What kind of ATF to use? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Rudolf_Diesel · #16 09-14-2010, 11:20 AM

The problem is that I have, is the fact that the trans is capable of handling 290 ft. /lb of torque and the motor is putting down an approximately 375 lb/ft with the M90 supercharger / GT35 Turbo and 7.5 mm elements in the M-pump.

If I just cruise it is fine, when I get on it it slips like a bastard

and no go.

I am not telling everyone that they should use it, but in my case it is helping for what I am doing - trying to make some 1/8 and 1/4 mile runs.

4x4_Welder · #17 09-14-2010, 10:19 PM

In your case, then, you should probably do a rebuild and some internal tweaking to up the line pressure so it can hold the high power, along with firming up the shifts.

Rudolf_Diesel · #18 09-15-2010, 08:18 AM

That is probably the way to go, but I don't want to spend any more money than I have to on the auto - I am trying make my Tremec TKO600 conversion happen.

farmfuel · #19 09-15-2010, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbach36

I need to change transmission fluid, and wondered what kind to use. Seems to me that I used MB fluid last time, but I called for a price, and it's something like $13 litre, and needs 8+ litres!! Something tells me he gave me the wrong price; Dextron III is only $12/gallon or so.

Thanks,

jeff 1991 300d

Jeff-
My buddy builds transmissions for a living. He's been doing it for almost 25 years now, and he tells me that the BMW tranny oil is 125/gallon. I doubt the price above that your MB parts guy gave you is incorrect, but I'm curious to know if the 18 liters it calls for is the TOTAL capacity, or if you're going to lose 18 literes by simply removing the tranny pan. I highly doubt it, but I don't know enough to comment.

There was a time that generic transmission fluid was what they called dex/merc II or III, but now transmission fluid has gotten pretty fancy. The ZF-5 speed in my one ton calls for Mercron V, which is a synthetic fluid itself. It's also a ridiculous 5.00/quart. I don't want to say that Mercron V is the way to go, but if you wanted a synthetic, there it is at Wally world.

As many have said on the thread- if they're running Dextron III and having no problems, that's what I'd run with. I plan on doing a filter and gasket swap this weekend if I have time.

4x4_Welder · #20 09-15-2010, 11:39 AM

Ford says not to use Merc V in older Mercon applications, it has friction modifiers much like the old Type F and may cause shudder, odd shifting, and eventual destruction of the clutches.
I like to run Redline synthetic in my ZFs, I haven't heard any complaints yet and I may even run it in my M5R2 to get some extra life out of it.

WNC123 · #21 10-25-2011, 09:11 PM

please, please, please help me with this. i have read this thread, as well as several others, and i am totally baffled as to what atf i should be using. i have never bought atf in my life, and the last time i even drove a car with an automatic was back in the 1980's.

so let me preface my question with this:
car is a 1985 300TD wagon.
transmission is: 722 315 (full number on trans: 123 270 78 01 722 315 02 587221)
i recently bought the car, so i drained the trans and torque converter, changed the filter, and am ready to add atf.
i have not driven the car for any length of time/mileage, so i am preparing myself for leaks. in that respect, i am looking to add inexpensive atf at this time. in the future i want to go to full synthetic amsoil or redline, but for now, i just want to be able to drive the car and diagnose any leaks or trans issues before i spend big dollars on synthetic.
i would also like to know which atf to put in the power steering.
i have been to 3 auto parts stores, looking at the myriad of atfs that are available. i have almost no clue as to what to buy. some do say that they meet MB spec 236.1 and 236.11, but is that the spec i am looking to meet? others say NOT for use with MB spec 236.4 and 236.8.
listed below are all the atfs i have seen and are readily available to me. please, please, please help me choose one, as i would like to get the car on the road by the end of the week.
i apologize if this is another "beating a dead horse" topic, but when people say "buy the usual fluid" or just "the cheap stuff", that really does not help me. not looking for another debate on this, just some guidance as to what to purchase.
thanks a lot!

Car Quest:
-high mileage Dex/Merc: meets dexron II, IIE, IIIG IIIH
-Type FA: older Fords
-Dex/Merc: meets dexron II, IIE, IIIG, IIIH, NOT for dexron VI
-ATF +4: meets +, +2, +3, +4, for chrysler
-Mercon V: meets ford mercon V, mercon, dexron III, and then lists most every automobile manufacturer including mercedes benz

O'Reilly:
-valvoline dexron mercon: meets dexron III and all previous dexron standards, mercon
-valvoline mercon V: meetc mercon V or dexron III/mercon, NOT for type F
-o'reilly dexron VI: meets dexron II, III, VI
-o'reilly multi-purpose: meets IIIG, IIIH, II, IID, IIE, mercon, CJ
-o'reilly global multi vehicle: meets mercon SP, dexron VI, atf +4. meets MB spec 236.1, 236.11. NOT for MB spec 236.4 or 236.8
-Lucas semi synthetic: NOT for MB 236.12
-valvoline full synthetic import: meets MB NAG-1, meets MB 236.1 and older

