guy my 03 x AT just about to hit 100,000miles so I am thinking of doing a tune up with new plugs, new hoses, and new fluids. Have some questions and hope someone can post up some answers before the weekend.

1) What is the correct gap size for the spark plugs?
2) In the owners book it said to use only MERCON not MERCON V. I am thinking using Pennzoil ATF that is spec for MERCON and DEXRON-III think that will do?
3) What is the pan/gasket torqued spec the bolts on the AT pan?

thanks in advance

 

From your other posts I think you have a V10 - so I'll answer with that in mind. The spark plug info may be on a label under your hood. My 03 says .052 - .056 as the range. For the Pennzoil ATF - I actually use that in my shop and it is a valid substitute for Mercon - but for added protection you may want to use the synthetic Mercon V. For the transmission flush - here's the link to the article showing the procedure (can't find the torque settings and order for the pan)

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...nsmission.html

 

I used the above procedure when I flushed mine and also used the M1 full synthetic Mercon V ATF which replaces Mercon. I think the torque spec for the transmission pan is 11ftlbs.

 

Thanks guys for the quick answers. some added info. It is a V10, and the truck never towed anything in its life time.

why the hack does ford put in their owners manual do not use MERCON V use only MERCON. Unless ford wants to confuse the weekend DIY guy.
I believe MERCON V is a semi or full syn base oil which is why it is better. But since I am only replacing what is in the pan, should I mix the new MERCON V with what is left in the transmission? I don't feel like doing the full flush, since the truck only sees about 3000miles per year. I will just drain and replace 6-7 qt next year and etc.

 

You can mix - there was just a thread on that as well. With a 100k on the truck you may want to consider a full flush for now and then the pan drain at regular intervals afterwards which is what I plan to do. It looks like the previous owners of mine did a flush fairly recently as the fluid is bright red and smells fantastic (for oil that is....) . Wont hurt to spend the extra money now and then you know it's good. The reason for the confusion in your owners manual is Mercon V was introduced in the late 90's (97 I think) but was only used on the 5spd and a few other trannys - everything else used Mercon.

 

Actually MERCON was the spec in 03. Ford changed the spec in 06. See TSB below.

06-14-4 MERCON ATF IS BEING REPLACED BY MERCON V ATF AS A SERVICE FLUID.
Publication Date: June 29, 2006


1981-2004 E-Series, F-Super Duty

2000-2005 Excursion


ISSUE:

MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid is being replaced by MERCON® V as a service fluid.

ACTION:

Beginning immediately all automatic transmission / transaxle applications requiring MERCON® can now be serviced using MERCON® V or MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid or dual usage fluids labeled MERCON® / MERCON® V. After July 1, 2007, MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid will no longer be manufactured, therefore, availability of this fluid will only continue for however long it takes to deplete what remains in inventory.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Service automatic transmissions requiring MERCON® with MERCON® V or MERCON® Automatic Transmission Fluid or dual usage fluids labeled MERCON® / MERCON® V.

For proper fluid application on current and past model vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions /transaxles refer to the fluid usage chart. (Figure 1)

CAUTION: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS / TRANSAXLES THAT REQUIRE MERCON® V SHOULD STILL ONLY USE MERCON® V OR DUAL USAGE FLUID LABELED MERCON® / MERCON® V.

CAUTION: MERCON® SP, MOTORCRAFT PREMIUM AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID AND MOTORCRAFT M5 ATFS ARE UNIQUE FLUIDS AND MUST BE USED IN APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDING THAT PARTICULAR FLUID. USE OF ANY OTHER FLUID MAY CAUSE REDUCED FUNCTIONALITY OR TRANSMISSION DAMAGE.

CAUTION: THE FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FLUIDS FOR CVT TRANSMISSIONS ARE VERY DIFFERENT THAN THOSE OF OTHER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS (ATFS). USE OF A FLUID OTHER THAN MOTORCRAFT CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE CHAIN TYPE TRANSMISSION FLUID OR ONE LABELED AS MEETING MERCON® C WILL CAUSE FUNCTIONALITY CONCERNS AND INTERNAL TRANSMISSION DAMAGE.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID SUPPLEMENTS, ADDITIVES, TREATMENTS OR CLEANING AGENTS.

 

Did the tune up today. Took about 6 hours.
All the old plugs were out of spec at 0.065" range and more.
new belt, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant.
new upper and lower coolant hoses. Note it is much easier to do the lower coolant hose with the oil filter off. of course I learned this the hard way after I already installed a new oil filter with new oil.

bad thing is I noticed that all my exhaust manifold bolts and nuts are rusted. One of the bolt on the driver side looks like it is broken off. damn it that is going to be a PIA job replace all new bolts and nuts.

 

What's a spark plug???

 

Uh Oh,,,, Here we go again.............

 

I know...I know ! A 'spark plug" is that "thingy" that makes your EX idle SO quiet there is no point in leaving it running when you go into a mini-market, because it makes your vehicle so quiet it wont annoy anyone....