Same old question: Tranny fluid?

[CBODY67]

What I do is use one of the smaller, taller, skinnier funnels that are designed for smaller spaces. Then, after I open the atf bottle, I orient the bottle to the "flatter" horizontal position, which allows for smaller and more precise "adds" than if the bottle is oriented vertically, with the bottle's opening at the bottom of where the fluid comes out.

I never did mind the heat from the engine or wind from the fan, but with the OEM fan clutches, after their need is self-determined after starting, they get quiet and move minimal air. To each their own.

Worked for me, WMMV,
CBODY67

 

[BrooklynBeer]

In my tired 1969 farm truck it gets what is around. last week was type F

 

[300George]

My 2 c worth: My dad was a long time old TQ flite rebuilding guy. He used Type F as it has higher coefficient of friction versus Dexron II, III, IV etc. Gives firmer shifts. Only for full fluid replacement though. I learned to NOT use full synthetic ATF in older manual transmissions ( the hard way)as it's TOO slippery for the syncros!

 

[Xcudame]

To add to the fire, I always check my transmission fluid on level ground with everything at operational temperature. It's the most accurate way. And yes, with my foot on the brake, I like to run through every gear and stop at neutral, apply the parking brake (only time I ever use the dang thing) and check the fluid. Torqueflites are very tough and literally will run on just about any type tranny fluid. Get the cheapest stuff at Walmart (Type F, Dextron III, Dextron 47) and a pour in a pint while in neutral. Drive it some more (should be shifting better at this point) and check it a second time to confirm it's topped off properly. Assuming no leaks, you're good to go until the next fluid change which is about every 100,000 miles or so despite what the FSM says. And I like to adjust the front band (the one on the driver's side outside the case) about every 25,000 miles or so as the band clutch wears.

 

[Ben Herman]

My 66 has a bit over 250k on it and the transmission leaks out of all the places you've ever heard of one leaking. I keep a case in the trunk of ATF4 and whenever it "falls out of gear" I add a quart. Ive been doing this for the last 60k miles or so and it seems to happily climb mountains like before.

One time the guy at the parts store must not have been paying attention (neither was I apparently) and I realized on the last bottle in the case that I'd been running Mercon all year. It apparently didn't mind that either.

 

[CBODY67]

Most Dexron III Fluids are now termed "Dex/Mer" fluids, as in "Dexron III/Mercon V".

 

[wyrmrider]

Dex III is no longer supported or regulated by GM so it is a crapshoot. TO get the real thing you have to use an ALLISON approved brand
Most of the Dexron III fluids that are available at local auto stores are C4 approved. C4 is an obsolete standard
Dex VI and similar are too thin for a TF
"C4 fluids and DEXRON®-VI are no longer recommended in any commercial on-highway transmission."
DexVI was put in GM vehicles OEM to lower costs not because Allison approved, it also caused seal problems in early fills so ??? in TF
The C4 approved list was essentially replaced by Schedule One TES-389 approved list, and then there is the cream of the crop, TES-295 approved list.
so if you want a DEX III use Allison approval
for example read:

PdsDetailsPage

Mobil Delvac Synthetic ATF is a fully synthetic fluid recommended by Allison Transmission, Inc. and approved against the Allison TES-295 and TES-468 Specifications.

www.mobil.com

HOWEVER ATF+4 is a Good choice
It is a blend but a very well thought out and cost effective blend but science and cost of materiels has changed
HOT or COLD the absolute best ATF you can get is CITGO Quatrosyn NO modifiers so it cannot shear

https://www.docs.citgo.com/msds_pi/965643.pdf

 

[wyrmrider]

My 66 has a bit over 250k on it and the transmission leaks out of all the places you've ever heard of one leaking. I keep a case in the trunk of ATF4 and whenever it "falls out of gear" I add a quart. Ive been doing this for the last 60k miles or so and it seems to happily climb mountains like before.

One time the guy at the parts store must not have been paying attention (neither was I apparently) and I realized on the last bottle in the case that I'd been running Mercon all year. It apparently didn't mind that either.

Early TF was designed for Whale Oil EO works fine in a pinch

 

[wyrmrider]

Most Dexron III Fluids are now termed "Dex/Mer" fluids, as in "Dexron III/Mercon V".

Do not buy off brand Dex.Mex stick with major brands

 

[wyrmrider]

In my tired 1969 farm truck it gets what is around. last week was type F

The late Gil Younger, founder of Transgo said "Do not use Type F in anything but B-W or Early Fords clutches and bands soften come apart, some brands

 

[BrooklynBeer]

The late Gil Younger, founder of Transgo said "Do not use Type F in anything but B-W or Early Fords clutches and bands soften come apart, some brands

Guess we have been wrong for 35 plus years then. I have never seen a band soften or a clutch fall apart myself. I have seen 727's get some life back (another 15 K plus) after running 1/2 n 1/2 type F and dex 3. This farm truck has had that in it for over 25 years I know of