Merc-O-Matic fluid level question

[WABOOM]

How should I be checking the level in my Merc-o-matic? Engine running in Park? I cannot find anything on the entire internet to indicate proper procedure. Also according to my search no one can agree on which ATF fluid is supposed to go in. Any help is appreciated!

[estout81]

Running in park after going through "R, DR and LO. then P." according to the Ford book. I would use type "F" if I were you.

[Alaska Jim]

If it has not been rebuilt in the last 10-15 years, I also vote for type F . If it has had a recent rebuild, probably Dextron 2 or 3. it depends on when the clutches and seals and gaskets were made, as to which type of fluid to use.

[5851a]

I'm thinking they came with type A up into the mid 60's. I've used type F and has firmed up the shifts. Lot's of info on the web, kind of like what oil is best. I used F on older with no problem but each to his own.

[WABOOM]

Thank you. I also just found the little access panel under the interior carpet. It has a shorty little dipstick on the transmission case. It was very low. It leaks like sieve. Appears to be leaking out of the air scoops of the housing. It is "air cooled".

[cmbrucew]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

When FOMs were common they used Type F, like in Ford. Most others used type A like all the rest. Many years later Dextron two became available and the word was "you can use it in your fordamatic transmission. Maybe, but they still make Type F.
Bruce

[WABOOM]

It took 2 quarts of fluid. I put in Type F. Then I took it on a 10 mile drive and it shifted good. It felt the same as before.

[RalphG]

Always a confusing question with different answers. This page from the 1953 Ford owners manual recommends type A fluid for the Fordomatic. I've been adding Dexron 2 (or is it 3?) to my Merc and its running and shifting fine. I bought enough type F to change over a couple of years ago but have not got around to changing yet. Fluid in the Mercomatic looks clean and good for a long time yet.
http://oldcarmanualproject.com/manua...rs0018_jpg.htm

[rotorwrench]

It is air cooled. It may have just a front seal leak. The torque converter can also leak where it is bolted bolted together but it can be hard to tell sometimes. I would worry more about the front seal than the torque converter.


Ford didn't start using a separate cooler till 1954 or 55. The torque converters have fins on them and that very large bell housing on the earlier models. It has air intake and air exhaust.


Type-F ATF is a very good fluid. It has additives that will keep the valve body functioning as it should and has superior effect with the clutch packs due to the friction modifiers in it. Certain conditioners can be added but you have to be careful what else you put in there. I've known racers that used it in there prepared powerglide transmissions and they weren't easy on them either. They got some good launches down the drag strip. It can't be mixed with modern Dextron/Mercon oils or it will give you problems with the clutch packs. Type-F isn't the whale oil type A but it's about as close as you can get to it.

[Merc Cruzer]

What is the difference between Type-F and Dextron/Mercon?

[Flathead]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

It is air cooled. It may have just a front seal leak. The torque converter can also leak where it is bolted bolted together but it can be hard to tell sometimes. I would worry more about the front seal than the torque converter.


Ford didn't start using a separate cooler till 1954 or 55. The torque converters have fins on them and that very large bell housing on the earlier models. It has air intake and air exhaust.


Type-F ATF is a very good fluid. It has additives that will keep the valve body functioning as it should and has superior effect with the clutch packs due to the friction modifiers in it. Certain conditioners can be added but you have to be careful what else you put in there. I've known racers that used it in there prepared powerglide transmissions and they weren't easy on them either. They got some good launches down the drag strip. It can't be mixed with modern Dextron/Mercon oils or it will give you problems with the clutch packs. Type-F isn't the whale oil type A but it's about as close as you can get to it.

I would use type F. We used to use it in GM trannies for a firm shift, always worked good. Those aluminum Powerglides could be made to handle a lot of power.

[rotorwrench]

The friction modifiers is the difference. The other difference is the clearance on the Borg Warner design shift valves have very close tolerances in the valve body. Type F has conditioners added that keep those valves working smoothly. Most of the Borg Warner design transmissions that I've been associated with over the years have a bit of trouble shifting when the unit is dead cold. The transmission warms up pretty quick so they shift fine as soon as they warm up. This is a lot more noticeable in cooler climates. Here in Texas, it's hardly a problem at all. To me, this is just a normal part of owning an old Ford automatic. The C4 & C6 don't seem to have this quirk but they have different valve bodies in them too.

[cmbrucew]

I would use type F. We used to use it in GM trannies for a firm shift, always worked good. Those aluminum Powerglides could be made to handle a lot of power.



In the 50's PG's were cast iron. Great for dragsters.
Bruce

[Flathead]

I remember those cast iron PG's. Rebuilt a few back when.