AutoZone:
-dex/merc: meets dex II, IIE, IIIG, IIIH, NOT for dex VI
-dex/merc: meets dexron II, III, mercon
-Type F: ford
-atf +4, meets atf +, +2, +3, +4, for chrysler
-dex VI: meets dex II, III
-multi vehicle synthetic: lists as working for "all vehicles"

ROLLGUY · #22 10-26-2011, 12:00 AM

I had the same question a while back. The owners manual just says "Automatic Transmission Fluid". I talked to a trans expert, and he said to use Dexron (notice there is no T in Dexron) ATF. Maybe the newer electronic shift trans's need special fluid, but the older trans's work just fine with your basic Dexron fluid. I use the store brand (meets and /or exceeds manufacturer spec's).

WNC123 · #23 10-26-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

use Dexron ATF.
the older trans's work just fine with your basic Dexron fluid.
I use the store brand
(meets and /or exceeds manufacturer spec's).

i appreciate the input, i really do. i don't want to sound ungrateful or argumentative, but these are the kinds of terms that are causing my utter confusion. to me, it's kinda like someone telling me to go to the sporting goods store to get "a fishing lure" or "a bullet", or going to a tire store to get "some tires".
-i don't know what version of dexron to use.
-i don't know what basic dexron is.
-all of the ones i listed, except for the valvoline and lucas are the store brands. that's why i listed the stores i saw them at.
-i don't know what spec to meet and/or exceed, because as you mentioned, the owner's manual is not very helpful in this respect. even the MB factory maintenance manual says "Dextron B" (hahaha), and then says to refer to "Specifications for Service Products" page 236.3. other MB manuals say "ask the dealer". sigh.

i am hoping that out of the ones i listed, one or a few "correct" ones can be pointed out, or someone can say they use the same kind from the same store, so that i can go back to that store, buy the ones i need, and get my car up and running again.

tangofox007 · #24 10-26-2011, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WNC123

i don't want to sound ungrateful or argumentative, but these are the kinds of terms that are causing my utter confusion. to me, it's kinda like someone telling me to go to the sporting goods store to get "a fishing lure" or "a bullet", or going to a tire store to get "some tires".

There is a reason for the numerous variations in description. "Dexron" is a General Motors trademark. The GM licenses for the manufacture/sale of "Dexron III" have all expired (following the introduction of Dexron VI), so there no more "Dexron III" being produced. However, ATF supposedly meeting the specifications of Dexron III is available, under names like DEX/MERC, DEX III, etc. So, you want someting that meets the specifications of "Dexron III" or you could use the new and improved Dexron VI. All follow-on Dexron formulations have been backward-compatible to the version specified in your owners manual.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WNC123

even the MB factory maintenance manual says "Dextron B" (hahaha)...

Dexron B was superseded in 1967.

compu_85 · #25 10-26-2011, 11:53 AM

The rumor mill has it that Dexron IV doesn't work well with our transmissions...

-J

raysorenson · #26 10-26-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4_Welder

Ford says not to use Merc V in older Mercon applications

The opposite is true. When Mercon V was initially released we were told not to use in other Mercon spec'd apps. They changed their minds several years ago.

Motorcraft® Transmission Fluids

tangofox007 · #27 10-26-2011, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

The rumor mill has it that Dexron IV doesn't work well with our transmissions...

-J

Considering that Dexron IV does not exist, that is a pretty accurate rumor.

sixto · #28 10-26-2011, 01:19 PM

I haven't read of anyone having problems running ATF of any Dexron or Dex specification. So generally, any ATF with Dexron or Dex in its label should be okay. Purists note that coincident with the expiration of the Dexron license, Mobil 1 ATF "smells different." Folks whose musings I follow regarding ATF gravitate towards Redline Synthetic ATF (as printed on the label, not just any Redline Synthetic ATF) and Redline D4 ATF. Amsoil quality aside, its mention incites debate about direct marketing and pyramid schemes

To stir things up, I've heard good things about Swepco 714 ATF (available through Pelican Parts) and the only mention of Dexron on the label is something like "Can replace DEXRON fluids in on-highway applications"

As for power steering fluid, I read that post-86 systems should use power steering fluid rather than ATF. Power steering fluid won't hurt earlier systems. I prefer power steering fluid because it's typically clear or had a very light tint so it tells you when it's been in service too long. Valvoline used to offer a claimed synthetic power steering fluid available everywhere for only a little more than 'regular' power steering fluid. I don't see synthetic power steering fluid on a regular basis in generic part stores anymore. Personally, I flush with a gallon of cheap power steering fluid then fill with Febi power steering fluid.

Sixto
87 300D