The Ford Barn

gpartida · 11-19-2015, 09:48 PM

I changed the trans fluid on my fordomatic and now it's hard to shift from park to reverse and makes a loud clunk noise from the trans when it does. I used type f fluid and don't know what it had in it. This trans was rebuilt maybe 4 years ago. I called the trans shop last month because i was planning to do the drop and fill and they had told me to use type f or dex 3. Had never done this clunk noise before.

i test drove it and it now shifts from 1st to 2nd firmer and faster so im guessing i didnt put the same stuff that was in there. Any suggestions ??

wex65 · 11-20-2015, 07:44 AM

Use "Type F or Dex 111" is pretty odd advice considering how different they are...

Type F has no friction modifiers and will give firmer shifts but shouldn't do any damage. Ford recommendation is Dexron III which is what I use.

Motorhead6 · 11-20-2015, 08:41 AM

I totally recommend a friction modifier. Good info from WEX65 that I was not aware of. Try Lube Gard black bottle in the black and silver box at your local parts store.

wbedwards · 11-20-2015, 09:29 AM

I would check the linkage adjustment with any shifting problems. You would be surprised how the throttle-shift linkage can affect shifting.

Daves55Sedan · 11-20-2015, 08:17 PM

Do NOT use type F fluid in Ford-O-Matics. That is the wrong fluid to use.
These were originally specified to be filled with type A fluid (no longer in existence). Type A fluid was replaced by Dexron/Mercon Fluid available everywhere.
When filling, check dipstick while engine is running at idle speed in NEUTRAL. DO NOT OVERFILL. It is plenty safe to have the fluid level within the markings shown on the dipstick. So, if it isn't filled to the top line, that does not mean you need to add more fluid. Just keep it above the bottom line.

parklane · 11-20-2015, 11:38 PM

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You should also drain the converter if it has a plug.

Alaska Jim · 11-21-2015, 01:42 AM

Also, make sure that the trans. is at operating temp, and on level ground when adding fluid, to make sure that you do not over fill. overfilling is almost as bad as not enough, as the fluid tends to aireate ( sp ?) and does not provide the sufficient lubrication to the clutches and bands.

flatheadmurre · 11-21-2015, 04:50 AM

If it was rebuilt with modern clutch material and setup for dex 3 swapping to F would give you higher pressures and the firmer shifts you feel.
The company that built it should have a record of what they did ??
Or if there is a receipt look for what oil they charged you for ?

wex65 · 11-21-2015, 07:58 AM

One quick addition to my post above. You CAN still buy Type A, surprisingly. I suspect/hope it is reformulated to not use whale oil. Check Amazon and search for Type A ATF

jfreddie · 12-26-2015, 08:49 PM

I've seen Type A fluid at Walmart.

jailbar Joe · 12-27-2015, 07:55 PM

now I am confused...I just had my tranny rebuilt and the builder specifically told me to use Castrol type F and nothing else...otherwise it would be back to him in no time....

I might add this guy has been a tranny builder all his life and is semi retired and now only works on the older type stuff....he is very well regarded and I know of quite a few
y block/fordamatic combo's that he maintains ???

Daves55Sedan · 12-28-2015, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfreddie

I've seen Type A fluid at Walmart.

I did see some type A fluid for sale a couple years ago, I think it was at a farm supply store and I about fell over. It was not a name brand, so I was skeptical and did not buy any.
I am sticking with Dexron III as it has never failed me. And I punish both of my Fordomatics day in and out.

Daves55Sedan · 12-28-2015, 12:33 AM

BTW, I replaced all the original brass clutch plates in both my Ford-O-Matics with the cheapie asbestos composition clutches that come with the rebuild kits you get nowadays. I would think that would be even more reason to use type A (if you could find it) or Dexron as opposed to type F.

Daves55Sedan · 12-28-2015, 12:37 AM

If the clevis on the passing gear link was accidentally turned somehow during the transmission removal or re-installation process, it needs to be re-adjusted in accordance with the Ford-o-Matic shop manual. However, improper adjustment should not cause hard shifting or clunking, but it will throw off when the transmission shifts relative to RPM's.

Motorhead6 · 12-28-2015, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jailbar Joe

now I am confused...I just had my tranny rebuilt and the builder specifically told me to use Castrol type F and nothing else...otherwise it would be back to him in no time....

I might add this guy has been a tranny builder all his life and is semi retired and now only works on the older type stuff....he is very well regarded and I know of quite a few
y block/fordamatic combo's that he maintains ???

