Tranny fluid

[TwinTurboNotch]

Those of you that run an built AOD, what type of fluid are you using? I was using Swepco 714, but I can't find anyone local that sells it. I've heard of other running johndeer hydrualic fluid and some just run Type F.

[MonteC]

Mercon V

Ask Gerald (gearmesh)

[1 Slow Z]

Holy long time no see K, what the hell are you up to?

[White00gt]

EEwwwwWWWwwww.. I don't think you want any fluid that comes out of a tranny......


trans fluid on the other hand....lol

[Blue Skunk]

Those of you that run an built AOD, what type of fluid are you using? I was using Swepco 714, but I can't find anyone local that sells it. I've heard of other running johndeer hydrualic fluid and some just run Type F.

Type F in mine.

[WTFWSAT]

Ive been running mercon v in mine. I read a while back that some guys were using the tractor fluid in glides and c4's with good results. Im not sure of the internal differances in the aod but i think it would help being a little thicker. As far as the mixture or running it straight im not sure.

[gearmesh, inc.]

Type F is fine for 3 speed autos, where top gear is a 1 to 1 ratio and no planetaries are changing a ratio. For overdrives, type F doesn't have the extreme pressure additives needed for extended overdrive planetary operation. That's where Mercon/Dexron comes in.

Type F has a little more "grip" to it vs. other fluids, but if you want your overdrive planets to last for the long haul, stick with Mercon/Dexron.

As far as tractor hydraulic oil goes, check out this big thread here: http://www.theturboforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=58907.0

The general consensus from the forum seems to lean toward the John Deere Hy-Gard oil which is rated for use with internal wet brakes, which happen to be very similar to auto transmission clutches. Case also makes an equivalent tractor fluid. Some guys in the thread that switched to the JD oil reported a whine at first startup when cold, which indicates pump cavitation. Once warm, the oil thinned out and the whine went away.

I had a customer a while back with a 4L60E that tried the local parts store tractor fluid after I just freshly rebuilt his trans. That experiment didn't last long due to the transmission temp running a hell of a lot hotter. Upon teardown after this experiment, I found the front vane pump had evidence of starving/cavitating. Of course, vane pumps aren't known for their suction capability like a gear pump has. On top of that, the 4L60E uses a dacron/cloth filter media which filters better, but is also more restrictive than an old school transmission metal screen type filter. This combo of a vane pump and a cloth filter definitely worked against the tractor oil working in this platform.

There is also a mention in the thread of a lower viscosity JD Hy-Gard that is very similar to the viscosity of regular ATF and is recommended for lower temperature operation in farm equipment. If anyone here is sitting on the fence about trying tractor fluid, especially in a trans that uses a dacron/cloth filter, I would give this lower viscosity JD Hy-Gard a try first. The cost of the JD oil if very reasonable, too, as most folks seem to be getting it for about $60 for 5 gallons.

Gear pump transmission list: Powerglide, th400, th350, 4L80E, C-4, C-6, FMX, AOD, 4R70W, E4OD, 4R100, 727 Torqueflite, 46RE, 47RE, 48RE.
Vane pump transmissions: 200-4R, 700-R4, 4L60E.

One of the posters in the thread was someone from Hughes Performance, who have a lot of high power automatic trans experience. They speak very highly of the Lucas Sure Shift fluid. They rate Castrol brand type F a close second. They also have some interesting info on avoiding full synthetic ATF. They mention the JD Hy-Gard, too, but mention some planetary gear teeth spalling in glides at the 2000hp level with it.

[TwinTurboNotch]

Thanks for the info. I run a Lentech Strip Terminator AOD full manual valve body. Lentech recommended Swepco 714 which is why I was running it, but it's not cheap and having to pay for shipping makes it really not cheap. I'll try the Castrol Type F.

[TwinTurboNotch]

Holy long time no see K, what the hell are you up to?

Not much, Just trying to work out to bugs with the car. Unfortunately life keeps getting in the way :mrgreen:

[WTFWSAT]

Thanks for the info. I run a Lentech Strip Terminator AOD full manual valve body. Lentech recommended Swepco 714 which is why I was running it, but it's not cheap and having to pay for shipping makes it really not cheap. I'll try the Castrol Type F.

Im running the same trans in my car. Ive had merc v in it from the beginning and recently had my first issue. Gerald thinks the clutches are welding together possibly from cavitation. Well find out when i get the trans to him. Fwiw i plan on staying with V unless something else is recommended after tear down.

[gearmesh, inc.]

Im running the same trans in my car. Ive had merc v in it from the beginning and recently had my first issue. Gerald thinks the clutches are welding together possibly from cavitation. Well find out when i get the trans to him. Fwiw i plan on staying with V unless something else is recommended after tear down.

I believe your issue is not enough fluid around the filter suction hole on hard launches. I have a cure for that issue that is working good so far on Darryl's AOD.

[TwinTurboNotch]

Im running the same trans in my car. Ive had merc v in it from the beginning and recently had my first issue. Gerald thinks the clutches are welding together possibly from cavitation. Well find out when i get the trans to him. Fwiw i plan on staying with V unless something else is recommended after tear down.

thanks for the info

[1 Slow Z]

Not much, Just trying to work out to bugs with the car. Unfortunately life keeps getting in the way :mrgreen:

We need to get up for dinner or something? Shoot me a text sometime bro.