Trans fluid advice needed
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 741
Likes: 8
From: Western N.C.
Trans fluid advice needed
I'm about to change the fluid, filter and pan gasket on my C6, and I want to make sure that I put the correct fluid in.
The dipstick says Type F is the correct type to use, but I've also heard that Dexron III can be used. I think the transmission was rebuilt in '89, and the fluid that is in it is orange/red-ish.
I don't want to burn it up, but HOW DO I KNOW????
The dipstick says Type F is the correct type to use, but I've also heard that Dexron III can be used. I think the transmission was rebuilt in '89, and the fluid that is in it is orange/red-ish.
I don't want to burn it up, but HOW DO I KNOW????
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Rainy Washington
I'm pretty sure you want to put type F in it. Don't put dexron in it. As far as I know that is for gm and "others" put in there cars. but I could be wrong. I've only ever put type f in my fords.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Type F is not interchangeable with any of the other fluids. However, since your transmission has been rebuilt, you're going to get very different answers on this forum as to whether or not you should use what is listed for a 1973 (which would have been Type F), or something more recent. As such, I highly advise you post this in the transmission forum and direct the question at the very talented individuals in that forum that rebuild transmissions for a living.
Clutch,Transmission, Differential, Axle and Transfer Case - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Don't give advice like that. His truck is a 1973; what your 1979 manual says is irrelevant. Ford switched from Type F to Dexron II sometime before 1979.
Clutch,Transmission, Differential, Axle and Transfer Case - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Don't give advice like that. His truck is a 1973; what your 1979 manual says is irrelevant. Ford switched from Type F to Dexron II sometime before 1979.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,956
Likes: 10
From: MD
1976 and earlier: Type F.
1977 and later: Mercon.
Ford never used Dextron.
I would use Type F in your case.
1977 and later: Mercon.
Ford never used Dextron.
I would use Type F in your case.
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
I've seen them both ways. The difference is the clutch material. In the older transmissions that require Type F used asbestos clutches, while the newer ones use a paper base clutch. I would imagine that the rebuilders would have upgraded to the newer style clutches. If the shop that did the trans is still around, you could ask what they would have done.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
This above is incorrect. Although the Mercon and Dexron-II is basicly the same fluid. Ford paid GM a license fee to use the Dexron-II name untill the name Mercon was intoduced. There is a credit to GM in the part book. (sic)
Here is the original Specification and part numbers for Ford Dexron-II fluid.
Motorcraft Dexron II Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Part Number: XT-2-QDX
Specification: Dexron II series "D"
Specification #: ESP-M2C138-CJ
and for completeness....
Motorcraft Type-F:
Part Number: XT-1-QF
Specification: ESW-M2C33-F
Motorcraft Standard Transmission Lube:
Part Number: D8DZ-19C547-A
Specification: ESP-M2C83-C
Please be aware that these part numbers can be out of date....
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 427
Likes: 1
From: Irondale, Al.
Type F is not interchangeable with any of the other fluids. However, since your transmission has been rebuilt, you're going to get very different answers on this forum as to whether or not you should use what is listed for a 1973 (which would have been Type F), or something more recent. As such, I highly advise you post this in the transmission forum and direct the question at the very talented individuals in that forum that rebuild transmissions for a living.
Clutch,Transmission, Differential, Axle and Transfer Case - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Don't give advice like that. His truck is a 1973; what your 1979 manual says is irrelevant. Ford switched from Type F to Dexron II sometime before 1979.
Clutch,Transmission, Differential, Axle and Transfer Case - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Don't give advice like that. His truck is a 1973; what your 1979 manual says is irrelevant. Ford switched from Type F to Dexron II sometime before 1979.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 741
Likes: 8
From: Western N.C.
OK, from what I'm hearing, Type F seems to be the way to go.
Are any of you partial to a particular brand?
Is there any benefit to using a synthetic (Royal Purple, Amsoil, etc.) over a petroleum based fluid?
Are any of you partial to a particular brand?
Is there any benefit to using a synthetic (Royal Purple, Amsoil, etc.) over a petroleum based fluid?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
All except Ford using Dexron-II because they did.
See the explanation in post 9.
The Name Mercon was introduced in the 80s.
Mercon and Dexron-II is basicly the same fluid.
See the explanation in post 9.
The Name Mercon was introduced in the 80s.
Mercon and Dexron-II is basicly the same fluid.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 74
From: Hartford, AL
When I saw this post...I thought it was the same one I had discussions in a while back...for what it's worth, here are a bunch more opinions from basically the same question a month or so ago. My vote was Type F "think with your dipstick".
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ion-fluid.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ion-fluid.html
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
I've seen them both ways. The difference is the clutch material. In the older transmissions that require Type F used asbestos clutches, while the newer ones use a paper base clutch. I would imagine that the rebuilders would have upgraded to the newer style clutches. If the shop that did the trans is still around, you could ask what they would have done.
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mig25
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Jan 12, 2023 12:46 PM
89, camper, d8dz19c547a, equivalent, esp, espm2c83c, f250, fluid, ford, m2c138, number, part, special, trans, transmission
