ATF Quandry

TXSailor · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2010, 03:03 PM

What to Do? What to Do?

I have an '02 PSD EXcursion w/ the (usual) 4R100 Tranny. I bought the vehicle w/ 132,000 miles on it. The dealer could not tell me if the Trans fluid had been changed or not. He changed the oil but that's all. It does not smell burnt , is not 'cloudy', and appears to be fine and I only have 138,000+ on it now - but..........

I have a new 31 row 6.0 cooler to install so I want to change the Trans fluid since i have to open the system & I don't know the real mileage on the ATF. I do tow (see sig) but not alot. Here's the problem.

Do I use MERCON or MERCON V? (don't see the need for synthetic)

I'll flush the entire system with new fluid so regardless of what is in there today, the new fluid will only mix with a very small amount of residual fluid if at all. I've decided not to drop the pan and change the pan filter as I don't want to risk gasket problems.

Any suggestions before I blow $100 on 6 gal of ATF??????? Thanks, Dw

FordNutz · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2010, 03:13 PM

Mercon V is fine. I don't know about where your at, but right now locally, Autozone has a two for one on Castrol Merc V.

TXSailor · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2010, 03:27 PM

I'm in Houston. That would be a great deal (although Castrol is a BP company and they're not very popular right now on the Gulf Coast) on ATF.

I actually did some work for Castrol at their Headquarters back east. They have a truely awsome custon Harley setting in the front widow and they produce excellent products.

Thanks for the tip.

**SuperCrutyPS** · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2010, 03:42 PM

I did a search on Mercon v Mercon V. Many say only use Mercon. Others say you can't get Mercon anymore so use Mercon V.

Maybe call the dealer???

I do know one thing - You're gonna love that cooler!! I put one in my F350. Temp drop has been great! I tow the 12k# 5th wheel in my sig.

TXSailor · #5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2010, 05:02 PM

Thanks.

You can find Mercon (even Wally World has it) from several major "oil" companies like Penzoil, etc. and it is a quite a bit cheaper than Mercon V. Ford does not sell it anymore and reccomends the Mercon V for all thier transmssions.

Autozone does have a good sale on Castrol Mercon V now (buy 2 get one free) so I just ran down to the closest store and bought them out. They have another shipment in tomorrow by noon that will give me just about enough for the change/flush at just over $3.33 a quart. That's as cheap as I can find Mercon in gallon jugs.

Maybe BP (who owns Castrol) is trying to generate cash flow.......who knows.

Looking forward to the cooler geting installed.

Dw

**Jake** · #6 (**permalink**) 07-20-2010, 05:09 PM

DO NOT get mercon V. They claim its ok to use, but thats after they said in the manual NOT to use it. They claim reformulation to work with older transmissions, BS. Reman transmissions are a good money maker, just sayin.

Also, change the filter. If you aren't a total moron, you will not have gasket problems. The gasket is also reusable. If one comes with your filter, don't use that one, use the original gasket.

Justin.Hutch · #7 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010, 04:32 PM

Mercon??? Mercon V??? I say just get amsoil and be done with it. It is approved for both and is good for (they claim) 100k miles.

TXSailor · #8 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010, 06:49 PM

Well I completed the "non-power" flush w/ clean fluid and replaced the Pan Filter today. Ran 22 qts of Mercon V thru it and it's coming out a nice red color now. Was a bit "dirty" before. Only issue was getting the 1/2" tubing to seal over the 3/8 return line so it did make more mess than I would have liked.

Also those four pan bolts on the very rear are difficult to get to wiht the rear Transition mount in the way especially when it's 90+ outside and 98% humidity.

Was suprised at the amount of "metal" captured by the internal magnet.

Will get the new 31 row cooler installed tomorrow.

Thakns for all the inputs. D