Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

What trans fluid

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 9, 2008 | 09:10 PM
  #1  
LaJ10's Avatar
LaJ10
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Haughton La
What trans fluid

I'll start by telling on myself.Today while out of town I noticed my trans temp getting high so I checked it.It wasnt even on the stick.I looked under the truck to find my sending unit for the gauge dripping.The whole bottom of the truck was covered.I got a ride to the nearest town and got some mercron v after looking in the book at the parts house.They only had 2 quarts so I got it and some teflon tape.I went back to the truck pulled the trans temp sending unit tefloned it and reinstalled.No more leak.Added the fluid and headed home.I stopped at the next place I found and got 3 more quarts of mercron v,all they had.The trans never got hot again.I checked it and had two add all three quarts still nothing on the stick.As soon as I got to my town I stopped and got 6 quarts of mercron v.I came on home and decided to look and see how much fluid this trans held so I can add accordingly tommorrow and have seen where everyone advices against mercron v.The truck never felt bad,never missed a shift.
Now the questions
Have I understood correctly that the mercron v isnt good for this trans?If so what should I be using?Should I do a complete flush and refill?
Sorry this is so long but trying to see what I should do.
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2008 | 09:46 PM
  #2  
clintbonnie's Avatar
clintbonnie
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
Here is some more info reading for ya... personally i would stick to the mercon.. but i have read the mercon is being replaced by mercon V..
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...light=mercon+V
Two Pages
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2008 | 09:59 PM
  #3  
Izzy351's Avatar
Izzy351
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
Likes: 2
From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Ford has come out with a TSB authorizing MerconV, which is just a synthetic blend ATF. I swear by full syn, so I will convert mine to Mobil1. Nothing wrong with sticking with Mercon -- I just prefer the better heat handling of the syn. In other words, syn will last longer under the same conditions, so I think it's better over all.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 08:54 AM
  #4  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
Originally Posted by Izzy351
Ford has come out with a TSB authorizing MerconV, which is just a synthetic blend ATF.
No, that's not right.

MERCON V is a different spec for fluid. You can buy MERCON V in dino, blend, or full synthetic. Before Ford dropped MERCON you could buy MERCON in dino, blend, or full synthetic.

MERCON V is now the correct fluid for any application that used to require MERCON.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 09:29 AM
  #5  
LaJ10's Avatar
LaJ10
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Haughton La
Ok Iam really confused now.So can I continue filling it up with mecron v or should I use something else?Even the synthetics are labeled as mercron,mercron v,ATF and so on.So I really need to know if the mercron v rating isnt going to cut it?
 

Last edited by LaJ10; Feb 10, 2008 at 09:40 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 09:29 AM
  #6  
clux's Avatar
clux
Post Fiend
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 10,600
Likes: 3
From: Carhenge
Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
No, that's not right.

MERCON V is a different spec for fluid. You can buy MERCON V in dino, blend, or full synthetic. Before Ford dropped MERCON you could buy MERCON in dino, blend, or full synthetic.

MERCON V is now the correct fluid for any application that used to require MERCON.
That's right, I don't think MERCON is even available anymore unless you find some old stock somewhere.

To the OP, I don't know how long it's been since your transmission was serviced, but if your transmission got hot, instead of just dumping some more fluid in it I'd recommend flushing and refilling with all fresh fluid.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 09:43 AM
  #7  
LaJ10's Avatar
LaJ10
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Haughton La
Trans only has about 10,000 on it since a rebuild,before I bought the truck.I never got to hot just higher than I was used to,195.The fluid that dripped out never smelled burnt or looked discolored.I might ease the plug loose and see what the fluid looks like.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 12:32 PM
  #8  
LaJ10's Avatar
LaJ10
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Haughton La
Fluid looks and smells good.So my next question would be -Do I just fill it with mercron v?Or do I flush it and fill it with something else?If so what?
 

Last edited by LaJ10; Feb 10, 2008 at 12:36 PM.
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 04:56 PM
  #9  
LaJ10's Avatar
LaJ10
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Haughton La
Looking at doing whatever to it tommorrow so any advice would be great.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 06:20 PM
  #10  
clux's Avatar
clux
Post Fiend
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 10,600
Likes: 3
From: Carhenge
My guess is if it has been rebuilt that recently, it probably has MERCON V in it already. It would be nice to talk to the rebuilder and find out for sure, or it probably says what type of fluid was used on the invoice if you still have it.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 06:27 PM
  #11  
LaJ10's Avatar
LaJ10
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Haughton La
Do have the invoice but it doesnt say what kind of fluid.The rebuilder was out of state and I talked to him before I purchased the truck.But they didnt remember any particulars.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 06:47 PM
  #12  
jwhitetail's Avatar
jwhitetail
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
I would say tranny is ok just fill and when next service is sheduled consider synthetic and change filter clean pan and magnet, I personally don't flush it completely. I use Amsoil and change it every 30'000 miles since it was new, even though this oil will go longer,i'am a miantenance freak!
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 08:16 PM
  #13  
Zephyr's Avatar
Zephyr
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
I would just use the Mercon V .......... its what Ive been using for the last 20,000 miles w/no problems whatsoever. It is what the dealer recommended so its what I went with.

Though I am firm believer in synth fluids & thats what I will use when I get my BTS trans, till then I will stay with regular Mercon V.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 08:34 PM
  #14  
Izzy351's Avatar
Izzy351
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
Likes: 2
From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
No, that's not right.

MERCON V is a different spec for fluid. You can buy MERCON V in dino, blend, or full synthetic. Before Ford dropped MERCON you could buy MERCON in dino, blend, or full synthetic.

MERCON V is now the correct fluid for any application that used to require MERCON.
Thanks for the correction. I've only seen Mercon V as a syn blend (haven't really looked much for it since I'm switching to Mobil1), so I figured it was all that way. I have seen full syn meeting "Mercon/MerconV" specs, but they all pretty much have that on the bottles. Like I said, I just prefer full syn fluids, so that's what I use...
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 10:55 PM
  #15  
Tenn01PSD350's Avatar
Tenn01PSD350
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
If it were me, I would simply drop the pan, drain all the stuff in the tranny, replace the fluid and filter, not flush, and refill with regular mercon V, and drive on. I would not feel good about being that low on fluid like you were. Dropping the pan will give you a chance to look at what is in there. Better to see now than find out on the road somewhere.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:42 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE