Hi guys. I am new on the board.

I have a 57 Tbird with a 312 and a Fordomatic transmission. The transmission pan gasket is leaking and I would like to replace it. It is currently running TYPE F and it runs great. I have read that sometimes a fluid change will cause the transmission to start slipping. The fluid looks healthy- nice red colour, no burnt smell or dirty. I believe the tranny was rebuilt in 1992 as part of a high quality restoration. Is draining the fluid and re-using it an option? Also the replacement gasket is now rubber as opposed to cork. Do I still need to use an adhesive on the pan side of the gasket or install it as is?

Thanks

I have never heard that one.If you change from "F" type to Dextron or anything besides "F" it may start to slip.Go ahead and drain and refill with fresh "F' fluid.If it hasn't been changed since 92 its due.Regards,Mark

  

You should put fresh in. I think mercon III is what they use now? but anyway it's not hard to find the proper replacement fluid for it. And the new gasket is ok, too-just use sealer on the pan side.

Welcome!, by the way.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

I wanted to add that mine used to leak too, but it was always the front seal which is a "pull the tranny job" It wouldn't leak if I drove it regularly, but let it set and it would pour.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Don't do it.



Every manufacturer out there still recommends using Type F in a trans that calls for it.



http://www.finalube.com/Product_Data_Files/Fina_Branded_PDF_Files/ATF.pdf



http://www.hwpetro.com/_fileCabinet/TexacoData/Hav-ATF-MerconV.pdf



http://www.realhamradio.com/Pennzoil%20ATF%20MSDS.pdf



About the only substitute you might be able to use is John Deere HY-Gard but it will just about always be more expensive and won't be red which is what you want for trans fluid. (easier to detect what's leaking)



Just go to Wally World and buy any brand of Type F trans fluid to change it.



Regards,






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1955 F-600/272/E4OD// Disclaimer: No animals were injured while test driving my F-600 except the ones I ran over intentionally!

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Welcome Nat,   I had that leak that Bird 55 had, mostly when it sat, so I changed the fluid to dextron Or Mercon, can't really remember, but was recommended it along with some Lucas Transmission sealer.  Worse thing I ever did, as the tranny started slipping so bad I had to wait 5 minutes just to get out of the driveway. Once I did would run all day without slipping.    Anyhow, it lasted until fall until I could pull it & send it out to be rebuilt.............  Anyhow, there might be so truth to what you heard.  Good luck!    Mike

Preserve America    Buy American

     

57 TBirds orginally came with Type A fluid. Type F came later, with the C-4's and C'6's I think, but may have been earlier. Most of the TBird suppliers recommend Dexron III as replacement for the Type A, but if Type F works for you then use it.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I use type F in my 55 Club Sedan with Fordo, 292 Y with some umph!, and it has 0 slippage problems, even in extremely cold weather. She hooks up really good too.

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

Type "F" is the replacement for type"A'.My  understanding is that the newer fliuds i.e Dextron etc were developed so that the transmission would shift smoother.In other words the fluid is "more slippery"(for want of a better description) making the shifts less noticeable when you are driving a gazzilion dollar new car.If you were to use "F" in a newer car the transmision would engage much more firmly.Just my 2-cents worth!

  

The 56 Shop manual still calls for Type A. I think it was a year or so after that when type F came out and was recommended for about 20 model years. I have been selling lubricants all my life and sold a type A up until very recently. I would only recommend it it for old clunkers that leaked a quart every day or so. I have been selling Fina for the past 45 years and they recommend type F.

http://www.finalube.com/Product_Data_Files/Fina_Branded_PDF_Files/ATF.pdf

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas