I have an old bottle of Multi-purpose ATF. Mercon Dextron IIE automatic transmission fluid.

I was going to put it in, but I see on the back of it, it says "meets the requirements of Ford M2C138 - CJ, and Allison C-4. Sounds like it is ok in tractors as well or something. But the name Ford, I thought, I want to make sure I'm not using the Type F stuff, that will ruin transmissions.

And the fluid never gets old in the bottle, right? This is probably 10 years old.

Thanks,

Jeff 1991 300d, 111k

Should be still okay. I worked in a transmission shop many years ago. This info might have changed. Type F fluid recommended for Fords was thinner than Dextron & varnished up easier in transmissions under high heat. It was believed that Ford used it for easier shifting when cold. The shop I worked in had a 275 gal. drum of dextron. We used it for absolutely every vehicle we worked on & guaranteed them all. I personally would use the latest Dextron out there, but have never believed that type F would ruin a Dextron unit & visa versa. Paul.

__________________
1984 300CD red/blk 290,000 partial resto
1980 240D 4 sp Brn/palomino gone
1997 Mazda Miata STO edition wife's baby
1988 Lincoln Mark VII LSC next resto
1986 Subaru GL wagon daily
1993 Isuzu pickup field beater
2008 Honda Civic EX-L 5sp wife's new car
1978 Honda XL350
1974 Honda XL70 my Calif. ride in HS

Hmm... that's contrary to hot rod conventional wisdom. Putting Type F into a tranny designed for Dexron (FYI: there is no "t" in "Dexron") gives firmer shifts and putting Dexron into a tranny designed for Type F gives softer shifts.

According to my "How to Rebuild TH350s" book, the fluids are compatible.