Is this transmission fluid OK?

[JamesE]

I recently bought a 1989 Martinique with a 351 and 1.23:1 transmission. My first Correct Craft.:grin: Once I get it all cleaned up I will post pictures. Well I plan to change the transmission fluid tomorrow. The auto store I went to to pick up the transmission fluid didn't have much of a selection so what I ended up buying was Valvoline Dex/Merc Maxlife ATF. Here is more info on what I bought: http://www.valvoline.com/pages/produ....asp?product=6. I know the ATF I use is supposed to be conventional and Dexron. I also remember someone on here recommending Valvoline. So is this ATF safe to use in the transmission? I am just a little worried because it is a fluid designed for high mileage vehicles and I want to make sure that the additives won't do any damage. I'd rather be safe than sorry so if need be I can get different fluid. Thanks for everyone's help. -James

[AirTool]

RE: Is this transmission fluid OK?

I bought fluid the other day and passed on the high mileage stuff. "generally" ...the high mileage stuff has additives to swell up elastomers and maybe less detergent to prevent overcleaning of varnish when shocked with new fluid.

My opinion.

[DanielC]

RE: Is this transmission fluid OK?

I actually called PCM last week, and asked about using Dexron/Mercon instead og Dexron3. I have not heard back yet. I believe that the newer fluids are backwards compatible, but I wanted to hear fron PCM.

[AirTool]

RE: Is this transmission fluid OK?

I think they will tell you Dexron/Mercon is okay because that is basically Dexron 3 IIRC. I think the better question is ....what about the ones labeled Dex3 for high mileage vehicles? I think they will say just chose the regular Dex3/Mercon.

AirTool

[JamesE]

RE: Is this transmission fluid OK?

Thanks for the opinions. I doubted my decision on that transmission fluid as soon as I walked out of the store. Well I think today I will try to go to a different store and try to get regular stuff.

[JamesE]

RE: Is this transmission fluid OK?

I just got back from the auto store and I picked up some Castrol Domestic Multi vehicle ATF. It says that it is safe to use where Dexron III and Mercon are called for. This is what I bought: http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7027043 Is this fluid OK to use? I know that Dexron is recommended for the transmission, so is this multi vehicle formula OK? The only fluid I saw that was just Dexron was cheap Coastal stuff and I didn't want to buy that. Also these fluids are backwards compatible right? So it is OK to use Dexron III where Dexron II is recommended? Sorry about all the questions, it's just that this is the first inboard I have ever owned. Thanks.

[mf01]

RE: Is this transmission fluid OK?

I used that same Castrol ATF when I replaced my transmission fluid last year. I've ran about 60-70 hours on it with no problems. Oh yeah, I have the 1.23 PCM also.

[JamesE]

RE: Is this transmission fluid OK?

Ok, good to know. Thanks for the help.

[AirTool]

Re: RE: Is this transmission fluid OK?

I just got back from the auto store and I picked up some Castrol Domestic Multi vehicle ATF. It says that it is safe to use where Dexron III and Mercon are called for. This is what I bought: http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7027043 Is this fluid OK to use? I know that Dexron is recommended for the transmission, so is this multi vehicle formula OK? The only fluid I saw that was just Dexron was cheap Coastal stuff and I didn't want to buy that. Also these fluids are backwards compatible right? So it is OK to use Dexron III where Dexron II is recommended? Sorry about all the questions, it's just that this is the first inboard I have ever owned. Thanks.

First let me tell you I don't know what your transmission requires.

If you know you need Dex 2, it is okay and may be even better to use Dex 3. I would stop there because I believe later Dex "x" are also backward compatible but are synthetic based...probably should avoid. Dex 2 is no longer available.

Don't worry about the reference to Mercon. I don't know exactly when ...circa 1986? but Ford switched from the old non-compatible "Type F" to the Dexron type but for some reason (license?) called it Mercon. When they came out, GM upgraded to Dex 3. Dex 3 and Mercon were in different bottles. (hmmm? royalty?) Now, they are both out of date and in the same bottle. And, of course, limited brands available. I shopped the other day for the Mobil brand as suggested in the manual and I know Mobil products always tested tops at Southwest Research Institute (info leaked from an insider). Mobil products that are not branded like Mobil 1 have virtually disappeared because of the new owners (Exxon). I have found other Mobil products at big Mobil branded stations / truck stops / service centers. So far, I've found only one location that has the Mobil 15w40 dino oil in a quart. I buy the 4 gal jug at Walmart and quarts from the Mobil

I too ended up with the Valvoline but haven't used it yet and still looking for Mobil. Also, don't worry about the "cheap Coastal stuff". It is a good product. I put it in a 4L60E at 80K miles and it is about to turn 140K. Fluid still looks brand new.

AirTool

[JamesE]

RE: Re: RE: Is this transmission fluid OK?

My transmission requires regular Dexron so it looks like I'm OK with what I bought. I also saw the Dexron IV but noticed that it was a semi-synthetic like you said so I passed on that. Thanks for everyones help.