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Topic: Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV (Read 25 times) previous topic - next topic
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Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV
Yahoo Message Number: 149104
Are other companies' brands listing Mercon V, such as O'Reilly etc., complying with Ford's specs of Ford's own brand for Automatic Transmission Fluids?

Aad
2001 MB
Re: Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149106
"Are other companies' brands listing Mercon V, such as O'Reilly etc., complying with Ford's specs of Ford's own brand for Automatic Transmission Fluids?"

Aad

If the bottle has 'Mercon V' on it, it should be the right stuff as Ford issues the license to manufacture it.
I imagine most of it come out of one refinery somewhere.

I have used Napa's house brand ATFs for decades, now buying Mercon V by the case.
Show your Auto Club card, if you have one for a 10% discount. I buy enough from Napa to pay for my membership.
A full flush takes 22-24 quarts.

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: Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149116
Thanks Larry for your response about Mercon V and especially about the Autoclub discounts. Over the years I bought quite a few parts from Napa but was not aware of this. Well, they gave me the discounts this morning. Never too old to learn.
 As you have figuered out by now I enjoy doing projects that give me a challenge, such as replacing brake pads and calipers etc. on our 2001 Lazy Daze. Changing transmission fluid for our daughter's L D is another project that I have never done before. I am planning to use Mark Kovalsky's procedure as outlined in his 2004 article.
 I do have a question for this procedure. This transmission pan has a drain valve and I am not planning at this time to change the filter. Instead of draining the old fluid through a hose, can I just return the old fluid in the pan and regularly drain the pan? I am planning to use all 24 quarts. Just curious.

Your comments are always very much appreciated and helpful.

Aad Rommelse

__
2001 MB
Re: Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149117
"I do have a question for this procedure. This transmission pan has a drain valve and I am not planning at this time to change the filter. Instead of draining the old fluid through a hose, can I just return the old fluid in the pan and regularly drain the pan? I am planning to use all 24 quarts. Just curious.".

Aad

A little confused about  the proposed method. Is it repeatedly draining the pan, refilling it, running it awhile and then changing again and again, better known as the dilution method? If done this way, you will never get it as clean as the flush method.
The Mark Kovalsky flush method removes probably 95%+ of the used oil. It is the same method I have used on the LD and many other vehicles for years.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1222821-4r100-automatic-transmission-flush-pics-and-video.html It gets rid of just about all of the old oil in one session and is not all that difficult for a person who like a new challenge. To make the job easier, lift the front end with ramps or jack stands, to provide a enough room for the drain bucket. Find a bucket that is translucent and mark it for the amount of oil you want to drain at per time.
Mark's method is to run it until bubbles come out the hose, indicating the pan is near dry. l prefer not to run it dry and drain only 4 quarts at a time. Maybe a little too conservative but it doesn't cost anything other than a few more minutes.
I changed the filter at 30,000 miles and seeing how large and clean it was, didn't do it at 60,000. It will be changed at the 90,000 mile service. The pan gasket is reusable so, you can drop it and take a look without having to buy a new one. Filters come in shallow and deep versions, our 4R100 all use the deep filter AFAIK.
Filters are locally available at Napa and other parts stores.
Steve (AQ433) just changed his oil a few days ago, maybe he has some comments.

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: Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149118
Yes Larry, the delution method was indeed my question. However, your response was quite clear and I will use Mark's flush method as you do.

Once again, thanks for all your guidance and advise.

Aad

__
2001 MB
Re: Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149131
I have used Mobil 1 in my 2000 SOB for the past 20,000 miles with no ill effects.  Transmission runs cooler too via ScanGage II.  Mobil 1 is good up to 245 degrees F and the highest that I have seen was about 215 F.

Glen in AZ
Re: Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149134
Hi Glen,

What's the sequence to program in the Transmission temperature to get it to show on the gauge?

Thanks, Paul
Re: Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149135
"What's the sequence to program in the Transmission temperature to get it to show on the gauge?"

Paul

ScanGauges vary according to model, when built and the firmware used.
Look up your ScanGauge here http://www.scangauge.com/support/user-manuals/

Ford E450's need a transmission temperature code inputed to operate.
Look the code up here. It requires hand inputing of two long list of numbers into the ScanGauge.
It's best ot have two people do this, one to read the numbers, the other to input them.
It needs to be done quickly.
http://www.scangauge.com/support/x-gauge/ford-specific-xgauges/

You can also send your ScanGuage back to the Factory for updating of the firmware and whatever else needs doing for a $25 fee.
 http://www.scangauge.com/support/upgrade/

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: Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149145
Larry,
 Once again. Thanks for your guidance. Tranmission fluid has been  flushed and replaced with 23 quarts of Mercon V Napa's own brand. No, I did not overfill the tranny and she even shifts at road testing.
 Next operation: Check brakes, flush and replace brake fluid with Mary's help.