The wrong fluid should not cause a clunk. Type F is available at parts stores but you may have to ask them to bring it in. I believe differing types of fluid has to do with rubber components compatibility and friction characteristics but I have never seen drastic changes in operation that you describe.

My interest is piqued; please let us know what fixes the problem when you figure it out. BTW, have you tried the TransLube?

11-19-2015, 09:48 PM	#1
gpartida Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1	"2 speed" fordomatic clunk I changed the trans fluid on my fordomatic and now it's hard to shift from park to reverse and makes a loud clunk noise from the trans when it does. I used type f fluid and don't know what it had in it. This trans was rebuilt maybe 4 years ago. I called the trans shop last month because i was planning to do the drop and fill and they had told me to use type f or dex 3. Had never done this clunk noise before. i test drove it and it now shifts from 1st to 2nd firmer and faster so im guessing i didnt put the same stuff that was in there. Any suggestions ?? Last edited by gpartida; 11-19-2015 at 09:58 PM.

11-20-2015, 07:44 AM	#2
wex65 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Shepherdstown, WV Posts: 133	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk Use "Type F or Dex 111" is pretty odd advice considering how different they are... Type F has no friction modifiers and will give firmer shifts but shouldn't do any damage. Ford recommendation is Dexron III which is what I use.

11-20-2015, 08:41 AM	#3
Motorhead6 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Orange Park, Fl Posts: 406	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk I totally recommend a friction modifier. Good info from WEX65 that I was not aware of. Try Lube Gard black bottle in the black and silver box at your local parts store.

11-20-2015, 09:29 AM	#4
wbedwards Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Birmingham, Al. Posts: 339	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk I would check the linkage adjustment with any shifting problems. You would be surprised how the throttle-shift linkage can affect shifting.

11-20-2015, 08:17 PM	#5
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk Do NOT use type F fluid in Ford-O-Matics. That is the wrong fluid to use. These were originally specified to be filled with type A fluid (no longer in existence). Type A fluid was replaced by Dexron/Mercon Fluid available everywhere. When filling, check dipstick while engine is running at idle speed in NEUTRAL. DO NOT OVERFILL. It is plenty safe to have the fluid level within the markings shown on the dipstick. So, if it isn't filled to the top line, that does not mean you need to add more fluid. Just keep it above the bottom line.

11-20-2015, 11:38 PM	#6
parklane Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St.Thomas, ON Canada Posts: 598	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You should also drain the converter if it has a plug. __________________ If brains were wire, some couldn't short circuit a firefly

11-21-2015, 01:42 AM	#7
Alaska Jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 1,575	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk Also, make sure that the trans. is at operating temp, and on level ground when adding fluid, to make sure that you do not over fill. overfilling is almost as bad as not enough, as the fluid tends to aireate ( sp ?) and does not provide the sufficient lubrication to the clutches and bands.

11-21-2015, 04:50 AM	#8
flatheadmurre Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sweden Posts: 3,045	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk If it was rebuilt with modern clutch material and setup for dex 3 swapping to F would give you higher pressures and the firmer shifts you feel. The company that built it should have a record of what they did ?? Or if there is a receipt look for what oil they charged you for ?

11-21-2015, 07:58 AM	#9
wex65 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Shepherdstown, WV Posts: 133	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk One quick addition to my post above. You CAN still buy Type A, surprisingly. I suspect/hope it is reformulated to not use whale oil. Check Amazon and search for Type A ATF

12-26-2015, 08:49 PM	#10
jfreddie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: anchorage, alaska Posts: 117	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk I've seen Type A fluid at Walmart.

12-27-2015, 07:55 PM	#11
jailbar Joe Junior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: york western australia Posts: 20	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk now I am confused...I just had my tranny rebuilt and the builder specifically told me to use Castrol type F and nothing else...otherwise it would be back to him in no time.... I might add this guy has been a tranny builder all his life and is semi retired and now only works on the older type stuff....he is very well regarded and I know of quite a few y block/fordamatic combo's that he maintains ???

12-28-2015, 12:33 AM	#13
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk BTW, I replaced all the original brass clutch plates in both my Ford-O-Matics with the cheapie asbestos composition clutches that come with the rebuild kits you get nowadays. I would think that would be even more reason to use type A (if you could find it) or Dexron as opposed to type F.

12-28-2015, 12:37 AM	#14
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: "2 speed" fordomatic clunk If the clevis on the passing gear link was accidentally turned somehow during the transmission removal or re-installation process, it needs to be re-adjusted in accordance with the Ford-o-Matic shop manual. However, improper adjustment should not cause hard shifting or clunking, but it will throw off when the transmission shifts relative to RPM's.