Manual trans ID, Mazda or Mitsubishi?

[ABSOLOOT LOONASEA]

Cannot tell which tranny I have, the tag is gone from the bell housing, the only number is a sticker on the driver side that says...FORD FO7AHA931242. Any suggestions on how to find out? Online part # search was fruitless, so were the dealerships.

 

[fastpakr]

If it has a removable bottom cover, it's not a Mazda.

 

[ABSOLOOT LOONASEA]

If it has a removable bottom cover, it's not a Mazda.

Thanx "fastpakr", no, there is no removable bottom cover on it. So can I assume to use Ford "Type F" automatic trans. fluid in it? When I drained it the fluid was red so I'm thinking auto trans. fluid. My owners manual says Mercon for Mazda and standard 80W transmission fluid for Mits. (Type F?) and I'm guessing that the Ford type F is 80W.

 

[Dirtman]

Ford Type F is automatic transmission fluid and doesn't go in ANY manual transmission. The Mitsubishi transmission takes 80w90 gear oil, the Mazda m5od takes Mercon V automatic transmission fluid. You have a Mazda m5od so use Mercon V.

Again... DO NOT USE TYPE F.

 

[ABSOLOOT LOONASEA]

Ford Type F is automatic transmission fluid and doesn't go in ANY manual transmission. The Mitsubishi transmission takes 80w90 gear oil, the Mazda m5od takes Mercon V automatic transmission fluid. You have a Mazda m5od so use Mercon V.

Again... DO NOT USE TYPE F.

Thanx again "Dirtman" I just had my "wires" crossed. So now I'm off to buy some Mercon V trans. fluid. I have another question for ya...owners manual calls for Hypoid gear oil in the rear end, I have a jug of Valvoline 80w90 gear oil, is that good or should I get something else?

 

[Dirtman]

All automotive gear oil is technically "hypoid" oil. Yes valvoline 80w90 is fine.

 

[ABSOLOOT LOONASEA]

All automotive gear oil is technically "hypoid" oil. Yes valvoline 80w90 is fine.

Thanx again man, at least I can save a little money there and use what I've got

 

[Shran]

Highly doubt Type F would hurt it. I believe the fluid spec for older trucks like that was Dex III/Mercon which is not the same thing as Merc V. I have run them all in Mazda transmissions and can't tell much of a difference.

80w90 is fine for the rear, if you have a limited slip you are supposed to run friction modifier too.

 

[Dirtman]

Dexron is GM. Dex/Merc is a gimmick for universal fluids.

Mercon was the specified fluid in 1990 but Mercon V superceded Mercon and is used as its replacement. Ford doesn't even sell Mercon anymore. The only thing regular old mercon is still used for is some transfer cases and it's now labeled as "transfer case fluid".

Ford Type F fluid hasn't been used since the 70's. It's extremely outdated and thicker than Mercon V. Type F serves no purpose in modern society, it's barely a step above whale oil...

 

[Ranger850]

Type F serves no purpose in modern society, it's barely a step above whale oil...

Kinda Like a Dinosaur

 

[Dirtman]

Kinda Like a Dinosaur
View attachment 62595

That's hot...

 

[Shran]

You can still buy "Dex III/Mercon" fluid, I would run that before I used Merc V, especially in this application where the older fluid was specified in older transmissions and later updated for Merc V on newer transmissions.

I can't comment on how thick Type F is because I haven't researched that at all, however, if it is indeed somewhat thicker, that is not necessarily a bad thing in a manual trans, especially one with a lot of miles - a thicker fluid can make up for loose tolerances in worn bearings, synchros, etc... a band-aid, for sure, but one that works.