I am looking for some advice on manual transmission fluid for a 1986 Aerostar. This single year Aerostar uses a Mazda TK5 transmission. Model years 1987 and onward have a Mazda M50D.
I called the dealer. The couldn't look it up with the vin (too old). They recommended Ford XT-M5-Q5, which I believe is basically a Mercon 5. However, they didn't sound familiar with the vehicle having a different transmission than the others.
When I google my TK5 transmission, I find reference to it using a gear oil, not an ATF. Other forums have people using an 80w-90 or referencing a straight 80w (which I am not even sure one can get). Information seems to be sparse. Thus, I am here. What better place right?
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When I got the vehicle, shifting was very notchy. I drained whatever worn fluid was in there, and I added a 75w-90 synthetic O'Reilly house brand (it was on sale). This has made an improvement, although it is still notchy.
So, I am interested in trying something else. However, I don't fully know whether it really takes gear oil, or whether ATF is called for.
I am also interested in improving the notchyness. Of course on the internet I had read both that thicker is better, and that thinner is better. I don't really know.
Lastly, I am interested in trying to confirm the capacity, which O-Reilly says is 1.8 quarts.
Thanks for any help.
I called the dealer. The couldn't look it up with the vin (too old). They recommended Ford XT-M5-Q5, which I believe is basically a Mercon 5. However, they didn't sound familiar with the vehicle having a different transmission than the others.
When I google my TK5 transmission, I find reference to it using a gear oil, not an ATF. Other forums have people using an 80w-90 or referencing a straight 80w (which I am not even sure one can get). Information seems to be sparse. Thus, I am here. What better place right?
When I got the vehicle, shifting was very notchy. I drained whatever worn fluid was in there, and I added a 75w-90 synthetic O'Reilly house brand (it was on sale). This has made an improvement, although it is still notchy.
So, I am interested in trying something else. However, I don't fully know whether it really takes gear oil, or whether ATF is called for.
I am also interested in improving the notchyness. Of course on the internet I had read both that thicker is better, and that thinner is better. I don't really know.
Lastly, I am interested in trying to confirm the capacity, which O-Reilly says is 1.8 quarts.
Thanks for any help.