Anybody use Castrol Mercon V in their PS system or transfer case? It's about half the price of Mobile 1 synth. Opinions?

Thanks.

 

Does it say synthetic ? Or synthetic BLEND? If it says synthetic, use it.

 

Well, that's the thing. I don't see the word "synthetic" or "blend" anywhere on the bottle or on the product data sheet. It does say "exceeds Mercon requirements."

Castrol USA - MERCON V

Guess I'll head over to BITOG.

 

If it doesn't say synthetic it is not synthetic. A lot of people seem to think that all MERCON V is synthetic or synthetic blend. It is not. There is dino MERCON V, too.

 

Then if some Mercon V is dino, is it OK to use dino Castrol that meets Mercon V specs in the PS and transfer units on our trucks? Also, has Ford ever revised the fluid specs for these units since 2004 like they have with the Torqshift SP requirements?

 

Look at your owners manual..... if it doesn't specify synt., use any ole Mercon V.
Me?, I'm using synthetic!

 

Manual just says "MERCON® ATF" for both PS and transfer units. That said, I took your personal preference as a recommendation and spent the extra $15 bucks on Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF.

BTW, the old PS fluid was pretty clean, but the transfer case was almost black at 67k miles. Would have done it sooner if I'da known!

 

I have used the Castrol Mercon V fluid in my P/S with 100% reliability.

I like it since it is a "single spec" fluid and not one of those "multi-spec" fluids that so many other companies are always trying to promote. I think Valvoline is single spec as well... but check the lable first... but I know Castrol is!!!

I would think that it will work just fine in your transfer case as well... just change it sooner.... 67,000 miles is a long time. Fluid is cheap, Castrol "single spec" fluid is just fine... and the transfer case is an easy item to service.

You will be good to go.

I drain and refill my P/S fluid every year and use a Magnafine in-line P/S filter to insure clean fluid and the filter and magnet ensure no harmful particles make it through!!!!

Good luck... enjoy.

 

Thanks, good point about the single spec aspect. I hadn't considered that. Maybe I'll try it next round.

Which hose did you put the Magnefine on?

 

Everything you will want to know.

Go to the link below (jump to post #39 and #40) - my posts.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-to-use-3.html

In post #40 in the link above (my post), there is a link to an older thread on this same topic... which includes photos I took of my P/S install.

Check it out as I think it will answer all your questions and show you what filter to buy and install.

Happy reading.....

The next lesson will be... how to install an in-line filter on your window washer fluid... for those that are really hard up for modding their trucks (ha, ha)!!!!!

 

LOL! Thanks again.

 

I see your from Nashville... will be in Nashville in a week or so on business (great town).

I call on Captain D's Seafood restaurants (based in Nashville) and Cracker Barrel Restaurants (based in Lebenon, TN) - just a few miles to the East for those not familiar with the Nashville area.

 

Check your inbox, jeff.