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Old 08-08-2012, 06:26 PM   #1
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Changing trans fluid

I would like to change the fluid in my transmission. I have a 02 Ford, F 450 v 10. I doubt the fluid has been changed it has 17,000 miles. Anyone know of a problem using Wallmart Supertech Merkon V. It is sure a lot cheaper than anyone else, and I doubt it's made in China. Who makes Wallmart oil? What do some of you recommend? Stan
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Old 08-08-2012, 06:57 PM   #2
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Just wondering, are you changing the fluid yourself or having Walmart do it?

For my two cents worth, on of the dumbest jobs I ever did myself was changing the transmission fluid in a 727 TorqueFlite in my dad's driveway when I was 17. What a mess!

I would not let Walmart or a tire store or quick lube joint perform this service. I would go a reputable transmission shop,(and there are some) and have them perform the service. That of course would most probably eliminate the need for an answer regarding the Walmart fluid.

If the fluid still looks good, doesn't smell burnt, I'd wait until at least 25,000 miles.
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Old 08-08-2012, 07:06 PM   #3
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IMO, use the best quatlity transmission fluid you can. Transmission are critical and very expensive to repair, rebuild.

What does you manual say about frequency...17K seems quick. If you waited till atleast 25K that would be roughly half as frequent services so you can in theory spend twice as much on fluid and filters.

On my Durmax, I have an Allison 1000 trany. It is a very easy drain and fill proceedure with only an external spin on filter that requires changing per Allison's directions. There is lots of debate on the diesel formus as to what fluid to use and the frequency...I know you have a Ford, but I have chose to follow Allison's schedule over GM printed in my manual. Real differnce is just the type of fluid recommended. I use Transynd ATF, drain and fill only...no dropping the pan or power flushing, I do it every 50K Miles.
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Old 08-08-2012, 07:09 PM   #4
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Mistake made here by me on the milage I have 37,000 not 17,000. I change everything my self. When Ford told me they flush the trans, that is something I will never have done. I drain the pan reinstall the fluid and disconnect a cooling return line. and pump fluid out and add that much until it is clean. A little messy, but I keep it under control. Stan
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Old 08-08-2012, 07:22 PM   #5
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Well 37K and 10 years...wouldn't hurt to service it.

I have no experience with Wallmart fluids...but if it carrys the Mercon V spec then in theory is should be made to those standards.

Personally I am Castrol biased, for no reason other than I have used it my entire life in every vehicle I have owned and had good results.
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Old 08-08-2012, 07:43 PM   #6
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Personally, I would have a transmission shop do it for one reason. There is a filter buried up inside the transmission. To do the job right, the pan needs to be removed and the filter cleaned, and it is a mess. As for which fluid to use, I personally like a pure synthetic in the tranny.
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Old 08-09-2012, 05:28 AM   #7
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I know you asked about trans fluid, so let me say I would only use the recommended fluid or the Ford preferred. Why risk it to save a few bucks. I would also take it to a Ford dealer or a good trans shop for a fluid flush and filter change done properly. That filter in the trans picks up a lot of crud. Now some may say 37k is too early to jack with the trans fluid, but RV's are hard on transmissions..
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Old 08-09-2012, 06:42 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stans02 View Post
. When Ford told me they flush the trans, that is something I will never have done.
I don't know about the Wal-Mart fluid, but I am curious about why you would never have the transmission fluid totally changed?

I take our vehicles to a transmission shop and have them use synthetic fluid. The tranny is too critical to take short cuts on.
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Old 08-09-2012, 08:21 AM   #9
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From the replys I guess I better not take chances to save a few bucks on the fluid. I do change all the fluid by removing the pan, changing the filter. filling it with clean fluid. Then remove the cooling return line and pump our a few qts. then add fresh until it's clean comming out. I do this on all my vehicles. Stan
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