Having fun.

Aad
2001 MB
Brake bleeding
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149150
  • 0 Attachment


    "Next operation: Check brakes, flush and replace brake fluid with Mary's help".

    Aad

    I think my wife would prefer a root canal instead of helping with brake bleeding, good thing there are ways to do it yourself.
    First, a power bleeder is a great way to bleed brakes. A pressurized cap is attached to the master brake cylinder and brake fluid is forced through the system, when a brake bleeder is opened. This is the method most auto shops use. I use a homemade version on our Jeep.
    www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157604930479626/show

    An easier, more practical single-handed method, for the home mechanic, is to use speed bleeders.
    They replace the stock brake bleeder screws on each brake caliper, two in the front and two in the rear.
    Each speed bleeder has a built-in, one-way check valve that allow the brake fluid to go into one direction only, eliminating the ingestion of air bubbles, when bleeding..
    Attach a clear plastic tube to the bleeder, open the bleeder screw a 1/2 turn and them pump away with the brake pedal, keeping an eye on the master brake cylinder's reservoir to prevent it from running dry.
    Russell Speed Bleeders, #639590 or #639600 fit our 2003 E450.
    http://www.amazon.com/Russell-639590-Speed-Bleeder/dp/B000CPCOBQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1414166715&sr=1-1&keywords=Edelbrock%2FRussell+639590+Speed+Bleeder or http://www.amazon.com/Edelbrock-Russell-639600-Speed-Bleeder/dp/B000CPARWE/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1414167516&sr=1-1&keywords=Edelbrock%2FRussell+639600+Speed+Bleeder The 639600 bleeder is a little longer, easier to get a wrench on. The 639590 is what Russell calls for in the E450, but either will fit our 2003 LD.
    Russell also sell a collection bag that attaches to each bleeder, while bleeding, that keeps things cleaner..
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CPARUQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    To bleed, permanently install four bleeders. Make sure cylinder reservoir is always at least 1/2 full.
    Bleed in this order. Start with the rear passenger-side wheel, next the driver-side rear, then the passenger front and finally the driver-side front. Once everything is installed and set up, bleeding can be done anytime in 15  minutes or so.
    While pumping the brake, and collecting the used fluid in the bag, have a helper observer the color of the exiting brake fluid. When the fluid color changes from dark to light and no more bubbles are ejected, you know that the old fluid has been flushed.

    The downside to home bleeding is the inability to flush the antilock brake pump. The dealer and many shops have an tool that cycles the antilock, allowing the fluid to be cycled. I have not found a DIY way of doing while parked in the driveway.
    To flush the antilock, after changing the brake fluid, drive on a slippery dirt road and lock up the brakes, setting off the antilock. Do this several times to cycle fresh fluid through the pump. It's not perfect but will keep the same old fluid from sitting in the pump for years (unless the antilock have been cycled regularly).

    Why do we care about flushing the brake system?. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Water causes rust inside the brake system and will slowly destroy the internal parts. Flushing every two to three years keeps this moisture build up to a minimum.

    Larry
    As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
    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: Brake bleeding
    Reply #10 –
    Yahoo Message Number: 149153
    "good thing there are ways to do it yourself"

    Okay Larry now the mystery is solved on how you rebuilt my Jeep brakes with no help. This is a lot better then yelling at an assistant when to open and close the bleeder. Thank you for the helpful explanation.

    Bob 01 23.5 TK with toys...
    Re: Brake bleeding
    Reply #11 –
    Yahoo Message Number: 149157
    After my brake and caliper replacement job and bled my brakes I did the yelling from below and my wife did the pumping. After the bleeding I did a fair amount of emergency stops as advised by Larry for the ABS. They have worked great ever since.

    Aad
    2001 MB
    Micro jump start battery- user report for V10
    Reply #12 –
    Yahoo Message Number: 149158
    Hi

    After  receiving my Antigravity PPS XP-10 from Amazon. After plugging it into the wall  for a full charge, about an hour, I immediately tried it on my LD  (V10).

    http://www.amazon.com/Antigravity-Batteries-Micro-Start-Multi-Function-Personal/dp/B00MQ5Z5F2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414190084&sr=8-1&keywords=antigravity+pps+xp-10

    I  disconnected my chassis battery and connected the XP-10 to the cables. The start  was normal, that is to say about 1 to 1.5 seconds of starter time and the engine  was running. I only tried it once but I feel I could start a dozen LDs with it  easily.

    Tom
    As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
     
    Re: Mercon V other brands versus Ford MerconV
    Reply #13 –
    Yahoo Message Number: 149168
    "Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air"
     You Betcha!! Especially if you live in a damp climate like Portland, Oregon!  I lost brakes on an older Type "A" going down Rabbit Ears Pass in Colorado due to moisture in the brake fluidL

    Glen