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Transmission Oil Recommendation
We're getting ready to service our transmission, which is a bit early but then that's just me.  Is the recommended transmission oil the brand from Ford (Motorcraft)?  We'd sure like to put the very best oil in the transmission since it works so hard.  And thanks in advance for any guidance.
Re: Transmission Oil Recommendation
Reply #1 –
"Is the recommended transmission oil the brand from Ford (Motorcraft)?"
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Ed,  JMHO, but unless I have a very good, technical evidence-verified reason to make alternate fluid or parts choices, I follow the Ford manual's recommendations. No regrets from using OEM products in 13 years and 98k miles.

Joan

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Transmission Oil Recommendation
Reply #2 –
We have 53,000 miles on ours and have had the transmission serviced by Ford dealers twice. The last time we had it done the receipt notes they used Mercon V Ford fluid. They also used an ATF Cleaner/Supplement.

Jim
Re: Transmission Oil Recommendation
Reply #3 –
Well that information is just what the Doctor ordered ... perfect as in terrific.  And thank you for taking your time to help us.
Re: Transmission Oil Recommendation
Reply #4 –
Any question like this should be answered in the Ford Owner's Manual.
Consider it to be your LD's bible, Ford's engineers know much more about your E450 than any of us.

I consider complete automatic transmission flushes (around 22 quarts) to be superior to just draining the pan and replacing the 7 or 8 quarts.
I prefer the type of flush that use the transmission's own pump to expel the old fluid, compared to a "Power flush".
The standard Mercon V is perfectly adequate for a long service life.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Transmission Oil Recommendation
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
I consider complete automatic transmission flushes (around 22 quarts) to be superior to just draining the pan and replacing the 7 or 8 quarts.
I prefer the type of flush that use the transmission's own pump to expel the old fluid, compared to a "Power flush".
The standard Mercon V is perfectly adequate for a long service life.

Larry

Larry, do the Ford dealers normally perform the type of flush you recommend? If not, where would you get it done?

Jim
Re: Transmission Oil Recommendation
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
Any question like this should be answered in the Ford Owner's Manual.
Consider it to be your LD's bible, Ford's engineers know much more about your E450 than any of us.

I consider complete automatic transmission flushes (around 22 quarts) to be superior to just draining the pan and replacing the 7 or 8 quarts.   I prefer the type of flush that use the transmission's own pump to expel the old fluid, compared to a "Power flush".   The standard Mercon V is perfectly adequate for a long service life.

Larry

Well now, that is certainly food for thought ... a complete automatic transmission flush!  Honestly, that was not on my radar.  I suppose I should thank you for this suggestion!   Yikes ... 22 quarts.  Like I said, food for thought.  Back to the drawing board.
Re: Transmission Oil Recommendation
Reply #7 –
I had my transmission serviced a little over a year ago with Mobile One full synthectic fluid.  16 quarts at $13.25 each was about half the total job cost and I imagine it may have been about $150 less expensive with standard fluid.  I have not done any research but I was told the synthetic ATF handles high temperatures a bit better.  Hard to know if it will really make any difference for my use or if I should extend service interval, maybe just a bit of insurance at less cost than major repair.
Jay Carlson
2003  LD RB
2005 Bigfoot 40MH35LX
rvingjaygwynne.wordpress.com
 
Re: Transmission Oil Recommendation
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Jim & Gayle  - 
do the Ford dealers normally perform the type of flush you recommend? If not, where would you get it done?
I don't know if Ford will do a compete flush it but  a transmission shop would be a good place to start looking.
Some shops have machines that use solvents to flush, others use filters and recycle the old ATF, sometime wth new additives.

My method uses the transmission's oil pump to expel the dirty oil, through a removed oil cooler line. Only new ATF is used to flush and fill the transmission. I would want a shop to only use new oil, not a solvent flush or recycle flush.
More info here.
Yahoo! Groups
4R100 Automatic Transmission flush-pics and video - Ford Truck Enthusiasts...

When the transmission's oil pan is drained and/or removed about 7 quarts will drain out. This is less than half of the transmission's 18 quart capacity.  The other 11 quarts of dirty oil remain inside the transmission's torque converter, various valves, passages and pistons. Flushing removes the majority of the dirty oil.  It takes several extra quarts to fully flush the dirty oil. The change in the ATF's color, from dirty to clean, is very evident, when watching while the old oil is pumped out.

Oil is cheap, transmissions are expensive, I want to keep the fluid as clean as possible and willing to spend the few extra dollars for a complete oil change.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze