluid however in the PS pump in these trucks, which is what the manufacturer recomends.
I do know in the 90's they changed over to mercon for PS pumps, but those systems were designed for it too.
So as a rule use what is recomended for the application and you should be fine.
If in doubt cross check the spec numbers at a local dealer that will be willing to help you out.
Or ask the member numberdummy, he should be able to find out for you.
I would not use anything but Type F fluid however in the PS pump in these trucks, which is what the manufacturer recomends.
I do know in the 90's they changed over to mercon for PS pumps, but those systems were designed for it too.
So as a rule use what is recomended for the application and you should be fine.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
I'll stick with the Type F. I figure it's still made to Type F specs. The generic power steering fluid I have says it meets Ford spec ESW-M2C128-C and D. My owner's manual only mentions Type F spec ESP-M2C138-CJ. (Maybe they didn't have dedicated PS fliud in '83?) I don't think the new hoses or steering gear really cares what fluid go in and there's no telling how much Dextron II, Mercon, and generic PS fluid has been put in but the pump's not leaking now and there's no reason to take chances. I'll flush it good with Type F then purge and fill the system with it.
Thanks again for all the advice.
Thanks again for all the advice.
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