1947 Convertible Hydraulic Fluid Used?

[RKS.PA]

I'm rebuilding the top pump in my '47 convertible. The old stuff looks like battery acid and it's in the pump motor armature etc. I'm in the process of cleaning it out and ordering a pump and motor rebuild kit from Mac's.

What type of fluid should I put in after the overhaul?

Thanks very much!


Dick.

[Bruce in southern OH]

Richard, try this site:
http://www.fordsunlimited.com/fords_convertible.html

Lots of additional info, Bruce

Fluid Level
1. Remove the rear seat and raise the top.
2. Place absorbent cloths below the filler plug.
3. Remove the filler plug, and check the fluid level. It should be level with the bottom edge of the hole.
4. If the level is low, check the system for leaks, adding automatic transmission fluid - Type A, Suffix A - as necessary.

[Ford46]

RKS.PA, originally brake fluid was used (you can see what a mess that makes, imagine if some leaked and what it did to the paint!). Some people use ATF fluid in the pumps and cylinders now. I'm sure Hydro-Electric in Florida has information on their web site. LouB.

[paul2748]

Use Type F trans fluid. That is what I use in my 48 Conv. Been using it for 25 + years with no problems.

[RKS.PA]

Thanks guys, Bruce, I printed off the material on fordsunlimited. and Ford46, looks like Hydro-Electric...must be around the corner from Skip Haney....has everything I may need. Good info, Paul, on the Type F ATF. Think my system was brake fluid. Will do a complete flush and go with ATF.

Dick.

[Vic Piano]

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OEM was brake fluid. I replaced it with ATF. ATF does not hold moisture and is much more forgiving if it gets on paint.

[RKS.PA]

Thanks, Vic. Anything I should know about purging the system before adding the ATF? Also, did you use Type F per Paul 2748? Guessing the Type has to do the lines and seals?

Dick.

[Mike51Merc]

It looks like battery acid? The last time I looked, battery acid looks like water.

Type A trans fluid was used for years, but that was whale oil based and not around anymore. I substituted some Dex/Merc a few years ago which works fine for me.

[Vic Piano]

I used ATF I had on the shelf, don't remember if it was Type F. I've had it in my '47 Convertible for almost 10 years with no leaks.

[RKS.PA]

Mike, I should have said the stuff inside my pump and motor looked like battery corrosion around the terminals.....nasty looking and it shorted out the pump motor armature. Guess that's what happens to 68 year old "brake fluid" when it oxidizes!!

Thanks for the reply.....Dick.

[flatheadmurre]

Today the new silicon brakefluid could be an option to.

[rotorwrench]

Brake fluid has to meet some very extreme specifications but a hydraulic top lift mechanism doesn't. Type A trans fluid was replaced by type F some years ago and some suppliers refer to it as type F/A so that you can tell it meets both specs. Type F is close to MIL-H-5606 which is a straight mineral hydraulic oil that is still used in older aircraft systems but it has a few more additives. Both are red in color too. These hydraulic fluids won't strip your paint like brake fluid will.

[flatheadmurre]

Just about any ATF will do as hydraulic fluid.
The differences in types has more to do with temprange and frictionmaterial wont make any difference in this case.
And if the seals cant handle the oil its gonna go bad with any type.

[V12Bill]

Bought some top hydraulic rams from Hydro Electric several years ago and they said NOT to use Silicon brake fluid or the guarantee was void. Use only ATF. Since type a or F is no longer available, use what they sell for
ATF. Have used ATF in'64 Lincoln Conv and 48 Zephyr convertible for many years with no negative results.

[Bruce in southern OH]

Sounds great Dick, Fordbarn to the rescue as always, like your Avatar!!!!!