Hi
I am the latest owner of a 1984 Tucker SnoCat. The power steering/groomer pump is somewhat low on fluid. I called Tucker, they recommend Chevron ATF HT389 for the 1984 and still use it on new deliveries(?). It is not readily available in small quantities. The best substitute I could find is Valvoline DEX/MERC ATF. Best of all it is pretty cheap. There will be a complete flush and fluid change in the spring.
Valvoline says it is a recommend substitution for DexronIII, Mercon, Allison TES-389, Allison C-4 and a couple of others (Ford and Cat). These fluids would have been current for an 1984 hydraulic system requiring ATF. The Chevron spec for HT389 says it is compatible with TES-389 Schedule One so I am thinking they should be very similar. I understand the early Allison's had seal problems with some of the more current fluids. The hydraulic system is original. The pump was made by Vickers, the steering valve was made by Gresen and hydraulic cylinder was made be Garrison if that helps.
Questions:
Is this a good substitute?
Is there a better one that is available in 1gal quantities?
Thanks, I hope I didn't get too long winded.
John
I am the latest owner of a 1984 Tucker SnoCat. The power steering/groomer pump is somewhat low on fluid. I called Tucker, they recommend Chevron ATF HT389 for the 1984 and still use it on new deliveries(?). It is not readily available in small quantities. The best substitute I could find is Valvoline DEX/MERC ATF. Best of all it is pretty cheap. There will be a complete flush and fluid change in the spring.
Valvoline says it is a recommend substitution for DexronIII, Mercon, Allison TES-389, Allison C-4 and a couple of others (Ford and Cat). These fluids would have been current for an 1984 hydraulic system requiring ATF. The Chevron spec for HT389 says it is compatible with TES-389 Schedule One so I am thinking they should be very similar. I understand the early Allison's had seal problems with some of the more current fluids. The hydraulic system is original. The pump was made by Vickers, the steering valve was made by Gresen and hydraulic cylinder was made be Garrison if that helps.
Questions:
Is this a good substitute?
Is there a better one that is available in 1gal quantities?
Thanks, I hope I didn't get too long winded.
John