I'm in a position where I am going to replace all the Cougars fluids. I really don't pay much attention to what's new out there. I need to replace the oil, differential gear oil, and transmission oil. Those of you who race, have you tried something and found it to be better than what you were using before, I would like to hear about it (plain and simple). Thanks!
For the rear, use anything synthetic, and if you have a Trac-Loc, make sure you have friction modifier (you'll need 4 ounces) if the gear lube doesn't have it in already..
Oh yeah, 2 qts of gear lube, give or take a few drops..
ThunderbirdSport302,
I read somewhere that changing the transmission fluid in an old transmission is not a good idea. I am in the process of removing my oil pan, and putting on a new transmission filter so I don't think I have much choice. I also want to hook up a transmission cooler, being I live in Arizona. Is it better to just add fluid, or flush the system. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks!
Anybody?
In my experience, just changing the fluid and filter is a good thing. Flushing the trans can lead to odd shift patterns afterward.
As for the other fluids, synthetic or syn blends are the way to go. The only thing you may need to look out for is leaks at the seals. That includes the oil pan, rear main seal, valve cover gaskets, etc. Otherwise you'll be fine.
Are you running any type of coolant booster now? (Water Wetter, etc.)
75-140 DIFF SYNTHETIC
Tranny Ford type F
And yes it has been know that changing tranny fluid causes issues. The AAMCO guy down the block always preaches this to us. He claims the added detergents release junk built up in the tranny and wipes it out. I would use a stand alone tranny cooler Fan cooled and not the cooler in the radiator. Thanks
This works great and cheap!!! This is the unit we use in all our auto builds. My TYPHOON HAS ONE
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/tfalconier/c51b195c.jpg)
do NOT put type F in ANY AOD!
EricCoolCats,
I also heard or read that flushing the transmission can effect shift patterns. I am in the process of taking the oil pan off so I can change the gasket and inspect the pan. I am also taking the transmission pan off for the same reasons, to be able to remove the oil pan and to change fluid, filter, and gasket. The valve cover gaskets are new and I sure hope my rear main seal is alright. No, I am not using any coolant booster now, but I did just put in a new 2 row aluminum radiator in my car. I went from the original instrument lights to an inexpensive set of gauges a while back so I would at least have an idea whats going on under my hood. recently, I just bought a set of VDO gauges that may not be the top of the line, but are obviously much better. I will be installing them soon. I also just installed a new 180 degree thermostat, I believe that is OE for my car. I figure I should stay with Dexron II to be safe. Thanks, for taking the time to help me out.
Looks like I got more information while I was typing (I am pretty slow). I have a stand alone transmission cooler, but I didn't know they made fans for them. I was wondering what the best set up for it would be. I don't really want to block my radiator if possible, my A/C cooler is already doing a good job of that.
Tom,
Can you elaborate on that cooler a little more? Like where to buy one because that is a thing of beauty! I know a couple of my buddies running worked over AOD, C4's, and Power Glides that would most likely be interested.
Darren
That is a nice piece that Tom has, you can also check out this website (http://www.derale.com) starting around page 21. I used a couple of thier engine cooling fans and relay controllers on a friends mustang they work great. You can find them on the Summit and Jegs website.
JR got it from B&M and i like it because i put it under the car or truck. I hate a cluttered under hood situation. The type F Fluid was recommended to me by my tranny builder. As i have stated before i am no expert on AUTOS. I am a 6 speeder guy!! But B&M TRICK SHIFT is a type F fluid with more friction modifiers. If this is in fact and you cant use type F i an screwed. Because we use it in every High Performance auto we setup. Can you elaborate on why type F is a NO NO. My tranny builder says it is OK. Thank You
which way does that trans fan cooler blow? do you reverse the leads for opposite flow?
mounted in front of rad or behind?
nice cooler indeed.
