Transmission / Overdrive: What kind of fluid for Flightomatic transmission ?

[Dan Ward]

Hello---Hope everyone is well. My shop manual tells me to use Type A transmission fluid. I understand that after many years this may be called something else. Does anyone know what is the BEST Transmission fluid for my Flightomatic transmission in todays language ? Also, do I put any fluid in the torque converter before I install the transmission ? I do not see anything in the manual about it. ( doesn't mean it's not there-I just have not found it yet )
Thanks again ----Dan

[StudeRich]

The Type "F" Ford ATF is the closest formula to the requirements for Borg Warner Ford and Studebaker Transmissions.
NAPA can order it: in Valvoline, if it is not on the shelf.

The Dexron also works well with a bit more slippage than Type F, many of us have used both types with no problem.
I happen to like the firmer shifts of the Type F that these Transmissions were designed to do, to prevent Clutch Plate and Band wear.

If the Trans. was recently rebuilt and you know they used the Modern equivalent of Asbestos/Copper Clutch Plates and Bands, then the Cellulose material is better with Dexron Fluid.

You do not need to prefill the Converter, but a Qt. or so will not hurt. The Manual says to put in 4 or more Qts. but not all, start it and add the rest of the Total required as to Year and H.D. Oil Cooler equipped Trans. or not.

I like to leave it a Qt. short until it has gone through all gears, and gotten warmed up, then fill it to the "Full" Mark.
Just be SURE to check it: Level, Running at no more than 650 RPM in Drive, Parking Brake set if it works, and the forward side of a Rear Wheel Chocked. I always keep a 1 Ft. 4X4 or 4X6 around the Garage for that.

If you can't do that, get a helper (who likes you) to hold the Brake Pedal.

[rockne10]

Parking Brake set if it works, and the forward side of a Rear Wheel Chocked. I always keep a 1 Ft. 4X4 or 4X6 around the Garage for that.

If you can't do that, get a helper (who likes you) to hold the Brake Pedal.

I seldom have someone to help, and never fully trust the parking brake, even though I know it to be in 100% condition.
I like to just nose my bumper against a wall, bollard or tree; something I know is going nowhere.

[StudeRich]

Never had one climb a 4X6 because no one is allowed to Floor it while it is in Gear! No Grandkids running around

[Hallabutt]

The choice between Dexron and Type F (Ford) is both a matter of choice given your driving habits and the condition of your trans. If you prefer a firm shift or you have a transmission that may have seen it's better days Type F should be your choice. I find myself wanting a more smooth shift for most of my cars so most, but not all, have Dexron in them. I know that this will garner some push back, but the old wives tail of not mixing the two types, has been poo pooed by a number of sources. I've tried it and liked the results. Results might very.

Another consideration is availability. Type F seems to be getting harder and harder to find. Just from that standpoint and no other I think I would try Dexron first.

Just to muddy the water a bit. Has anyone tried Mercon V in a Studebaker?









i know

[Jeffry Cassel]

My transmission guy says use Type F. But it seems to give a higher shifting speed and perhaps better performance. Dex-Merc will give smoother shifts, tho.

[64V-K7]

I've used Dexron-Mercon III in a 55 President (DG-250M) for 10 years, the Powershift in a 64 GT Hawk (20 years) and the FMX type in the 70 Avanti II (since new and still today). Never any issues and I drove the 64 and 70 like a stick shift much of the time.

[Dan Ward]

Thank You Very Much to All !!

Good information to know. Regards----Dan

PS----I plan on posting some pictures of the project in the next few days.

[Dwight FitzSimons]

Has anyone tried Mobil 1 (or Wolf's Head) synthetic ATF? My Avanti shifts too abruptly for me.
--Dwight