ATF for manual trans in a Ford Escort advice?

[morepwr]

Hey guys, I have a little 91 Ford Escort with a 5 speed that I have been using lately since it gets awesome gas mileage and while it had a well kept log book of all maintenance that was ever done, there was never a service on the trans. The manual call for Mercon but thats all the info it has. Obviously a lot has changed with fluids so and cant just buy the old stlye fluid.

My question is what would you guys recommend? I know some of the newer Dextron shouldnt be used in a manual trans but is it the same way with the newer Mercon? Can I run a synthetic like Amsoil ATF? The car runs and drives great and only has 90K miles so I want to keep it going since it is so cheap to drive.

Basically can I use the standard dex/merc stuff from the local parts store or should I buy something more specific?

 

[zzyzzx]

http://www.feoa.net probably has the answer in the forums (or just look in your Owner's Manual). If it's anything like my 1995LX with the automatic transmission, it uses regular Dexron III, but perhaps you need to reread the Owner's Manual, since a car with an automatic or manual transmission gets the same Owner's Manual.

That car doesn't have a dipstick or a place to add fluid, so have fun with that!

 

[morepwr]

The manual is as vague as it can be. It simply states mercon fluid and thats it! There is a drain plug and to refill I can pull out the speed sensor and the level is checked based on how far up the gear the fluid is.

 

[tig1]

Amsoil or M1 ATF would be fine.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: morepwr
The manual is as vague as it can be. It simply states mercon fluid and thats it! There is a drain plug and to refill I can pull out the speed sensor and the level is checked based on how far up the gear the fluid is.


It's the same as with a transfer case - it's a non hydraulic device that requires ATF as lubrication. Any ATF will do

 

[michaelluscher]

I would suggest Mercon's Successor
MERCON V, Available As Castrol Trans-max Mercon V
Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF might be a option as well.

 

[Rand]

you could use generic dex/merc

some of the older fords had problems with mercon V and seals but I dont think your's is one of them.

 

[ethangsmith]

Hey I'm on FEOA too! Ask around on there too if you want multiple opinions. I am an Escort guy and here's my take on it:

Use cheap parts store Dex/Merc ATF. It is probably the closest thing to the stuff that was used back in the 90's in them. Mercon V will work in your trans, but it may cause some clacking or noise occasionally but will not cause issues. The expensive "designer brand" fluids like Amsoil or Mobil will work fine too and probably make it shift nicely and quietly, but the it costs significantly more. I've also been told General Motors Synchomesh fluid works very nicely too and isn't too expensive.

 

[mechtech2]

Use a Synchromesh type fluid.
Amsoil or Redline make great ones. Pennzoil Synchromesh is very good, and locally available, but it is a dino [as is the your ATF]
.
Better for shifting, and better for parts and wear, esp for a high mileage tranny.
Costs? Higher, but not excessive. And considering the years of life you get out of the better fluids, well worth it.

 

[morepwr]

Thank you everyone for your responces!

 

[SHOZ]

I use to have a Festiva and it had the trans filled with ATX. But in Asia it has regular gear oil in it. The Festiva trans had the same fill system. I used Amsoil Universal ATX because I had it around by the gallons.

 

[LotI]

My current car is a 2003 ZX-2 bought used in 2006 with 30k miles. I just passed 124k. When I bought it I changed the PS and transmission to Red Line D4 ATF.

I just changed it again a month ago and it was still bright red and probably could have gone longer. Very happy with the shifting and great in WI weather.

The drain plug and fill plug are both easily accessible under the right side of the car and are both 23mm. You'll just need to pump it in, gravity won't cut it. I used an old dish soap bottle and some tubing. Warming the new fluid bottles in hot water in the sink speeds it up.

 

[mechtech2]

Gravity works fine .
Maybe not in 10 below weather, though.

 

[ethangsmith]

2003 ZX2

Originally Posted By: LotI
My current car is a 2003 ZX-2 bought used in 2006 with 30k miles. I just passed 124k. When I bought it I changed the PS and transmission to Red Line D4 ATF.

I just changed it again a month ago and it was still bright red and probably could have gone longer. Very happy with the shifting and great in WI weather.

The drain plug and fill plug are both easily accessible under the right side of the car and are both 23mm. You'll just need to pump it in, gravity won't cut it. I used an old dish soap bottle and some tubing. Warming the new fluid bottles in hot water in the sink speeds it up.

 

[Joe72Mart]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Use a Synchromesh type fluid.
Amsoil or Redline make great ones. Pennzoil Synchromesh is very good, and locally available, but it is a dino [as is the your ATF]
.
Better for shifting, and better for parts and wear, esp for a high mileage tranny.
Costs? Higher, but not excessive. And considering the years of life you get out of the better fluids, well worth it.


Mechtech2: How is the Ford fluid working out for you?

Joe

 

[LotI]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Gravity works fine .
Maybe not in 10 below weather, though.

We all know things don't work the same in Illinoisstan

 

[morepwr]

Thank you for all the responces. I decided to go with the M1 ATF since it isnt that much more expensive and the trans only holds 2.9 quarts. I changed it out and then ran a few errands and while I didnt put that many miles on it, I could tell that it shifted much smoother than before. You can barely feel anything as you go through the gears it shifts so nice. I will report back once I get a some more drive time and see how it does.

 

[mechtech2]

Originally Posted By: Joe72Mart
Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Use a Synchromesh type fluid.
Amsoil or Redline make great ones. Pennzoil Synchromesh is very good, and locally available, but it is a dino [as is the your ATF]
.
Better for shifting, and better for parts and wear, esp for a high mileage tranny.
Costs? Higher, but not excessive. And considering the years of life you get out of the better fluids, well worth it.


Mechtech2: How is the Ford fluid working out for you?

Joe


The Ford 75-90 expensive fluid is great.
BUT, after trying so many fluids, this one seems thick at really cold temps. I just take it easy for a few miles. But shifting [gear clash/grinding] and smoothness when warm is great.
I can only rely on the specs for what I believe is superb protection.
A total thumbs up.
But I have to repeat that some would not like the very cold shifting. This is the main reason ATF was OK'd in so many manual trannys. [to stop customer complaints in the cold]
ATFs drawbacks in shifting and wear protection are not worth it to me.
Synchromesh fluids are very good, and a huge upgrade from ATF - this is always a good recommendation , in general.
For me, I'll take the slightly heavier superb Ford fluid.

 

[LotI]

The Redline D4 ATF that I've used for 90k+ miles is a GL-4 rated lube so light weight and protection go together.

 

[SOHCman]

+100 on the synchromesh from redline amsoil or pennzoil! Shifting was night and day in my f250 that calls for mercon in the 5 speed. Plus it's clearly better wear protection. I see you have already gone with M1, but maybe give synchromesh a try nexttime.