Don't wish to argue with your tranny builder. He would know better than I. Mercon II and Mercon III were designed for AODs. With Mercon III being the better fluid. They were both designed as upgrades over Type F and are fully compatible, as is Mercon IV and Mercon V. Other fluids that have letter designations are designed for trannys with different tolerances such as Mercon SP. It is my guess that B&M Trick Shift is close to Mercon III because of the friction modifiers. An MN12 would benefit from Mercon V to stop TCC chatter. There is a service bulliton on that.
The dangers of changing the fluids in an old transmission is the filling procedure. Adding fluid, running it through the gears, and checking fluid level and repeating until full causes a low fluid condition. This can cause slippage. Fluid replacement on an old tranny can either save it or kill it. Damage can be limited if you fill it while the car is on jack stands or on a lift, but of course this can cause added danger to you. One would be crazy to do this on a jack.
After my wide ratio/4R70W mod, I've been running Mercon V. Our AT guy agrees, and adds that unless you have kevlar clutches (which you shouldn't unless you've got an electronic throttle) the best fluid in the world (for your Ford) is Motorcraft MerconV. He swears to this, and when you ask about hi-po fluids, he asks what you're running for line pressure. I trust his judgement.
I definitely agree on the 75w140. There's no reason to run 80w90, none, especially if you have limited slip.
@Tom, I like that cooler. I always wanted to get a TC hood and hide one of those in the intercooler port with a 140F thermoswitch. I want to get that heat out of my radiator, it's bad enough I'm running that Explorer oil cooler off the cooling system.
From what I am understanding, I should add my transmission fluid until I get a full reading. It should be checked while it is running. I have an automatic transmission, so is it safe to then drive it around the block and check it again? After going threw the gears, the level should drop and I fill it up again. As far as the gear oil, I got Synthetic 75w-90w, being I live in Arizona and will not see very cold temperatures. Like I said, I already bought a new cooler for my transmission, I just need to figure out where to mount it. Do any of you ever flush out your differential (diesel fuel,ect.)? After 26 years of the same old sludge, I'm sure it won't be pretty. Thanks!
For the rear, I remove the rear cover and spray it out with a lot of brake cleaner. Let it fully dry.
No. Add transmission fluid until it reads full with it running. Put foot on brake firmly and change gears. Go to Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and so on. Let it stay in each gear for a good 5 seconds. Do this twice. Then check fluid again and add until it says full. Repeat until you no longer have to add fluid. Then you can drive it. After a short test drive, check again to make sure it still reads full. You should then be done.
Makes good sense. Thanks!
I put toothpaste in mine:D
The cooler is one of the best we have used. We use it as a stand alone and the fan is temp controlled.
I have used atf, type f, dercon/mercron anything and have had no issue with any of them.a I can't tell any differance between them.
Use a 192 degree thermostat on an efi engin. Ptherwise you will remain in closed loop and the car will run rich trying to get the engine up to 192 degree's or higher.
Once again i am not an AUTO TRANNY GUY!!! But we do build Auto tranny cars in the shop. We relie on our local builder for advice and type of fluid to use. I called Jim at Performance Trannys and he explained to me that the AOD is not an electronic TRANNY. The AODE is an electronic tranny. So he recommends Trick Shift for this transmission. Now Trick Shift is basically TYPE F with 10% more friction modifiers. Once again i am only going by my builder. I am a 6 Speeder GUY!!!
Here is what B&M SAYS!!!
Trick Shift was originally developed by B&M for racing applications. It’s become so successful that it’s the most popular high performance fluid on the street also! Not an additive, this is the best performance ATF available! A scientific blend of foam inhibitors, pressure agents and shift modifiers that will provide extended transmission life and drastically improved shift feel. Trick Shift is the easiest way to measurably improve the transmission performance of your vehicle. Trick Shift works with all automatic transmissions* when a firmer shift is desired. ‘Pour in Performance’ is not just a catchy phrase - it’s reality! It can be mixed with stock-type transmission fluids, however to attain maximum improvement you should use Trick Shift exclusively. Ideal for towing, light trucks and RV applications as well as racing. Not recommended for electronic controlled transmissions.