Please rate these Mercon V ATF's

[Mud]

Getting ready to change out the Mercon ATF in my 95 Crown Vic with a Mercon V fluid. The car has had regular ATF/filter changes and at 127k miles the transmission still seems to work fine. But I see where the M-V TF is recommended for all 4R70W transmissions so that's what I would like to use this time.

I've read that Amsoil and Redline are the only full synthetics, so I would put those at the top of the list, but I wanted to find out how you would rate the M-V ATF blends such as Aamco (Exxon/Mobil), Castrol, Valvoline, Quaker State, Pennzoil, etc.

 

[Islandvic]

Mud, my '96 Vic had a 16 qt flush done at 77k'sh miles with Quaker State MV.

Then around 129k miles, I drop'd the pan, changed filter, drained the TQ and refilled with 11.5 qts of Castrol MV.

I am happy with both brands. I have never had any shudder problems.

What did the vic forum say?

 

[Mud]

I did a lot of looking on both cv.net and cv.us and most of the debate semed to be regarding the use of full synthetic vs the blends or the use of M-V over the regular M/DIII. I did not really find an overwhelming vote for a particular brand although I did note more use of Castrol M-V in general.

I had a feeling that my choices on the blends would be based mostly upon local availability and price as they all seemed to perform well.

Your post - especially kowing that you drive the same car - seems to confirm that all these will be fine for my use. I generally go about 30-40K miles between ATF/filter change, so it's not a "lifetime" ATF I'm looking for.

Castrol M-V is the easiest to find so that's what I will probably use.

Thanks very much for your help.

 

[brianl703]

I've used Valvoline Mercon V (was once Valvoline Durablend ATF) in three manual transmissions and a GM 4T40E. (None of which call for Mercon V--they call for either Mercon or Dexron).

It worked fine..in the case of the manual transmissions, it is much easier to shift them in cold weather.

 

[AstroVic]

I have owned four "late model" Crown Vics. Two 1995 models, one 1996 model, and one 2000 model. I have religiously swapped transmission fluids and filters (and all other fluids) in all of my Crown Vics.

Mercon/Dexron III was originally spec'd for your transmission and I assure you it will still work just fine. In my aero bodies, I use Mercon/Dexron III and in my whale body I use Mercon V (as required).

Honestly, I would suggest using nothing more expensive than the Castrol variety for about $2.85 a quart at Walmart. I used NAPA Mercon/Dexron III for the transmission fluid/filter change I just completed about four weeks ago in my 1995 Crown Vic and the thing runs and shifts like a champ. (I used the NAPA fluid because I got it for free, otherwise I probably would've used the Castrol from Walmart. Heck, even the SuperTech stuff at half the cost would probably serve you well with your habit of changing the fluid regularly!)

I used Motorcraft Mercon V in my 2000 Crown Vic and it works flawlessly, too. (But it was expensive - about $5.00 a quart!)

 

[Mud]

Thanks gents - agree that the original-spec Mercon/DexIII would continue to perform just fine. I actually have used the PepBoys brand of the M/DIII for the last few changes, but last time I went with Pennzoil M/DIII and I think that although the transmission works fine, it actually seemed to work a little better with the PepBoys ATF. Shifts seem a little softer with the Pennzoil, but maybe that's all in my head.

Part of my intent is to change to the M-V out curiousity as well, due to the overwhelming support on the Vic forums for using the M-V in the 4R70W transmissions. Even one of the original designers of this transmission recommends going with the M-V. Using the Castrol M-V seems to strike the best balance of good product at a reasonable cost. If for some reason I didn't like it, easy enough to go back to the regular stuff.

Thanks again.

 

[metroplex]

woohoo fellow CVN'ers!
I am using Castrol Mercon-V in my 00 4R70W. I change it every 15k-20k miles (full pan drop, TC drain, new filter). I just learned that Mobil 1 ATF is now certified to meet Mercon-V spec. Come next change, that is what I'll be using assuming its about $4-$5/qt. Anything more and I'll stick with regular $3/qt Group II/III Mercon-V.

 

[Rand]

Not trying to bring up a dead topic.. but is Mercon V compatible with your transmission.
There was a TSB about mercon V eating the seals
on my '94 tbird 4r70w.
There was also a second tsb about it fixing
torque converter shudder...
Go figure.

 

[beanoil]

M1 Mercon V rated fluid is now at WM. 5.87 a quart here local. I have run the QS Multi Vehicle and the M1 Dexron/Mercon flavors in my Focus (manual says Mercon V) with identical results, FWIW.

 

[Mud]

Rand, Mer-V is backwards compatible and recommended for the 4R70W. You may be aware of the web site www.tccoa.com? Very good tech on transmissions there.
I've decided that on this fluid change I'm going to go ahead and do the "J-mod" to the transmission while I'm at it, plus change out some of the common wear items, especially the 1-2 and 2-3 accumulator pistons, PR boost valve/sleeve and the OD servo/spring.

I had said initially that the transmission seems to work fine, but the other day I decided to run a few WOT passes. I noticed that the car will almost over-rev at the 1-2 shift. Hangs around in the lower gear a bit too long. Also, when downshifting from OD to 2nd (4-2 shift) there's not a real initial grab at 2nd gear, just kinda makes some Fast&Furious noise, then gets going.
All in all, nothing too bad, but now it's in my mind to go through the valve body, do the j-mod, new filter and Mer-V.