Fluid time!

[Toploader]

Going to change the trans and Prestone in my '86 5.0.
Trans is AOD...............what trans fluid should I use?.........I used to utilize Dextron 2, but do not see it in the places I have looked. And there are so many Prestone products out there, which should I purchase??

[Ike Clanton]

I just used cheap bulk ATF Dex/Merc from Sam's for the transmission fluid, and cheap green coolant for the coolant. You could also use Mercon V for a step up in fluid quality while still being cheaper than synthetic ATF from Mobil or similar.

Since you're dropping the pan, you can install a pan drain plug at the same time. Might be handy later on.

[chitownvic]

Nothing better than plain old Motorcraft mercon.. But if you cant find it cheap Vatozone sells Dex/Merc or any other off brand Dex/Merc and as for antifreeze I just buy Vatozone brand concentratred green and mix it up yourself..

[Toploader]

While the pan is off, should I clean or obtain a new oil pan filter and grommet assy?

[Ike Clanton]

While the pan is off, should I clean or obtain a new oil pan filter and grommet assy?

New new new. RockAuto had some kits on closeout for all of $5 the last time I looked, and don't forget the pan gasket.

[Toploader]

Many thanks...........I am also looking for an OEM NOS heater core.........when I find it, I will then take to a rad shop to pressure test and go over the solder area.........no way I do this job only to find the core leaks!!!

[gadget73]

BTDT, with an OEM core. After I took it back out, I dunked it in a bucket of water while feeding it 10 psi of air. It bubbled out of the middle of the core. Not practically fixable, so in the brass bucket with it.

[sly]

the aluminum ones work very well. my 88 is VERY happy with it's aluminum welded core.

[jaywish]

I use the 5 yr coolant. Just to cut down on the labor. Same reason I use the 15K/12month mobil1 oil.

This is assuming you have clean systems to start with.

[Toploader]

Some thoughts concerning trans drain and re-fill.
If I smell the dip stick and there is no burnt or burning smell, should I still change fluid? The car has about 80K........also, in the winter when the car is first started, if I put it in drive nothing happens, just sits and revs........if I goose it she bangs into gear.........this is only in the cold temps of winter, spring, summer, never a problem. Lastly, is there a TC plug that I can get to to drain the converter?
Thanks again for all the education!.........I guess I actually do bleed Ford blue

[gadget73]

I'd change it.

Slow engagement sounds like low fluid level, or maybe the wrong fluid. Running Type F or something might make it do this, or possibly just old fluid that has gotten thicker with age. Either that or it spent too much time around a classic Chrysler and has developed the TorqeFlite "morning sickness".

drain plug in the converter, check, assuming its a stock converter. Some aftermarkets do not have a plug.

[Toploader]

I may bleed Ford blue, but I also know how amazing a MoPar 727 trans is

[gadget73]

They're tough, but the 904 would get funky on a cold morning going into reverse.

[Toploader]

Spoke to my Tranny guy, will use type F........he asked if I like a firm shift, more crisp, I said yes.......he said then utilize type F. Also he swears by Lucas Oil Trans Fix for those trannys that in cold temps shift late etc, he has used this stuff for yrs and in many cases is the difference between a re-seal or not.

I'd change it.

Slow engagement sounds like low fluid level, or maybe the wrong fluid. Running Type F or something might make it do this, or possibly just old fluid that has gotten thicker with age. Either that or it spent too much time around a classic Chrysler and has developed the TorqeFlite "morning sickness".

drain plug in the converter, check, assuming its a stock converter. Some aftermarkets do not have a plug.

[P72Ford]

I would recommend Merc III/ Dex, or Merc V if you're gonna drain the converter.

Type F is old school, and doesn't have the lubricity characteristics of more modern fluids. It results in firmer shifts because the fluid allows for less slip between the clutches.