Use Mercon or Mercon V - Difference?

[spf182]

On my manual trans Ford Ranger the factory lists Mercon as the transmission fluid. I have some Mercon V that I was thinking of using to change out the fluid. Seems like Mercon V would be a higher grade fluid but is it as good or better for the life of my transmission? What would you think is the absolute best for durability?

Also, anybody have a prefered method for changing fluid aside from my planned suction method?

Thanks.

 

[TxGreaseMonkey]

No doubt in my mind that Amsoil ATF is the best on the market, followed by Mobil 1 ATF. Personally, I think most people would stop having transmission-related problems if they used these fluids.

The preferred method for changing the fluid is to drop and clean the pan, replace the filter, replace the pan, initial fill the pan with ATF, and drain the converter until you have replaced the total fill capacity. The method to drain the converter is available on Amsoil's corporate website.

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

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Originally posted by TxGreaseMonkey:
The preferred method for changing the fluid is to drop and clean the pan, replace the filter, replace the pan, initial fill the pan with ATF, and drain the converter until you have replaced the total fill capacity. The method to drain the converter is available on Amsoil's corporate website.

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Did you even read his post? Or were you in such a hurry to plug Amsoil that you got carried away? He said he has a manual transmission.

 

[Big Jim]

On your manual trans Mercon V sould be fine. Some may even say that it would be better than plain Mercon.

There is a continuing debate as to if Mercon V should be substituted for Mercon.

I would use your Mercon V in a heartbeat. The somewhat higher level of friction modifiers may even make the synchros more effecient so that it may shift smoother.

 

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Obviously, G-Man II, I missed the word "manual." Get a life!

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

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Originally posted by TxGreaseMonkey:
Obviously, G-Man II, I missed the word "manual." Get a life!

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I already have a life!

 

[unDummy]

I think that Pennzoil Synchromesh would be better then either the Mercon or Mercon-V, and is available at some autoparts stores.
Other choices are the RoyalPurple Syncromax and SpecialtyFormulations MTFglide which are the ~same viscosity of ATF.
Try Mobil 1 ATF since its readily available at several autoparts store too.

Use the drainplug.

 

[Whimsey]

quote:

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Originally posted by unDummy:
I think that Pennzoil Synchromesh would be better then either the Mercon or Mercon-V, and is available at some autoparts stores.
Other choices are the RoyalPurple Syncromax and SpecialtyFormulations MTFglide which are the ~same viscosity of ATF.
Try Mobil 1 ATF since its readily available at several autoparts store too.

Use the drainplug.

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Make sure you can loosen the FILL plug before you drain it. You'd hate to have drained it and find out you're not able to refill it

. I have a 2002 F-150 with the bigger version of the Mazda manual truck transmission. It calls for Mercon also. The shifting quality was real poor. I tried Schaeffer's #204S ATF and while it improved the shifting quality I was still not pleased. I finally tried SF's SynchroGlide. Wow! what an improvement! The ATF fluid is around 7-7.5cST and SynchroGlide is 9-9.5cST. A small investment for a major improvement. I put it in in late winter and we had many below freezing days after that and I had no problem with shifting even though it's more viscous.

Whimsey

 

[brianl703]

I've used Mercon V in two manuals calling for Mercon, the T5 in my 1988 Mustang and the MTX-75 in my 1996 Contour. Both shift better now, and much better in cold weather.

 

[spf182]

Thanks for the responses. I put the Mercon V that I had bought earlier in this weekend. I can notice no difference in performance, so I guess that is a good thing? It sounds like the cold weather performance should be a benefit of the semi-synthetic. I did find the following site that has some good info on this topic... so here is the link, for the records.

http://oil-store.com/OilStore/ATF Nutshell.htm

Next time I get around to doing this I'll probably go with one of the designer ATFs listed above to see if they really do improve shifting. This job was easy and cheap so I may put in on a 'once a year' list.