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  #1  
Old 02-09-2006, 11:09 AM
Fixin' anything moving
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 247
ATF question

Hi All,

Can I just use Dexron/Mercon ATF for my 1983 380SEC (for the transmission)?
How about power steering fluid - can I just use off-the-shelf products?

Thanks,

Greg

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1983 560SL Megasquirted (originally 380SL)

My former Mercedes:
1985 300SD ~190k
1990 560SEL
2000 C220 CDI
1983 380SEC 102k dual-chain conversion
2000 C280 70k (sold)
1987 300DT (W124 - sold)
1972 220D (sold)
1971 220D (sold)
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  #2  
Old 02-09-2006, 11:27 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Posts: 2,532
Dexron ATF for both is the recommended and approved MB fluid

Len
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  #3  
Old 02-09-2006, 11:51 AM
Hatterasguy's Avatar
Zero
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Milford, CT
Posts: 19,318
Power steering fluid should be used in the power steering system. ATF of 1983 is not the same as ATF is today.
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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200
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  #4  
Old 02-09-2006, 08:19 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Posts: 2,532
I have heard that too, but is that statement based on one or two bad personal experiences or scientific fact? I ask that for two reasons - first, Mercedes still lists it as an approved fluid and second I've been using it in my 240D with no problems.

Len
'83 240D 345,000 miles original owner
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  #5  
Old 02-10-2006, 01:47 PM
Hatterasguy's Avatar
Zero
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Milford, CT
Posts: 19,318
It is based on fact. Do a search you will dig it up somewhere. ATF changed formulation over the past 20 years it can cause seals in the PS system to leak now.

Power steering fluid is even cheaper then atf to!

I'd be interested in what MB recomends now; can someone with a late model (2000+) crack open the manual and see what they recomend?
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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200
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  #6  
Old 02-10-2006, 01:56 PM
Fixin' anything moving
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 247
But then is it still good for the transmission - if formulae have changed, then if it is not good for the PS then why is it still good for the transmission?
__________________
1983 560SL Megasquirted (originally 380SL)

My former Mercedes:
1985 300SD ~190k
1990 560SEL
2000 C220 CDI
1983 380SEC 102k dual-chain conversion
2000 C280 70k (sold)
1987 300DT (W124 - sold)
1972 220D (sold)
1971 220D (sold)
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  #7  
Old 02-10-2006, 05:35 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 56
The white "approved fluid" suppplement to the owner's manual of BOTH 1991 300SE and 1994 E320 list only ONE power steering fuild. It is available at import auto stores and is NOT red. MB part #0009898803A $7.00 It is the color of oil and seems a little thicker than red ATF.

It list a wide variety of ATF brands for the automatic transmission.
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  #8  
Old 02-10-2006, 10:51 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Posts: 2,532
When Mercedes went to the single serpentine belt, they went to the recommendation of power steering fluid and not ATF. The recommended fluid for the multiple belt sytems is/was ATF.

Len
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  #9  
Old 02-11-2006, 12:36 AM
450slcguy's Avatar
Don't Tread on Me
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 613
I would replace the PS fluid with the Lucas PS stop leak fluid. It's great stuff and will prevent any future problems with leaks, also great for the steering box. Approved for use on all replacent PS system fluids, many satisfied Benz users. May cost a couple dollars more, but well worth it.

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