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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: Carp on November 08, 2011, 04:46:33 PM

Title: Wrong Trans Fluid!!!!
Post by: Carp on November 08, 2011, 04:46:33 PM
Help!!! I screwed up! I put about 3/4 qt of Kendall "Classic ATF" into my C3 trans.Of course I ran the trans through all the gears to be sure I had a true dipstick reading.As I was closing the hood my friend pointed out the label stated the fluid was good for pre 2005 Fords but NOT to be used in a trans that needs Type F...DUHH...I even looked at the rear label,maybe I should have used some glasses.The big question is what could happen if I don't drain and change the fluid?Will it mess up the bands,cause the seals to fail?Cause a misalignment in the Cosmic Forces of The Universe?Any suggestions on swapping the fluids?Thanks.Carp
Title: Re: Wrong Trans Fluid!!!!
Post by: blupinto on November 08, 2011, 06:56:36 PM
Hi Carp!  ;D

          I'm no expert on transmissions, but if I were you... just to be on the safe side... I'd drain the tranny and put the Type F in.  Good luck!

                                Becky ;D
Title: Re: Wrong Trans Fluid!!!!
Post by: Pinto5.0 on November 08, 2011, 07:37:29 PM
Less than a quart shouldn't cause any issues with your trans. Type F had extra friction promoters in it & I ran type F in my Dodges to get firmer shifts. All universal ATF that is listed as type F/Dextron is just Ford fluid. It works great in GM/Chrysler trannies.
 
Lucas Transmission Fix is loaded with friction promoters & adding even half a bottle will more than make up what you are missing in that 3/4 quart.
Title: Re: Wrong Trans Fluid!!!!
Post by: D.R.Ball on November 08, 2011, 07:47:43 PM
I'd add the Lucas stuff or if you are really worried drain and change the filter and refill with the right stuff....Glad you posted because I'm putting a C-3 and a Merkur XR4ti in my pinto soon....And that's something to worry about..The difference in the fluid is other stuff that is added....
Title: Re: Wrong Trans Fluid!!!!
Post by: RSM on November 08, 2011, 09:16:59 PM
3/4 of a quart won't hurt anything. It will be deluted enough to not bother anything.
Title: Re: Wrong Trans Fluid!!!!
Post by: pintoman1972 on November 08, 2011, 10:13:33 PM
Carp,

You should not have any problem with that small amount of Classic AFT.  Like others have said, that small amount will not cause any damage.  Transmission fluid provides two basic needs.  1) it provides the correct friction pressure to drive the selected clutches and 2) it provides cooling for the transmission parts.  High temperatures from too much friction and not enough cooling is what kills transmissions.

In my case, I run a modified C4 with Kevlar clutches.  For proper friction pressure and cooling I have to use Mercon V fluid.  I also have a trans temp gauge on the cowl to make sure I don't get into trouble.

I also recommend when ever you check the transmission fluid level of any transmission, use a white rag or paper towel.  Besides making sure the level is correct, wipe the dip stick off with the rag or towel.  Check the color for a red or dark pink.  If you see a brown color, that indicates burnt fluid.  Smelling the fluid will also give you clues.  A burnt smell also means trouble.

When I look for used cars, street, drag, whatever.  I make sure the selling party does not run the engine.  The first things I check is the color and smell of the oil and trans fluids.

Rest easy and don't worry about it.

Dick 

Title: Re: Wrong Trans Fluid!!!!
Post by: Carp on November 09, 2011, 06:36:37 AM
Less than a quart shouldn't cause any issues with your trans. Type F had extra friction promoters in it & I ran type F in my Dodges to get firmer shifts. All universal ATF that is listed as type F/Dextron is just Ford fluid. It works great in GM/Chrysler trannies.
 
Lucas Transmission Fix is loaded with friction promoters & adding even half a bottle will more than make up what you are missing in that 3/4 quart.
That's what I thought my dad used to tell me,but I just wanted to be sure.And that Lucas Trans Fix sounds like a good tip.Thanks for all the help,I Guess the Cosmic Forces are realigned.Carp ...out.