Hey Scotty,
Hello from NY. I recently bought a 1986 f150 with a 300 straight 6 and I believe a 4 speed automatic transmission.
I am wondering what kind of fluid is inside the transmission, because the previous owner stated he just changed the fluid.
I'm guessing he put in ATF +4, but I see on websites that this truck transmission takes Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid.
How do I tell which fluid he put in? It seems to drive ok, but if there is the wrong transmission fluid inside, will it damage anything?
did you try asking him?
I don't have his email or phone number
how did you get in touch with him
By craigslist
the craigslist email might still work.
Anyway, if it works it works. What do you want. It's an '86
ATF +4 is usually a CJDR application. But the only way to tell is sending in a fluid sample to a lab for analysis. Smelling it or tasting it won’t do the trick. But why are you guessing the previous owner used ATF+4?
He said he changed it himself, but he doesnt seem like he fixes cars a lot.
Well, having the wrong ATF can cause premature failure. And if you aren’t to sure what’s in it. I would take it to a shop that could flush it using a trans fluid exchanger than can replace the entire amount. Or you can try draining and filling it 2-3 times to get most of the fluid out. Personally I would do the drain and refill multiple times then on the last drain I would also swap the trans filter. Then you’ll know you used the right fluid. Good luck