Transmission just rebuilt, What Fluid should I use?

[rickymagic]

I just had the Transmission in my 1960 Lincoln Continental rebuilt. I will be reinstalling it in my car in the next week. It currently has no fluid in it. What Transmission fluid should i use? I have heard mixed opinions. Should I use Dextron or Type F? Also what is recommended for fluid in my power steering pump? Many thanks! Ricky

[Suicidekid63]

I use Dex III in my tranny after it was completely drained and if steering pump hasn't been drained or rebuilt, I use Type F.
My 63 manual calls for Type A Suffix A and Dexron replaced that in the 60's. May wait to see what other posts reply because this is an often discussed topic with many answers here on the forum. ???

[TonyC]

It is possible to use a different fluid after a total rebuild, I've learned from here; but it depends on what the shop who did the job put in already. If they put in Dexron, then use Dexron. If they used Type F, then use Type F. Do not mix the two fluids in the same tranny, or you'll go through that operation again in short order.

If your power steering system has not been purged with a total system flush, use Type F, for the same reason as above.

---Tony

[rickymagic]

The transmission is out of the car I will be installing it with the rebuilt motor soon. The transmission doesn't have any fluid except for some which did not drain from the torque converter and I am not sure what was in the car previously. Will a small amount of the old fluid mixed with 99% new fluid make a difference, or should I try to completely drain the torque converter? I drained as much as I could through the shaft hole but did not remove the drain plug. The drain plug is gonna take a bit of effort to remove. Its rounded and wouldn't budge.

[DEVILS TAXI]

tony is right. if your concerned about mixing the fluid with what is left in there right now, you can fill it up run it a couple miles, drain it and refill it with new fluid. that should flush out the old stuff. as for the rounded drain plug, cut a straight line into the middle of it from end to end with a cutting wheel or hack saw and use a screwdriver or chisel to get it off. or if your a welder, weld a old cheap wrench to it and simply unscrew it. (your not gonna re-use the plug anyway)

[silk2ben]

It all depends on what kind of clutches he used. If he used steel use typeF. If he used friction use dextron.

[1977lincolnmarkv]

I only use synthetic fluids on all my transmission's except the C6 models. I had a car with over 400k miles that I use all the time. Have only changed the fluid once in 17 years and Never had on minutes trouble. For me synthetic fluids are the ONLY way to go. No viscolity breakdown, no heat transferrance and all around excellent way to save the internal parts of your transmission and make it so you really never have to change it. Why do you think the Mercedes and Jaguars and BMW high end cars dont recommmend transmission fluid changes? Here is your answer

[joekarpati]

Hi guys,

I just stopped a leak in my C6 tranny by changing a bushing and now I just would like to top up the fluid, since my work did not require removing the pan and draining the fluid in general. The fluid is at the minium level, it is okay but I have to do something with it.

So the fluid looks good but it is not purple color like the ATF Dexron III's I know from berore, but instead it looks amber yellow with a little red. What could this be? Any idea? Or should i drain the thing off and flush it? But what fluid may I use then?

Joseph

[1977lincolnmarkv]

Your tansmission uses ford "F" fluid. Unless you get information from a transmission shop do not use anything but the original fluid. From what Im told it is a heavier fluid, I may have it backwards but I know it has different properties than Dextron and MERCON. That is if it is 1966 and up. Your fluid Im not sure of since its not a C6

[Dan Szwarc]

Your transmission rebuilder should have told you what to use. Most of the time, rebuilds use Dexron, not Type F.

[1977lincolnmarkv]

Depends on the transmisson specialist and what he recommends. Im not an authority but they dont make several different fluids just for the hell of it. They wouldn't still sell the "F" fluid if there wasn't a good reason. When you go to any auto parts store there are about 5 different types of fluids to choice from so ask your transmission man before you put in something that may not work with your transmission, its always wiser to ask an expert than some of us who really don't have the exact answer and could cause you serious headaches in the future.

[Dan Szwarc]

Search for Kultulz and Dexron and you'll find a lot of information (between the noise).

Don't ask us, ask your rebuilder.

When my tranny was rebuilt in 2006, my rebuilder said use Dexron. It was originally Type F.

[1977lincolnmarkv]

I wanted to make sure before I answered or spoke on something I was not sure of. I called and spoke to my transmission guy, he said and I quote, "NO WAY, do you want to use Dextron in place of TYPE F". Your more than welcome to call him. His name is ROGER 1-760 778 0013. He said that C-6 transmission's need a less slick fluid and that slippage is sure to follow. He has tried Dextron in them and has had bad luck doing so, that is after a rebuild. The "F" fluid has more detergents, and a different viscosity. He said that 98% of the time when Dextron is used instead of Type F, it causes harsh shifts and eventually slippage. He will not use Dextron in a C-6 transmission, PERIOD!!!!! He said he has lost money trying it and would NEVER EVER recommend it, if you do so you do it at your own risk. TYPE F transmission fluid was made for a reason and that is why it is still being made today. Yes Regis, FINAL ANSWER.
Roger has been in business for over 35 years. I think he knows what he is talking about. He took a my transmission, which is known for problem shifting and made is so I cant feel what gear I'm in. So, I trust what he Say's. If you don't believe me, call him.

[Suicidekid63]

I thought the C-6 was introduced in 1966.

[1977lincolnmarkv]

Yes, it was introduced in 1966 and was used until the end of the 1996 model run when in 96 they finally discontinued its use. The C6 was used in its final 16 years in some of the FORD Bronco and F- Series trucks. The last car to use the C6 was the 1980 Vesailles.