Couple questions, on the coolant change FAQ, it says use approx 7 gals, yet my book says my coolant is 32.75 quarts (plus approx one more since I added a coolant filter kit), for a total of about 34 quarts, which is 8 1/2 gallons. Is the book just wrong?
Bob Riley of Dieselsite.com did a test several years ago when he changed to that phunny coolant he sells. He determined that his cooling system held 7 gallons, not more as the book indicates. I've done three coolant changes since then, and determined that he's right. So that's at least two 7.3L cooling systems that hold 7 gallons, not 8.
However, unless you live in Death Valley, having more than 50 percent antifreeze is not a bad thing - as long as you don't exceed about 70 percent. So I usually just pour in 4 gallons of concentrate and not worry about it.
Also, am I correct that I need 4 gallons of CONCENTRATE, then top off with distilled water?
Yes. When you get done draining the last flush with distilled water, if you drain the radiator and both block plugs, there will be about a gallon of distilled water in the system that won't drain. If you drain the radiator but not the block plugs, there will be about two gallons of water in the system that won't drain. So you have to use concentrate.
For ATF, I also see amsoil has regular ATF and the Torque-Drive. Are either ok for the 4r100?
No. You want to use ATF that meets MERCON V specs. Or if you buy old stuff off the shelf, then it should meet at least MERCON specs.
Amsoil makes snakeoil claims for their Universal ATF, saying it can be used in any tranny that requires MERCON, MERCON V, MERCON SP or DEXRON VI. But Ford says that the same ATF cannot meet both MERCON V and MERCON SP specs. And the same ATF cannot meet both MERCON V and DEXRON VI specs. So I'd stay away from their snake oil. (DEXRON III/MERCON was common, but there will be no certified DEXRON VI/MERCON V.)
The TorqueDrive ATF is made for a GM/Allison application, but they say it also can be used where MERCON is requied.
Notice they don't claim it meets MERCON or MERCON V specs, but only that is
can be used. But 10w motor oil can be used too, and it doen't meet MERCON specs either.
But since Amsoil doesn't have their ATF certified by an independent lab, I wouldn't use it. Find one that is certified to meet MERCON or MERCON V specs. MERCON hasn't been made for over 18 months, so if you find some MERCON that is not MERCON V, then you know it's either been on the shelf for over a year and a half, or else it has not been certified to meet MERCON specs.
Is there a comparable synthetic tranny fluid for less?
Mobil 1 ATF is pure synthetic ATF that meets MERCON V specs, which Ford now requires in your 4R100 tranny. It was available at Wal-Mart for $6 per quart last time I changed mine a coupla months ago. The Amsoil Universal ATF retail price is $10.60 per quart, so even with a 25 percent discount and free shipping, it still costs a lot more than Mobil 1. And the TorqueDrive costs even more.
