Dexron III added to Type F PS system

[coffee]

Hi All,

I was trying to add ATF Dexron III that I had on hand to my PS system because I had it on hand. I didn't read the manual close enough as it stated ATF Type F and I need to know if there is any danger in leaving it in the system. Please let me know what you think as I truly did this in ignorance.

 

[onion]

Nothing at all will come of it. I've seen dex III, type F, "low viscosity" hydraulic oil, and power steering oil all used interchangeably in multiple power steering and hydraulic applications, with no apparent effects. I'd probably stick with type F from now on... but other than that, I wouldn't give it a second thought.

 

[coffee]

Thank you for the reply! I drove around last night and everything felt fine and I presumed it would be okay but thanks for clarifying. I will use Type F from now on.

 

[Auto-Union]

The Dex will clean it a bit, but I'd do a 100% change to F after a month or so.

 

[coffee]

Thanks for the tip, Auto-Union!

 

[brianl703]

I used Dexron III in my 1988 Mustang GT's power steering. I drained it when I replaced the cooler hoses, and filled it back up with Dexron III. Ford specified type F.

It's been fine for 3 years that way.

 

[The Critic]

Type F fluid is of a higher viscosity and has a higher additive treat level. I'd flush the system immediately and refill with Type F.

 

[Big Jim]

My experience has been that Dexron III/Mercon works fine in power steering systems where type F was specified. Many shops and dealers have used Dexron/Mercon in place of type F for decades with absolutely no drama. I have done so with several of my own cars. Dexron/Mercon goes longer before discoloring.

 

[punisher]

Hate to admit this, but at the dealership we used Dexron all the time when we ran out of Ford P-steer fluid. Never had a problem or a recheck because of it. Swapping Dexron for Type-F is not something I would ever lose sleep over.

 

[brianl703]

I suspect that the factory fill for many of these Ford Type F-specified power steering systems is Mercon/Dexron III anyway.

Ford eventually started specifying Mercon in the owner's manuals for most of their vehicles in 1997, and in the case of the Contour/Mystique, I'm not aware of any changes they made to the power steering system other than the fluid they specified for it.

 

[sky jumper]

ok, what about Type F used in a '98 grand marquis that is spec'd for mercon?

the haynes manual said Type F. later I checked the owner's manual and it said mercon. only a partial drain/fill was done (maybe 8oz).

 

[Virtuoso]

Power Steering systems don't need the extra additives that tranny fluid supplies so you can interchange with ease as it's mainly just using the fluid for pressure and not on friction materials. I've been turkey-bastering my Windstar's PS system to Mercon but was using Type F before.

 

[towncar]

Hi all

I have 91 towncar, the P/S pump started making terrible grinding noises just recently, although power steering works fine. I've already ordered a new pump and will be replacing it.

But check this, ~2 years and ~3k miles ago i flushed power steering system with Texamatic 7045E dexron III, while the owners guide specs for Ford Type F fluid (part no. XT-1-QF, specification: ESW-M2C33-F ) but i thought they are interchangeable, like PS systems work on any ATF fluid.

I don't know maybe its just a pure coincident that it failed while running on dexron?? What do you think? The car has only 95k miles on it and its in good condition so i find it very strange that the pump failed, actually its working but its bearings must be thorn apart.


Anyway, since i live in Poland there is not much choice, there isn't any singe Type F fluid available, only dexron II and III fluids and none of them is compatible with Type F, only with some 'MAN 339 Type F' which is different then 'Ford Type F'.

But i have an idea, what about full synthetic Mopar ATF+4 ? would it be good for my Lincoln power steering? maybe at least better then using dexron III?

What do you advice? thanks for any tips!
Tom

 

[towncar]

I've just founded out this:

Quote:
Texamatic 7045E is not suitable for applications which require the use of oils which meet Ford M2C33-F/G (Type F and Type G).


so actually i screwed my P/S pump maybe dexron is too thin for the bearings.

 

[mechtech2]

towncar - I strongly believe that that recommendation is for when the fluid is used in a transmission.
Good clean fluid is better than old , dirty, and additive depleted fluid. I would not worry about your Power Steering .
Hondas are one car that should use their proprietary fluid, however.

 

[brianl703]

Can you get Mercon V there? That would be better than Mercon/Dexron III, and definitely better than Type F.

 

[MolaKule]

Towncar,

I suspect the new DexronIII cleaned some crud that was making a false bearing.

I think anything from Type F on up to DexronVI should work in a PS, except of course maybe Honda's and certain Chryslers.

 

[OVERKILL]

I have been using M1 ATF in Ford PS pumps for close to 10 years now with fantastic results. It severely dampens the Ford PS "whine".

Odd that yours calls for type F, I believe mine calls for Mercon.

 

[Whimsey]

I have a 1996 Ford Contour that specs Type F for the PS. After 9 years I began the "turkey baster" method on the factory fluid and changed over a quart over a period of time. The old factory type F was still red after 9 years, although a bit darker. It steers fine and no leaks or "odd noises". I'm due to do more "basting". I'll keep up with the Type F fluid. Why tamper with what works?

Whimsey

 

[towncar]

Thanks for your responses. I can't get any pure Mercon V fluid nor synthetic Mobil 1. Only regular Mercons, actually dexrons what are Mercon compatible.

Somebody advised me STP power steering fluid:

but it doesn't even say any specs so i wouldn't use it. I don't know maybe i'll just use dexron II, which might be more close to Type F then dexron III because its thicker.

And i'm also considering Mopar ATF+4, its slipper then dexron, so better for the power steering?