A4LD syntetic or mineral oil ?

[Momohenri]

hi , In the Chilton manual he recommends Dextron 2 oil, therefore mineral, can we use syntetic or absolutely not?

 

[55trucker]

Where you are there in Belgium can you purchase Mercon trans fluid?

1987 - MERCON
1987 Original Mercon ATF (2004 Bottle)

Original Ford Motorcraft Mercon ATF. License No. M040901

Original Ford Motorcraft Mercon ATF. License No. M040901

In January 1987, Ford released the original Mercon fluid specification (M2C185-A). Mercon became a trademarked fluid with qualification and licensing of fluids to ensure quality in the marketplace. This original Mercon Specification was backward compatible with the 1981 Ford Type-H fluid and the 1958 GM Type "A" Suffix "A" fluid.

NOTICE: This version of Mercon was compatible with GM's Dexron-II(D) and later formulations were compatible with Dexron-III(H); however, Future versions of Mercon (Mercon V, Mercon SP, Mercon LV, Mercon ULV) are not compatible with GM's Dexron-III(H) or any newer version of Dexron (Dexron-VI, Dexron HP, Dexron ULV).

This fluid was first used in the following transmissions:

• 1989 E4OD (C-6 with overdrive) Ford's first electronic control 4-Speed automatic transmission
• 1990 4EAT-G Mazda 4-Speed automatic transmission
• 1990 F-4EAT 4-Speed automatic transmission
• 1990 AXOD-E 4-Speed automatic transaxle
• 1992 AOD-E (Electronic AOD) 4-Speed automatic transmission
• 1993 AOD-EW/4R70W 4-Speed automatic transmission
• 1994 AX4S 4-Speed automatic transaxle
• 1994 CD4E Batavia 4-Speed automatic transmission
• 1995 AX4N/4F50N 4-Speed automatic transmission
• 1995 4R44E 4-Speed automatic transmission
• 1995 4R55E 4-Speed automatic transmission
• 1997 5R44 5-Speed automatic transmission (Ford's first 5-speed automatic transmission)
• 1997 5R55 5-Speed automatic transmission

 

[Momohenri]

I can't find a Mercon Motorcraft in Europe, I find this

but that doesn't answer my question, can we put syntetics in an a4ld

 

[19Walt93]

The later Motorcraft Mercon met Dexron III specs, that would be OK, too. I've never seen synthetic used in an A4LD so I can't speak to that. Avoid any fluid that claims to be universal.

 

[55trucker]

Mercon is Ford's propriatary brand name.

What's the history on the vehicle?
how many kilos on the trans?....the current synthetic fluids may not have the same friction modifiers that Mercon/Dexron II has/had 35 years ago when the A4LD came into being.

You may find that dropping in synthetic will alter the shift characteristics.

 

[MikeG]

You need the correct spec oil, whether it is "synthetic" or not. If it is compatible with Dextron II / Mercon, or whatever the owner's manual says, then you are fine. The Chilton's book should be correct, those are pretty good, but if it isn't, someone here will know.

"Synthetic" is just a difference in how the oil was refined / processed. The spec (Dextron II / Mercon) will ensure that it is the correct viscosity, with the correct additives.

Just got to find something that is backward-compatible to 1988 BII transmissions.... do not obsess over "synthetic" vs. "mineral" because they ALL start out from the same crude oil.

Ford doesn't "make" oil anyway, they buy it from a refinery made to their specs. That's the key. Made to the correct specs.

 

[Momohenri]

the transmission has 112,000 miles but I go in the woods with a trailer of + - 2000 lbs I always try not to force it by putting the reducer but sometimes it is not easy, I put it back on dextron 3 and since I have problems, I have to wait 30-60 seconds before it grows well, after it is fine but I hear a noise like a metallic friction

 

[MikeG]

It may just be worn out.

 

[Momohenri]

yes I have one that does not have a lot of kilometers I will put it in place of the old one but I don't want to make the same mistake with the oil