Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - unconfusing Mercoron SP myths

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If you can find SP, use it. Otherwise LV is perfectly fine.

The bigger confusion is why Ford won't spec Mercon V for transfer cases and instead offers the re-branded Mercon/Dexron III as Transfer Case Fluid.

Josh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kdr358 (Post 14271621)

They are not bringing back SP there was a TSB about it a little while back. Just flush out all the SP and replace with LV.

Ford's LL coolant is closer to an OAT ELC than dexcool. Its the same color red and smell as the Rotella HD ELC that I ran in my 7.3.

I think the TSB about replacing SP with LV was revised a short time ago, and that's why SP is still around. Anyone know for sure?

Dexcool is an OAT ELC:

Valvoline.com > Products > Antifreeze Radiator Products > Antifreeze > Zerex DEX-COOL

I use Rotella HD ELC in a fleet of Freightliners and I do not think it is an OAT ELC. However, Rotella Ultra ELC is an OAT ELC. Rotella ELC is a red color when mixed properly, both Dexcool and Ford LLC seem to be more of an orange to me.

It would seem that Ford's orange LLC is pretty much Dexcool, but the 'Dexcool' name only means the antifreeze in question meets GM specifications:

Ford goes orange | Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide

Interesting read.

the pic i posted was dated 6/2013. i do not know if it has been updated since then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kdr358 (Post 14271666)

I was confused about that also, I asked the tech at ford when I had my 07 E350 5.4 transmission fluid replaced. The dipstick says "Mercron SP", the tech told me that they are switching to LV as a suitable replacement. If it is LV I haven't noticed a difference.

The ford dealer I use does not regularly stock SP anymore but they always have to order anything above 12qts.

assuming yours has the 5r110, then LV would be correct.

LV and SP must be very close in specs, but it does make me wonder what it is about the 6r60/75 that keeps them from making LV the recommended fluid for those transmissions.

Sounds like the surplus 11 quarts of SP I have on my shop shelf might be a good thing to sell right now since I no longer have a truck that require that 'stuff'.

This is straight from the Ford ATF part of their web site under SP

"Not for use in applications where MERCON® V, MERCON® LV, Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid, Motorcraft® Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid, FNR5 Automatic Transmission Fluid or Type F Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended"

.....and from the LV portion:

"Not for use in applications where MERCON® V, MERCON® SP, Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid, Motorcraft® Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid, FNR5 Automatic Transmission Fluid or Type F Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended"

No way would I tempt fate and use something other then what's recommended/required as 3-5000 dollar transmission repairs are NOT in my truck budget. Even the well modified C4 behind the 5.0 in my '31 Ford gets the recommended Type F or FA(usually) regardless of others using something else.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irelands child (Post 14273098)

You either do not listen or comprehend what Ford is telling you:

https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubrican...ission%20Fluid

#2
04-30-2010 11:33 PM by redford
You can use Mercon SP or now Mercon LV (which is synthetic) per Ford Special Service Message 21114, which reads:

MESSAGE TITLE: REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION FLUID FOR SERVICING TORQSHIFT TRANSMISSIONS

APPLICABLE VEHICLES :
2003 - 2005 TRUCK : 00126 EXCURSION
2003 - 2008 TRUCK : 00028 F-SERIES
2004 - 2008 TRUCK : 00016 E-SERIES
2006 - 2008 TRUCK : 00175 F-SERIES MOTORHOME
2006 - 2008 HEAVY TRUCK : 00168 LOW CAB FORWARD

OASIS MESSAGE :
ALL 2003-2008 F-SUPER DUTY, 2003-2005 EXCURSION, 2004-2008 E-SERIES AND
2006-2008 LCF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TORQSHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD
BE SERVICED WITH MERCON LV AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID IN PLACE OF MERCON SP.
THIS INCLUDES TOP OFF AS WELL AS FLUID REPLACEMENT. MIXING MERCON LV AND MERCON
SP IN THE TORQSHIFT TRANSMISSION IS ACCEPTABLE. USE MERCON LV TRANSMISSION FLUID
TO SERVICE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TORQSHIFT TRANSMISSIONS. WHEN ADDING OR
REPLACING TRANSMISSION FLUID IN A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A TORQSHIFT
TRANSMISSION, USE MERCON LV TRANSMISSION FLUID.

APPLICABLE SYMPTOM CODES :
500000 DRIVELINE
504000 DRIVELINE OTHER AUTO TRANS CONCERNS
510000 DRIVELINE FLUID CONCERNS

Josh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullitt390 (Post 14273169)

Obviously with your arrogant and condescending attitude don't understand what I just posted directly from the consumer's usual place to find Ford fluids information. Very few Ford or other brand owners know that they have other sources. Additionally, TSB's are seldom the final word. I would never mix types of ATF. Ever. If you are capable of cleaning clutches, bands, valve bodies, solenoids, torque converters, etc of contaminating prior use fluid, then you are talking another subject - but that's impossible without a complete overhaul.

I ask you are you willing to take the chance - if so, great. I wont. But then I really don't care if you have transmission problems for the sake of a short search for the correct and specified ATF for your truck's transmission.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irelands child (Post 14273361)

That wasn't a TSB, but a service message to dealers and an update to Ford service literature on how to service the Torqshift transmission with LV.

It IS the last word.

Using Fordparts.com info compiled by college interns is never the LAST word.

Josh

My torqshift 5R110 has LV in it and it's been fine for 50,000 miles, it's due again and will get LV. The dipstick says SP, the techs used LV with no issues.

Calm down guys, we're all on the same team (Blue) here. :)