C6 fluid and filter question

[Galaxie64]

I want to check and make sure the C6 behind my 400 in the '72 takes Type F tranny fluid. I would figure it does but want to make sure before I change it, also do they have a replaceable filter?

[DuckRyder]

They do have a replaceable filter.

If it has not been rebuilt with modern clutches it takes type F.

Type F will not hurt it even if it has been rebuilt with modern clutches.

[Galaxie64]

Excellent, Thank you

I doubt it has been rebuilt, it is starting to take some time to get into 1st and it has a leak so I am hoping it is just because it is low on fluid. I figured I'd just service it since it is low anyway.

[MaxKlinger]

What year did they change over from Type F to Dextron III/Mercon? I remember I had to do some research to find out what fluid to use in the C6 in my '83 F150, I think it was type HG or something like that which was equivalent to Dextron-III/Mercon.

I found several resources that said NOT to use Type F in a C6, but this was for a truck more than a decade newer so it cuould very well have changed.

[DuckRyder]

What year did they change over from Type F to Dextron III/Mercon?

1977,

But, Type F will still work in one with Dexron/Mercon clutches, all it will do is make the shifts harder. The old B&M "Trick Shift" was nothing in the world except Type F. However, if you put Dexron/Mercon in a type F transmission it will not work correctly, so for old Fords Type F is "safe".

We went trough this in great detail at the training center, but it was a long time ago... Basically the difference is how they react to friction, and the design and composition of the fibers is tailored to the fluid.

[basketcase0302]

DuckRyder,

The old B&M "Trick Shift" was nothing in the world except Type F.

That's some good information! Seems harder and harder to find type "F" too.

Basketcase

[MaxKlinger]

What would happen if you put Type F in a modern transmission? By modern I mean something which is a front-wheel-drive, transversely mounted four speed overdrive transmission. A good example would be the AX4N, used since about 1996 for the Duratec V6 and Yamaha V8 (Taurus SHO). Should one expect increased wear on the transmission? Firmer shifts?

[DuckRyder]

What would happen if you put Type F in a modern transmission? By modern I mean something which is a front-wheel-drive, transversely mounted four speed overdrive transmission.

I would not recommend that, I know it won't hurt a TH350/TH400 or a C4/C6. However there are some pretty specific fluids for "new" transmissions.

Type F and Dexron react differently to friction (F tends to "stick" the plates, and Dexron allows a little slip) so you could run into problems.

I haven't done it in a long time, but used to be if you called B&M and told them you couldn't find "trick shift" they would tell you, Just use type F, it is the same stuff. Now there are different types of trick shift.

[MaxKlinger]

Oh yeah, I have no intention of using anything but the recommended fluids in my vehicles. But I was just curious.

[Tim P.]

You could just use synthetic in any of them and be just fine as well.