Differences Mercon LV vs Dexron VI

[blufeb95]

I know the first time that both fluids were required was in the 6-speed transmissions jointly developed by GM & Ford so I'd assume the fluids aren't that much different,
I've only noticed one thing that makes them different when looking over datasheets of fluid licensed as Mercon LV or doubly licensed as Mercon LV & Dexron VI versus fluids only licensed as Dex VI , the Mercon LV fluids have a Brookfield viscosity at -40C right around 10,000 cP where as the fluids that are Dex VI only are usually over 12000cP, so it looks that the Mercon LV spec requires better cold flow properties than Dex VI.

 

[tyman]

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/dexron-vi-in-place-of-mercon-lv.329484/

here's a good discussion from not too long ago about them

 

[Snagglefoot]

They are similar enough that several suppliers offer a dual use product.

 

[blufeb95]

The Pennzoil Platinum LV is actually dual licensed, the Valvoline product is only recommended for Mercon LV, I probably wouldn't use the Valvoline where Mercon LV is spec'd because it's Brookfield Viscosity at -40 is 12500cP and from what I can tell Mercon LV must have a limit somewhere around 10500.

 

[LenZee]

Might also be some programming differences between the two.